Makerspace

The Makerspace has one American Button Machines button maker that is available for use. This page serves as a step-by-step guide for using the button maker. There is no required workshop for this machine.

Getting Started:

Before you begin using the button maker, make sure that you have already printed your design. Each button template should be 2.25" in diameter. For your material, make sure to choose paper no thicker than standard printer paper.

To begin, gather your materials. For the button maker, there are four separate parts you will need to successfully create a button: a front piece, a backing piece, a Mylar sheet, and your printed design.

IMPORTANT: When picking out the front of your button and your Mylar sheet, make sure to check and verify that there are no pieces stuck to each other. If you try to press a button that has two front pieces stuck together, two Mylar sheets, or both, it WILL fail.

After gathering your materials, use the 2.25" punch to cut out your button design. This will make a circular cut that will allow your design to fit perfectly into the button maker. You can align your design with the punch by looking at the bottom and moving your paper until it is aligned with the hole.

Once all of your materials are prepared, you are ready to start the process of making your button.

To begin, take your front and back button pieces and place them into the machine. Place the front piece into the left side of the machine (the side with the more elevated plate).

Next, Place your backing piece into the machine with the "zigzag" facing upward. The backing should be oriented so that the pin is closest to you.

Next, place your design over the front piece of your button, using a flathead screwdriver if necessary to make sure all of the edges are pressed into the machine.

Finally, take your Mylar sheet and place it over your design making sure that it is line up properly with the indentation on the machine.

You've successfully gotten the button machine ready for use!

To make your button, first rotate the two plates so that the front of the button is in the back and covered, while the back of the button is in front and can still be seen.

Once in this position, pull the level down all the way. When you lift the lever, if you were successful, the front of your button should no longer be in the plate. At this point, the machine has picked it up and is holding it.

Next, rotate the plates so that the back of the button is now in the back of the machine. Pull the lever again, exactly as you did for the front of the button.

Lift the lever, and if you were successful, your complete button should be sitting in the plate!

Troubleshooting Tips:

Make sure that you only have one of each piece of your button in the machine. If any pieces are stuck together, the button will fail.

If your button comes out of the machine with the backing not properly attached, make sure that your design and Mylar sheet are fit snugly into the machine. If either piece is not completely within its space, the button will not be pressed properly.

If your button is coming out upside-down, rotate the backing plate 180 degrees.

NEVER pry at the button machine if it becomes stuck at any point. Should the button machine become stuck, find one of the Makerspace staff to assist you.

If anything happens that you are unable to troubleshoot using these tips, one of the Makerspace staff will be happy to help!