How to make a button with the new Multi Size Button Maker July 15 2014
Making buttons is easy with this simple, solid metal, multi size button maker. A new multi die or multiple size button maker that works!
The new multiple size die button maker kits
Whilst this machine is not as fast as a pro button maker if you need buttons in smaller quantities but in different sizes this is an option. The difference in cost is substantial. The multi machine at $400 is equivalent to 3 pro button makers at $1200 – $1600. Pro machines are faster but if you are not running a button business or producing bulk buttons this could be a low cost solution.
Interchangeable dies for button making. Picture shows 1″, 2-1/4″ and 3″ dies.
Currently this machine is available with dies in 1″, 2-1/4″ and 3″. 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ and 1-3/4″ dies will be available by the end of the year. Additional die sets with a matching circle cutter are around $100 to $150 depending on size. To swap dies simply pull the pin out and remove the die carrier. Once you have replaced the die carrier with the size you need you slot it in place, slip in the pin and you’re away. With this style of button maker there are no upper dies which are harder to replace and often consequently do not line up correctly causing poor quality buttons. With this multi machine you should have no trouble.
interchangeable die button maker
As I have said before the method of using the dies is slower but it does seem to be reliable. The method is a little bit like Badge-A-Minit except these are inexpensive standard button parts and the dies are solid metal and not plastic. To make a button you flip the dies and press the button in sequence. Here’s a detailed instruction on making a 2-1/4″ pin-back button using a multi size button maker:
Before you begin check that you have everything you need!
Your machine parts:
The basic press. This machine will press dies from 1″ to 3″.
Die table with 2 dies for button making. Pickup die on the left and crimp die on the right. The first press uses the left hand pickup die. The second press uses the right hand crimp die.
The positioning ring
The positioning ring (bottom view) Do not use this way up.
The correct side of the positioning ring – Always use this way up in both the left and right hand dies.
The pressing die
The pressing die. Use this way up for the first press.
The pressing die (View of the flip side) Use this way up for the 2nd press.
White plastic spacer rings for 2-1/4″ only
Spacer rings – Only necessary for making 2-1/4″ buttons. Not supplied for other sizes.
Adding the plastic ring when using the 2-1/4″ die is just a question of laying the ring down before inserting the pin-back
Button parts – Remember each die set will make a specific size button.
Match your buttons to the die set you are using.
And you will also need your button parts
And you will need your button image or artwork cut and ready to go.
Artwork ready to cut first before pressing
Remember that you can also make magnets, key-chains, mirrors as well as all kinds of items. They usually involve changing the back button part, the front remains the same. Just follow these instructions but for example for a fridge magnet use a magnet back instead of the pin-back.
Once you’ve checked you’ve got everything you need you can begin making buttons.
Place the button maker in front of you with the dies easily accessible on a solid table so you can begin button making.
Place a shell in the left hand or pickup die. The edge of the shell slots into the circular slit in the pickup die. The shell fits exactly into the slot.
Add your pre prepared artwork or image over the shell. It should fit snugly in the available space. Now cover your art or image with a circular sheet of clear mylar.
Note! Adding the white plastic spacer ring is only necessary for the 2-1/4″ die set.
Adding the plastic ring when using the 2-1/4″ die is just a question of laying the ring down before inserting the pin-back.
Place your pin-back, pin facing down and make sure your pin-back and the direction of your art match as per the photo. You want the pin to end up at the top of your art. So you now have your button maker loaded with shell, image and mylar in the left die and pin-back in the right die.
Place the positioning ring over your image so that the centre of your image shows through. Make sure the positioning ring has slotted into the lower die and is firm or it may be upside down.
Place the pressing die on top of the positioning ring. Note how most of the pressing die is sticking out of the positioning ring making it higher.
So remember, in this order: shell, image then mylar. Positioning ring and then pressing die. To see which way up they go see above.
Now swivel the die table so that the left hand die moves to a position under the press and press your button. You will note with the first press that you feel the handle give as it presses your button. No force is necessary just pull the handle down.
Make sure you go all the way down but force is not necessary.
You should have now successfully completed the first press. Now we will transfer the button over to the crimp die to make the second and final press. You know you did it correctly if you got that give in the handle as it shaped your button.
Once the first press is complete remove the pressing die and flip it as you put it down ready for the second press. Remove the positioning ring from the left die and you will see your image pressed into the ring ready to move to the right hand die and to match up with the pin-back.
This illustrates your positioning ring from the underneath. Your shell is pressed into the ring with your image and mylar. Note the edge of your art and the mylar around the edge ready for the pin-back. Move carefully to retain the correct position.
So carefully remove the positioning ring with your art from the left hand die and place it over the pin-back in the right hand die. Match the top of the back to the top of your image.
Remember: The position of the art to the pin-back makes a difference to your final button.
You already flipped your pressing die so place it on top of your art. It should slide into the positioning ring. Make sure the curved or button shape surface is face down.
Now you’re ready for the second press. Swing your die table under the press to complete the second press.
This is not far enough. Swing the die table all the way to the stop. Watch it doesn’t bounce back a little.
Make sure you’re in the center of the die.
Pull the black handle down all the way in the centre of the die. There is no give on the second press. No force necessary. Just a steady pull all the way down.
Once you have completed the second press you can remove the pressing die and the positioning ring and your button will be revealed. Check the pin lines up at the top of the art so the button is straight. If not watch for this on the next button. Make sure you line up the art and the pin. Happy button making!