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TFDL Makerspace Training

Online training for TFDL makerspace equipment

What is a Button Maker?

A button maker (also known as a button press) is a machine for assembling pin-back buttons. We have two models at the TFDL Makerspace: 

Tecre Button Maker Model 150 (for 1.5 inch buttons)

Flex 1000 Button Machine  (for 2.25 inch buttons)

 

Supplies

The Makerspace will provide you with supplies for up to ten buttons.  These can be found in the black plastic cases (see picture above) stored under the Carvey.  If you would like to make more than ten buttons, we ask that you bring your own supplies.

To make a button you need the pieces in the image below.

You must provide the image to appear on the button.  Usually, you want something printed to match the desired button size.  Next to the button supplies, you will find white, round paper cutters that cut your picture to the correct size.

Rules and Etiquette

  • Please use the cutting mat when cutting the paper inserts for the buttons.
  • Remember to use the correct die size for the buttons you are making.
  • These machines are for everyone to use, so please treat them gently.
  • Please clean up after finishing making the buttons and put away the machine and supplies in their boxes and cabinet.
  • Have fun showing off your new buttons!!

Tecre Button Maker Model 150 

  1. With the turntable facing towards you, place Button Front smooth side up. 
  2. Place Design on top, facing towards you. 
  3. Place Plastic on top. 
  4. Turn the turntable. 
  5. Place Button Back on top, zig zag side up and at the top of the button. 
  6. Press down! 
  7. Turn the turntable. 
  8. Press down! 

This video provides a demonstration of how to load your button maker supplies into the button maker.

Flex 1000 Button Machine 

The Flex 1000 is a multisize button maker, where to change size you need to use the correct Die Table, Pressing Die and Positioning Ring set.  In LabNext Makerspace we use this machine for 2-1/4" buttons mostly.  The machine consists of the following parts:

 

Flex 1000 Manual

The Process of making a button is:

 

Step By Step

  1. On the Left place the Button Front smooth side up. 
  2. Place Design on top. 
  3. Place Plastic on top. 
  4. Place Positioning Ring so it does not move on top. 
  5. Place Pressing Die in the middle, Small diameter side up. 
  6. Press down hard! 
  7. Place Button Back on the Right, zig zag side up. 
  8. Move turntable over to the Right. 
  9. Place Positioning Ring Center in the middle, Turn the Pressing Die side up and position it over the Positioning Ring. 
  10. Press down hard!

Resource

  •  Flex1000 Multisize Button Maker (At TFDL LabNext Makerspace we only have supplies fot 1.5" and 2.25" size buttons)

Printing Template

If you wish to print your own designs for buttons, we have provided an Adobe Photoshop template for printing button art.

Adobe Photoshop is available on the High Performance Computers in Lab NEXT. Instructions are written on the template.

Template

LINK (select Download at the bottom of the page to download the PSD file)

Template Preview

Troubleshooting and Tips

  • Keep your design thin.  If you use glue or the paper is too thick, the button will not adhere together correctly when it is pressed together. 
  • Make sure you only have one of each layer/piece. 
  • When pushing down on the lever, particularly with the Flex 1000 Button Machine, use steady constant pressure. 
  • With the Flex 1000 machine, please check the orientation of the Top Hat and Ring when applying the pressure.  If it doesn't go down while pressing then the orientation is wrong.
  • If the machine is not pressing correctly or you encounter anything unusual, please call a Lab NEXT STAFF member. 

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