Button Maker Review & Demo

[@BasicHydraulics]

I've been making buttons since 1988. For small quantities of buttons (less than 100 or so), I use an HP Inkjet printer. For larger quantities, I use a 4 color laser printer. The key to getting a good printout with the inkjet printer is to use a good quality paper. If you haven't already done so, mounting your button making press on a sheet of plywood REALLY helps. Either a piece of plywood that is large enough to keep the button press from moving when you crimp the button parts, or a small piece of plywood that you can clamp to your work surface. I also built a small platform on either side of the front end of of my button making machines (mounted to the plywood). The small platforms are just big enough to hold a stack of mylar and a stack of punched artwork, and are the same height as the top of the cups on the button machine. That way, when I reach for a piece of mylar or a piece of artwork, I'm not dropping my hands all the way down to the table. I also have two bins mounted slightly behind the button machine - one for shells and one for backs. The bins are angled, raised, and placed so I don't have to move my hands very far in order to reach the backs and shells. With the machine mounted at a good height for me, platforms holding artwork and mylar, and bins full of backs and shells, it takes me between 20 and 22 seconds to assemble a button with less than a 1% scrap rate. I can push myself to making a button every 16 to 18 seconds, but my scrap rate goes up to almost 4%. Mount you machine so it doesn't move and set things up so all your parts are close at hand, and you should be able to make about 180 buttons an hour.

[@missjones965]

I'd really love to see a picture of your setup! I'm putting together a button maker station in my home and am looking for inspiration!

[@rokenrol17]

Wow...great

[@mescott8212]

Well done! You've got me sold! You should get a commission from this company! This is something that I've been wanting to do for years but the cost held me back... now I wish that I hadn't waited... it looks like a lot of FUN, too! You did a fine job on this video... I would have enjoyed seeing more of your work, though! Your competition project was a wonderful idea! It seems that not enough artists try to reproduce their "one-of-a-kind" creations in more different and affordable mediums that allow more people to have a piece of it and to get more cash in the artists' pockets. Buttons are fun and decorative and so inexpensive! They make great mementos of events that people attend or they can be given out by charities in appreciation of a donation or for a signature on a petition. You demonstrated clearly what a VERY nicely thought out machine this is, too... no worries about lining up the pieces with the rotating table. Way cool! Thanks! I needed this demonstration! :) P.S.: (I just read over a lot of your reviews and was SO pleased that they are all so complimentary! I don't see that very often! It's so nice to see people appreciating another person's efforts and generosity in sharing their experiences... we've all heard that "Knowledge is power", but ""Knowlege increases by sharing, not by saving..." (by Kanari aka Lyrikal) and I like this one, too: "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." (by Margaret Fuller)... Thanks again! "You've turned a light on in the darkness so now ALL of us can see!" (This one is mine! HA!) :)

[@MoniqueDeSalvo]

Thanks for the demo! I was comparing this one to the American Button Machines button maker and apparently they are both of the brand 'Tecre'.

[@pachpaints5356]

This review was enough for me to go and buy a machine after trying to decide on a machine and then for a long time trying to decide between a machine or just paying somebody else to do it for me. :)

[@Obot1121]

Thanks so much for directing me to that etsy shop, saving me so much, so glad I came to your video before buying, helped a lot.

[@linawicked]

thank you SO MUCH for this video. I have been looking for a button maker for what seems like ages, and you have covered literally every question I could have had. I'm SO HAPPY thank you!!!

[@niconikoneko9169]

thanks for showing this! i recently started collecting buttons -so far 57 from hottopic and art museums i visited- i recently decided to consider to start saving for a button maker and this help greatly!

[@roxanaperez1333]

im well aware this is four years old.. but im looking for some info about button making so.. meh. anyway! personally i like the printer paper version. it makes the button look more vintage in a way! useful vid!

[@WakkasLove]

Another question: how does the paper cutter feel? I have carpal tunnel, and it seems like it would get my hands hurting pretty quick.

[@JustRJGordon]

I just bought a Tecre 2-3/8 Button maker! This video was super helpful! I did try the cheap button maker ($29.99 Badge A Minit) and it's okay at making buttons but so hard! I got my Tecre from Buttonboy Inc and it was $216. I've tried button parts from eBay and from BAM and they are pretty much the same so I'll get more from eBay since they're cheaper.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

+Robert Gordon (ShamuDIS) Thank you so much for the tip on the eBay parts! I was just about to order myself some more, if it saves me a few bucks, I'll have to check that out.

[@southerngentqb]

Great Video! I ran across an older model manual press while thrifting and it got me wondering. Great resources, great demo, all around helpful!

[@southerngentqb]

+Que Bell Which machine and kit did you purchase?

[@avocademy]

literally just ordered mine can't wait 😊👌 I'm sure I'll make the included 1000 buttons in no time

[@debbielarkin-t3p]

Does machine do fabric buttons?

[@hamiltonbeyonce2599]

Thank you so much for you video. I'm wondering though-how do you make the holographic buttons?

[@lizby2523]

the machine includes the cutter and all the parts to make the buttons or you have to buy apart all the parts to make the buttons??

[@emdee7744]

What brand and model number button making machine did you putchase, please? I like the setup and the accompanying hole punch

[@mariashealey7210]

Can you change out the button molds on this machine? are do you have to buy a different machine for each size buttons you want to do.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Di Shay b this style of machine only makes one size and you can't switch out the parts. So I now have 3 different sized machines that each make a different sized button.

[@statusshipscommanderbutche4261]

Thank you !! I scrolled for two days to find this particular question. what a pity that you have to buy several machines if you want other sizes should be possible to just replace the parts/mold.

[@statusshipscommanderbutche4261]

@@MariaFromTheInternetwhat was the size of this particular button?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

@@statusshipscommanderbutche4261 this machine is 1.25" 👍

[@ahealthylife1]

What's the name of the button machine you purchased? The link says "page not found"

[@gabs_pcm]

Hello! This video was very helpful but where did you get your button parts??

[@christinemontano6607]

Very helpful video. It would be helpful to us if you could provide the name of the machine in your video description. I was able to figure it out, I think, by linking through to the Etsy shop you mentioned.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Thank you! I added an updated link to their etsy shop, and a link to their website and the exact machine I bought.

[@RoseVirusLV]

I know it's been 4 years but I've just found your video lol. Wanted to ask how you went about adjusting your printer colors. Having an issue Where my art colors look different on different screens including my tablet and i can't figure out if it's the colors on my tablet or my phone or the printer.

[@BB210200]

Its most likely your screen adjustments being whack. My friend and I have similar issues; My screen is too bright so things actually print duller and Her colour adjustments are different from the rest of her screens so things dont stick to colour pallets. You should look around to see if off colouring is a thing in the brand of Tablet/Computer you're using, and maybe try getting a print off of a store to compare.

[@Necro666cult]

can you please tell me how you send your artwork to minuteman press? I send them as jpeg files but the finished product I get back is horrible quality . Please help.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Necro666cult PDF is the preferred file format for most print shops. So that's what I send over. I make my designs in Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop, at 300DPI or higher, then I multi a bunch of them onto one sheet. I think I can fit 25 1.25" buttons a piece of 8.5"x11" paper, and then I have that printed on 32# or 28# laser paper. I usually print a bunch of sheets at a time, and the color copies at my local MMP are like, .30-something cents each. So I get 25 buttons printed for less than a dollar. You can try other print shops in your area, local ones that are little and mom-and-pop run might offer better color copy pricing, but usually all print shops want a PDF file format.

[@Necro666cult]

Thank you so much for replying. I use gimp to make my designs. I have them printed at staples but they charge .60 per sheet. i will contact minute man press and request the settings you suggested. I am still new to this and i really appreciate your guidance. I just want my prints to be the best they can be. Also, can you give me some tips on taking pictures of the buttons cus I use the camera on my phone and I cant take any decent pictures. Thanks so much!

[@fan9775]

I'm having a bit of trouble finding bulk button parts. I've so far have only found them packaged with the machine. Do you know a place where I could get 'em?

[@overseaspakistani3636]

What is the price button maker machine DIY punch plz

[@cusher0603]

Can I use this for fabric buttons?

[@fightinggamefanatic]

I have a bunch of old incomplete comics that I want to cut up and use for buttons and magnets. I think 2 inch or more would be better to see more detail. I may do smaller or bigger ones though too. I would like to make the smaller ones into jewelry or earrings maybe too.

[@W1NTERSEND]

I want to buy the exact one you got with the circle cutter and 1000 button parts, but on button boy Inc was it all together or did you buy things separate on there

[@eleanormoon2504]

Were did you get a hole punch for your machine

[@user-oy2nk2gg8v]

Hi, I was wondering what kind of paper you used when you did the laser printing, was it just regular printing paper, or did you use a card stock?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Jennifer Lopez I use 32# laser paper. it's slightly thicker and smoother than normal printer paper and it's made for laser printers. I like this paper a lot, and highly recommend it if you have a laser printer. Card stock would most likely be too thick to make buttons with, you want to sick with the thinner stuff. Hope this helps!!

[@user-oy2nk2gg8v]

thank you(:

[@Martazihu]

SO glad I found your channel, do you know how to keep them from falling?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

+Maria _ The best way to keep them from falling off is to pinch the back hook part closed with pliers once it's on whatever article or clothing or bag you want it to stay on. You'll need pliers to remove it at that point, so they aren't easy to take on and off anymore, but they'll stay put and be a lot stronger.

[@Martazihu]

Thanks :)!

[@wuwu8661]

thank you for sharing!! can you tell me what template you're using for the images?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

dwoo drte There are a lot of button templates out there, but this link is a really good resource with a lot of options and sizes. thebuttonguy.net/files/templates.html

[@Jaylovelle]

Great Vid! Where did you get your buttons machine?

[@ItsGlitchUwU]

I've looked on buttonboy but they don't seem to ship to australia, do you know of any alternative places to buy a maker?

[@ShelleySkyDoe]

Jk trading for Australia. Australian made, better prices for the badge parts and shipping isn't as bad. Get the BM n3 with a heavy circle cutter. This comes with 100 buttons and all together costs about 400 dollars (Australian). Hope you get this message because this is the best website for Australia I get my buttons.

[@ShelleySkyDoe]

To add 500 button parts is 70 dollars and 1000 is 125 dollars. It's my favourite website

[@aburrido7379]

where did you get your punch? the one in your video is different from the one on their website.

[@cliffdonally2917]

can you change out the mold size?

[@karser6456]

not a single how-to's on restoring color on old pushback buttons..any ideas ?

[@kayk9485]

what are the dimensions you use for your button drawings?

[@ShutterBeatReaderKirstie]

Hello! May I ask if you could recommend a website to buy self cover buttons? I've been looking for the size 60 ones and can't find any pinback ones. :/

[@dalton.mp4]

Have you found out if the thickness of paper effects the assembly of the button? I want to get laser prints but I was worried photo paper may be too thick. Just ordered my button maker

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

It depends on your machine, machines that can make buttons with fabric can handle slightly thicker papers, but I personally don't use anything thicker than 32# laser paper. It's a standard paper you can buy at staples, and most print shops carry it, or 28# paper.

[@dalton.mp4]

I bought this exact button maker from the same company you did! thanks for the info!

[@lunakoradesigns8412]

When making your buttons, have the metal swivel horizontal. When you place the disc in (do NOT move) it. Then, put in your art and then mylar. THEN swivel it, press your image. When you put in the backing, put the pin part down with the sharp in facing away from you. Then swivel and press! Hopefully this makes sense! This is how I make nice buttons! (:

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Thanks! It does make sense.

[@PretyPocahontas]

Hey there, I was wondering if you had any suggestions for hand drawn art as in how to transfer it on to paper or make copies to actually put on to the button... Are you drawing yours then scanning? Sorry Im just confused overall on how to make the print hehe

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Usually scanning it and printing it works pretty well for hand drawn art, and it's a fairly easy process. All you need is a printer with a scanning function. Follow the instructions with your scanner (or you can have your artwork scanned at a local print shop and saved to a USB drive), and you can clean up the scans in Photoshop (or any other image editing program) to make them perfect. If you have a decent camera, you can also try photographing your hand drawn work and using that to print your buttons. I've done that with some sketches from my sketchbooks and it's worked out just fine.

[@pipercarden4641]

ive got a button maker that came with 500 badge kits and the machine brand new for 49.99

[@ily0182]

This was very helpful since I couldn't find any information about people who has button machines and I've been looking to buy one for a while now. Could you share the link of which machine kit you bought? I can't seem to find a 1.25" machine in that etsy account that comes with parts and a hand punch, only the 1" comes with the hand punch and the 1000 parts.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I purchased this offer: www.etsy.com/listing/176875182/tecre-fabric-paper-button-making-kit-125?ref=shop_home_active_9 But the listing I had was with a different circle punch. If you contact the seller I'm sure you can swap it out.

[@sansei397]

Hey does a it come with A LOT of Mylar? Like, 1 for each button?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Blood_Hound so far my experience is that if you buy a kit, you get enough parts (including mylar) to make the total amount of buttons ordered. I've never had an issue running out of mylar yet. 👍

[@sansei397]

Great, thanks for replying!

[@PoohLikesHunny]

Is this machine good with making fabric buttons also?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

It is! I wouldn't use thick fabric, like denim jeans, but it can handle most fabrics.

[@PoohLikesHunny]

Thanks for replying. I might buy this button maker!

[@vriskakek]

Where did you get the button parts? I really want to make buttons :)

[@atinderdhillon5038]

Is it possible to button press something thick as playing cards?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

It could jam up your press or cause the back pin-area to rattle, so the thinner the card, the better, but I've seen people make pins with recycled Pokemon cards, so it should be able to work.

[@jimmystev]

Thanks for the help! Why did you choose the name "poison and antidote"?. I like it, just wondering.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

+Jimmy Stevens No problem! The name comes from an online, etsy, shop I've been running for several years. My name, Maria Smith, is quite plain and there are millions of "Maria Smiths" in the world. (Don't believe me? Just check facebook.) I wanted something catchy and unique that would be sure to set me apart from the crowd, and Poison & Antidote was it.

[@nerdyammywarriorartist1261]

I'm planning on buying one of these cuz I'd love to make my own buttons and sell them or for personal use and this was super helpful! thank you for making this video! ♡♡

[@kamerflesh1797]

Here is button badge making machine www.3dmaxprinter.com/shop/do-it-youself/badge-button-maker-punch-press-machine-diy-500-pinback/

[@geckozoi5355]

Thank you so much! I'm hoping to sell some merchandise at an upcoming con and this is just what I needed. Very helpful review!

[@jeffreythul6374]

Just got my button maker today so this video was helpful! Thanks

[@GacktLove101]

can i use this with fabric?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I know my machine can also work with fabric, and I thin more Tecre machines can, but you would want to double check with the manufacturer to be sure. It'd suck to jam your machine.

[@moodymadness9]

is there a certain program to print your images from that you can print off many button images on one page?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I personally use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, but you can use any imaging software out there to make a sheet of button designs. Google some button templates and a few PDFs you can easily edit will pop up.

[@gdangle1011]

what size button pins did u use?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

These are 1.25" buttons

[@tshitengemutombo9763]

This is very interesting, I am graphics design. Where did you buy your Button Maker machine? and where did you buy button part?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

All of my machines and parts came from Button Boy Inc. -1.25" Machine: goo.gl/o9V81B

[@mouadnaitami2151]

please i want to ask you if there is any automatic machine cause i work with one since i was borne hhhhh and im tired and we dont have a good matrices any more by the way i have to make about 500 buttons in the day

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

+Mouad Naitami I haven't seen any automatic machines for sale but there are other industrial services you can outsource orders to, like Button Frog. So you don't have to make them yourself.

[@invisiblerevolution]

Thinkin about gettin one myself......THANKS!

[@andreias5564]

the paper where the image is , is like normal blank paper?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

+river water The ones in this video were 32# laser paper, which is a standard paper for color laser printers, but normal printer paper (20#) would work great too. You just don't want to use anything too thick.

[@andreias5564]

Poison & Antidote i see. thank you

[@niablossom2017]

Hi, my button would start to have rust after few months. Do you know why this happened and how to prevent this?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I've had that happen with pinback buttons that were kept in my damp basement. Like a lot of metal objects, if they get wet they will eventually rust. The best thing to do is to keep your buttons in a dry place, but a little trick you can do is to save some silica packets (the little packets that often come in new shoes and clothing) and keep them with your buttons. They're made to keep things dry, so I keep several in my boxes with my buttons to prevent moisture and rust. The silica is toxic if eaten, so be sure to keep it away from children and pets, but it's a very cheap way to prevent rust on your buttons.

[@niablossom2017]

Poison & Antidote hi, thanks for your reply. I'll try that. How about the finished buttons? Do you have idea to prevent them from getting rust?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I actually keep the same silica packets in the containers with my finished buttons that I intend to sell as well. The packets are pretty small and fit into the divided containers I use to sort my different designs. When it comes to pins that you might be wearing out and about, the best thing is to try not to get them wet, like using an umbrella, or one of those Ita bags (the ones with a clear plastic front that protect pins and other collectable items.)

[@niablossom2017]

Poison & Antidote, Thanks for the recommendation. It means a lot to me

[@luisortega66]

how much do you charge for each button?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

When selling online, I charge $1.25 per 1.25" button, but I offer discounts for larger orders. If selling in person, like at a event or convention, I sell a single 1.25" button for $1.00. Selling online there are more fees, so I need to raise the price, therefore buying in person is more cost-friendly for my buyers but not many of them live close enough to do that.

[@satieshisaac9114]

can this make button for blouses and dresses?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Sadly, this machine can't do that. There are kits you can buy at the craft store that can, but this machine doesn't make the buttons you sew with. It can make fabric pin back buttons, but those are different.

[@lovelessgod2131]

hi when I make buttons the back metal pin is always loose how do I fix it?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

If the entire back portion is loose then your machine might not be crimping it down tight enough or properly. If that is the case, you should contact the manufacturer and look into your machine's warranty to see if you can get it repaired. If your talking about the pin portion only, it could be that your machine's parts allow for a little wiggle room for the pin inside the backing piece. I've seen other machines that create buttons with looser back like that. (Usually they have a light rattle sound due to the looseness.) That could be another sign that your machine is faulty, or that your parts are low quality. I haven't experienced that with my button boy inc machine, so I can't tell you how to fix it, but I would contact the manufacturer for sure if it's an issue.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I just had one of my buttons do this and I found that the paper I was using for that button was too thick and it caused it to not seal as tightly as usual, making it rattle. It might still be an issue with the machine, but try using thinner paper and see if that helps.

[@WakkasLove]

Are these buttons still marketable? Or has button making gone into a slump? Nice video btw, thank you.

[@lindaisrael]

Great informative video. Thank you for showing how it works.

[@chaknig8844]

Where were nice girls like you when I was your age??????? I thank God for you and for this video. May you have much love and appreciation.

[@bathinivenkateswarlu5948]

Where it available medam

[@yesilfonsiettevi]

Hi. where you buy the supply??

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Hello, all of my supplies come from the company Button Boy Inc, I have a link to their Etsy shop in the description box but here is a direct link to their website. www.buttonboyinc.com

[@yesilfonsiettevi]

Thankyou so much, I'm new in the button world and I appreciate your help!!!!!! :) :)

[@pedroskates]

I apologize. You did state it was a review not just a tutorial. Thank you for making this video 😊

[@AshaSharma-ee5cy]

How much cost

[@EdwardianTaylor]

Gah! Thank you. I kept doing it backwards and it would mess up the button. lol I feel like such a dork.

[@sharmilachand2373]

Where can I get that machine?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Sharmila Chand sure, it's from button boy Inc. I have links in the description box 👍

[@sharmilachand2373]

Poison & Antidote Hi I am from Fiji islands

[@Rebecca-zr6fd]

Is their any other paper I can use? Can I use normal printer paper? Someone please reply!

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Skeletøn Clique sure! normal printer paper works too. you just want to avoid heavy card stocks and thicker papers. (They aren't very button press friendly.) Also, I love your username! 💀

[@Rebecca-zr6fd]

Poison & Antidote Omg thank you so much!!!

[@Rebecca-zr6fd]

Poison & Antidote another question I had is that you said that you got the 1000 pins from the set, but when I clicked the link it said it came with 100 pins.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Skeletøn Clique if you look on their site there should be another set with 1000, and another option with 500. they have some different bundles that are really worth checking out to get started 👍

[@Rebecca-zr6fd]

Poison & Antidote Thanks!

[@MyButtonMachine]

That's a manual tool.Did you know how to use an automatic Button Machine? The output is 1000 pcs/hour.

[@MischTashia]

This was super helpful! Thanks for this.

[@raynejadin7484]

HI! Thanks for posting this. It was really helpful.

[@poppyparadeposhboutique5461]

What are you doing with your hands doll??

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Not sure what you mean, but if it's all my movements, I've just a hand talker. lol I can't help myself.

[@jennie.77]

I think she's rubbing her fingers together at times because of getting grease on them from the button maker. At least that was my guess. :)

[@zacharywood9416]

Poppy Parade Posh Boutique because calling a girl you don’t know “doll” is totally not creepy

[@kitschannette3052]

Thank you for making this video, it's very helpful!!

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

You're welcome! I plan on doing a follow up very soon since I've had it for one year now. (Spoiler, I still love it!)

[@bubblybowsbows6677]

Thanks for making this video love your brain block behind you will check out the button maker. TFS.👍

[@SabrinaCrumpler]

Thank you for making this video, this was helpful.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

No problem ^_^

[@christineharkness7279]

Thank you!

[@MsDari]

Thanks! You just helped a sub make an attendance button. If your goal was to help just one figure it out .... up your goal to two... lol

[@catnorris7566]

Thank you! Great video!

[@ColecoJoe]

Thanks! Exactly what I needed to make my choice :)

[@downbntout]

You're comparing the inkjet and laser results and you won't zoom in and show us?

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

I felt this several years ago and the camera that I used back then did not have macro functions during film so they couldn't do close ups. but trust me later is better

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

*filmed

[@twitch3795]

We want to set up tables at comicons and make these

[@Jordonpotter23]

I definitely want one. I'll visit you Etsy shop.

[@lalitkumarmeena4281]

Making buttons masin ka milti he

[@AJDUNK]

Thanks for the information

[@Jordonpotter23]

I still want one

[@jerardoperez8622]

can you change sizes

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

The machine I have can only do one size, but other sized machines are available. I think other brands even offer interchangeable plates so one machine can do a lot of sizes, but I don't think those machines are as durable as this one.

[@nesetime]

awesome video ^^ ♡ very useful ^^

[@satieshisaac9114]

thank you soo much, keep posting

[@ceoofyoutube3533]

COOL

[@t32xx]

THANK YOU!!!

[@terminald7064]

20 seconds in and I might be in love with you. Maybe. Probably. Yeah.

[@AshaSharma-ee5cy]

This machine

[@shehulkishot2331]

YOU REALLY HELPED MY ASS THANK UUUUUUU

[@nicvlogs4586]

I'm just like make the damn buttons already

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Well it does say "Demo and review", you were warned.😛

[@agustasister5624]

Holey mokey...that expensive as heck

[@shayharper]

I thought this was the girl from the movie Napoleon Dynamite 😂 I realized it wasn't about 30 seconds in but there definitely is a resemblance.

[@MariaFromTheInternet]

Shannon Harper this is the best comment I've ever gotten. 👍👍👍

[@shayharper]

Poison & Antidote goo.gl/images/GHcNhj You both are beautiful ladies 😊