Button Makers

Pieces

In the bag:

• button shell (metal piece without a pin in it)
• mylar (circular piece of clear plastic -- feel for it in the bag as it may be hard to see)
• [2 1/4" or 3"] pin-back (metal piece with a pin in it)
• [1"] collet (metal ring)
• [1"] pin (vaguely buckle shaped wire piece)

On the machine:

• lower dies (round metal dies that can rotate back and forth)
  • pick up die (shallow, on the left)
  • crimp die (deep, on the right)
• upper die (round metal die on the top)
• handle (the handle-shaped part)

Button Maker Steps

1. The shallow die on the left side is the “pick up” die. First place a button shell (sharp edges down) in the die, then place your image on top of that, and finally put the mylar on top. Orient your image so the top matches up with the black mark on the die, like in this image.
   
2. The deeper die on the right side is the “crimp” die. Place your pin-back or collet (metal ring) in this die with the sharp edges up. If you’re using a pin-back, place the pin along an imaginary line between the two black marks on the die. If you’re using a collet, the orientation doesn’t matter.
3. Rotate the dies clockwise until they stop. The pick up die will be at the back of the machine.
4. Pull the handle down towards you as far as it will go, then lift it up to its vertical position.
5. Rotate the dies counter-clockwise until the crimp die is at the back of the machine.
6. Bring the handle down and up again.
7. Rotate the dies back to where they started and take out your button. If it’s a 2.25” or 3” button, you’re done. If it’s a 1” button, either insert the magnet or wedge the pin into the collet and rotate it until it is oriented correctly.

Tips

• Don't use cardstock, fabric, or other thick materials. Standard printer paper is best.
• Only insert one sheet at a time into the circle punch. Using multiple sheets at once can damage the cutter.
• If you're printing your button graphics, use the button size templates to ensure your image is the right size for your button. The paper circle needs to be slightly larger than the button you're making.
• Trim your paper into a strip the width of the Circle Punch. If you arrange images vertically, you can feed a strip of paper through the punch for more efficient cutting.
• Double check that you only have one of each button making part. The button shells and the collets both like to nest together, and placing two into the button maker at once can damage the machine.
• Be careful! The circle punches have sharp blades, and the button makers press down with significant force.
• Please return your empty plastic bags to the Circulation desk so that we can reuse them!

For more in-depth instructions, visit American Button Machine's Learning Center.