Popeil Pasta Maker Question...

I made some pasta today with the spaghetti die. I did everything they said to the letter (except I made it without eggs or oil. I haven't used the machine in a long time and have always had a bit of a problem with the consistency of the noodles. I used the right amount of flour (altho' I used mostly semolina flour and only a little of the unbleached all purpose) and the right amount of liquid. I mixed it until the pieces looked like little peas, I soaked the die in hot water for 30 seconds, and the pasta still came out stuck together. I figured tif I let it sit out for a few minutes it would dry a little and then I could get the strands separated. It worked. What can I add so the strands come out separate in the first place? That is the main problem. Then I cooked it for 30 seconds too long or so. I only cooked it for 2 minutes but it was a little gummy (altho' my 3 year old didn't care, he loved it). Any help with my problems would be appreciated. I would love to master this machine already. Thanks in advance.