Is There a Button Shell Stuck in my Machine? March 22 2016
Have you ever gotten a button part stuck in your machine?
It happens to the best of us, and can be really frustrating. However, there are a few tried and true techniques to getting that button part UN-jammed in no time!
Here is a great how-to video from The Button Guy that shows you how to un-jam that trusty hand-press.
HOW DO MACHINES GET JAMMED IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Most machine jams will probably be the result of using a paper that is too thick, or putting more than 1 shell in the die. Though there are lots of different things that COULD jam a machine, these two scenarios are the most common.
HOW TO AVOID JAMMING YOUR MACHINE.
Though this instructional video makes is super easy to un-jam your machine, its a lot easier to NOT get a machine jammed in the first place. Here's some tips on how to avoid a jam all together.
- The paper is too thick: The best paper to use for button making is your good ole' fashion printer paper. If you try and use paper of a heavier weight, you run the risk of getting the mylar, paper, and shell stuck in the top die when pressing your button. Stick with a paper that is around 28 Lbs and you should be golden!
- There were 2 shells smooshed together and it looked like there was only 1 shell: Sometimes the shells like to piggy-back on each other. Though that sounds kind of cute, this double shell will inevitably lead to a jam, or at the very least, a button than doesn't get crimped properly. If you think there may be two shells stuck together, just throw them against a hard flat surface. Industry secret: the floor works GREAT! The impact will make the shells come apart, no tools or elbow grease required!
