Buttonmaking Equipment - Revision history

Strangelv: Deciding on Chinese Metric for a term for the sea of nearly identical presses coming out of mainland China that most of us are using

2023-11-28T09:43:20Z

Deciding on Chinese Metric for a term for the sea of nearly identical presses coming out of mainland China that most of us are using

Strangelv: Save point

2023-11-14T18:57:06Z

Save point

Strangelv: Save point; more edits to come

2023-11-14T14:06:21Z

Save point; more edits to come

Strangelv: Long overdue updates/revisions/corrections.. Not finished

2021-07-21T10:51:16Z

Long overdue updates/revisions/corrections.. Not finished

Strangelv: /* Sizes Used So Far by the Radical Caucus */ Language tweak

2019-01-28T02:17:08Z

Sizes Used So Far by the Radical Caucus: Language tweak

Strangelv: /* Sizes Used So Far by the Radical Caucus */ Adding clarification

2019-01-28T00:08:05Z

Sizes Used So Far by the Radical Caucus: Adding clarification

Strangelv: /* Badge-A-Matic I */ Tone adjustment

2019-01-27T16:10:28Z

Badge-A-Matic I: Tone adjustment

Strangelv: /* Badge-A-Matic I */ Applying new information and removing something that's not always needed after all

2019-01-27T15:26:32Z

Badge-A-Matic I: Applying new information and removing something that's not always needed after all

Strangelv: A few quick updates

2019-01-27T15:21:36Z

A few quick updates

Strangelv: /* DAWEI */ Noting that something is dubious, lest someone run out and spend money

2017-08-14T10:16:16Z

DAWEI: Noting that something is dubious, lest someone run out and spend money

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 *[https://peoplepowerpress.org/blogs/news/5841988-the-pros-and-cons-of-multiple-interchangeable-die-machines The Pro's and Cons of Multiple/Interchangeable Die Machines ]
-===DAWEI/Chicom===
+===Chinese Metric===
-Machinery to manufacture Dawei style equipment appears to be sold to a number of manufacturers that then produce identical to nearly identical button presses that are essentially interchangeable.  Only metric diameters are supported, but it's a very wide range.  They have a cut line that is further out from the bleed line than is typical of other equipment sources.
+Machinery to manufacture this equipment appears to be sold to a number of manufacturers which then produce equipment that's identical to nearly identical and essentially interchangeable.  Only metric diameters are supported, but it's a very wide range, including all five of our supported size categories.  They have a cut line that is further out from the bleed line than is typical of other equipment sources.
 ====See Also====
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 The 2 in 1 Cut-a-Circle is just like the Cut-A-Circle II except that it also cuts for their "3 inch" (2⅞ inch) equipment and may also use an incompatible blade design.
-===Dawei===
+===Chinese Metric Punch===
 This is possibly the best way to cut circles: it's fast, easy, and can be quite accurate.
@@ Line 120: / Line 120: @@
 *'''1 inch'''
-May be interchangeable with 25mm supplies; most will probably have a smaller cut line diameter than the Dawei compatible templates we're presently using, but should otherwise work.
+May be interchangeable with 25mm supplies; most will probably have a smaller cut line diameter than the Chinese metric compatible templates we're presently using, but should otherwise work.
 *'''Badge-A-Minit 1¼ inch'''
@@ Line 138: / Line 138: @@
 *'''75mm'''
-Slightly smaller than 3 inches, this is a candidate for a larger button size given how inexpensive Dawei compatible presses can be.
+Slightly smaller than 3 inches, this is a candidate for a larger button size given how inexpensive Chinese metric compatible presses can be.
 ** An electric option for this size has been found [http://www.mybuttonmachine.com/product/electric-die-cutting-press-3/ here].

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 This is a break-prone nightmare, and despite its low initial price is a bad investment.  Button quality is poor and it's a not small RSI risk.  Additionally, it takes several minutes to make a single button after way too much fumbling with easily misplaced rings that simulate a proper die.
-Its one advantage is that it does both 2⅜ inch and Badge-A-Minit's "1¼", but you really shouldn't bother.  Its only real use is as a cheap gateway drug to getting a real press.  Please do yourself a favor and skip this step and just get a real button press directly.  AVOID.
+Its one advantage is that it does both 2⅜ inch and Badge-A-Minit's 1¼ inch, but you really shouldn't bother.  Its only real use is as a cheap gateway drug to getting a real press.  Please do yourself a favor and skip this step and just get a real button press directly.  AVOID.
 ===Badge-A-Minit Bench Press===
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 *[https://peoplepowerpress.org/blogs/news/5841988-the-pros-and-cons-of-multiple-interchangeable-die-machines The Pro's and Cons of Multiple/Interchangeable Die Machines ]
 *[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016W3EMH0/antiwarbookstore 25mm press sold by OrangeA] -- two of us have this one
 ===Tecre===
-In addition to some amazingly expensive electrical presses, Tecre makes some manual presses in a wide selection of US sizes, including 2⅜ inch for use with Badge-A-Minit compatible supplies.  Dr Don's Model 225 looks identical to Tecre's Model 225.  Tiffany has or had one.
+In addition to some amazingly expensive electrical presses, Tecre makes some manual presses in a wide selection of US sizes, including 2⅜ inch for use with Badge-A-Minit compatible supplies.  Dr Don's Model 225 is a resold Tecre Model 225.
@@ Line 56: / Line 53: @@
 *[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZTMS28/antiwarbookstore Amazon link] for 2⅜ compatible diameter
 *[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZTMS1Y/antiwarbookstore Amazon link] for diameter for 25mm buttons
 ==Button Supplies==
@@ Line 62: / Line 69: @@
 ====Badge-A-Minit====
-Only available in Badge-A-Minit sizes and seriously overpriced.  Not recommended.  You can get 2⅜ inch at a minimum from several other sources to use with Badge-A-Minit equipment.
+Only available in Badge-A-Minit sizes and seriously overpriced.  Not recommended.  You can get 2⅜ inch, BAM-compatible 1¼ inch, and possibly 2⅞ inch supplies from several other sources to use with Badge-A-Minit equipment.
 ====Badge Parts, Incorporated====
@@ Line 73: / Line 80: @@
 ====Dr Don's Buttons====
-Currently the main source used by the Texas caucus for 2⅜ inch supplies.
+Currently the main source we use for 2⅜ inch supplies.
-====Tecre and American Button Machines====
+====Tecre====
-This is possibly the best quality source available.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work reliably at all with Badge-A-Matic presses despite being the correct diameter, giving a disturbingly high scrap rate.  While it was hypothesized that its problems could be compensated for with the Badge-A-Matic I, this has proven to not be the case.
+This is possibly the best quality source available.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work reliably at all with Badge-A-Matic presses despite being the correct diameter, giving a disturbingly high scrap rate.
-Note that combining Tecre fronts and backs with either Dr Don's or Badge Parts Inc works wonderfully with both the Badge-A-Matic I and II.
+Note that combining Tecre fronts and backs with either Dr Don's or Badge Parts Inc works wonderfully with Badge-A-Matics I and II.  If you can manage this, it would be the best result available. for BAM equipment.  We have been told by Tecre that they can sell us just the backs over the phone but not online.
-American Button machines buys their supplies from Tecre; they're completely identical.
+American Button Machines buys their supplies from Tecre; they're completely identical.
 ==Sizes==
@@ Line 115: / Line 122: @@
 May be interchangeable with 25mm supplies; most will probably have a smaller cut line diameter than the Dawei compatible templates we're presently using, but should otherwise work.
-*'''Badge-A-Minit "1¼"'''
+*'''Badge-A-Minit 1¼ inch'''
 The exact diameter of this is not yet known, hampering finding supplies to fit Badge-A-Minit equipment for it.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 This is a break-prone nightmare, and despite its low initial price is a bad investment.  Button quality is poor and it's a not small RSI risk.  Additionally, it takes several minutes to make a single button after way too much fumbling with easily misplaced rings that simulate a proper die.
-Its one advantage is that it does both 2.375 inch and Badge-A-Minit's "1¼", but you really shouldn't bother.  Its only real use is as a cheap gateway drug to getting a real press.  Please do yourself a favor and skip this step and just get a real button press directly.  AVOID.
+Its one advantage is that it does both 2⅜ inch and Badge-A-Minit's "1¼", but you really shouldn't bother.  Its only real use is as a cheap gateway drug to getting a real press.  Please do yourself a favor and skip this step and just get a real button press directly.  AVOID.
 ===Badge-A-Minit Bench Press===
@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 ==Circle Cutters and Punches==
 ===Badge-A-Minit===
-Cut-A-Circle I is only about $30 and has inexpensive replacement blades.  Unfortunately, it gets painful to use after awhile and the blades wear out.  Correct diameter for bot 2.375 and 58mm buttons.
+Cut-A-Circle I is only about $30 and has inexpensive replacement blades.  Unfortunately, it gets painful to use after awhile and the blades wear out.  Correct diameter for both 2⅜ and 58mm buttons.
-Cut-A-Circle Plus -- this is untested, but a similar design by a third party (manufacturer never identified) was harder to consistently use successfully than expected.  Correct diameter for bot 2.375 and 58mm buttons.
+Cut-A-Circle Plus -- this is untested, but a similar design by a third party (manufacturer never identified) was harder to consistently use successfully than expected.  Correct diameter for both 2⅜ and 58mm buttons.
-Cut-A-Circle II is electric.  They can be inexpensive to buy used, but do not have open-ended lifespans.  If you want to go this route it may be best to buy a new one directly from Badge-A-Minit to ensure that you can avail of the lifetime warranty.  You will probably need it.  Also, be sure to unplug when not in use as it continues to draw power and reduce its life expectancy when plugged in.  Correct diameter for bot 2.375 and 58mm buttons.
+Cut-A-Circle II is electric.  They can be inexpensive to buy used, but do not have open-ended lifespans.  If you want to go this route it may be best to buy a new one directly from Badge-A-Minit to ensure that you can avail of the lifetime warranty.  You will probably need it.  Also, be sure to unplug when not in use as it continues to draw power and reduce its life expectancy when plugged in.  Correct diameter for both 2⅜ and 58mm buttons.
-The 2 in 1 Cut-a-Circle is just like the Cut-A-Circle II except that it also cuts for their "3 inch" equipment and may also use an incompatible blade design.
+The 2 in 1 Cut-a-Circle is just like the Cut-A-Circle II except that it also cuts for their "3 inch" (2⅞ inch) equipment and may also use an incompatible blade design.
 ===Dawei===
-This is possibly the best way to cut circles: it's fast, easy, and can be quite accurate.  Note that the sizes on these punches correspond to Dawei-style diameters.  has recently been found on EBay for half the traditional price.
+This is possibly the best way to cut circles: it's fast, easy, and can be quite accurate.
 For 2⅜ inch ("2¼ inch") on Badge-A-Minit equipment, use the circle punch for 58mm.
 ====See Also====
-*[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZTMS28/antiwarbookstore Amazon link] for 2.375 compatible diameter
+*[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZTMS28/antiwarbookstore Amazon link] for 2⅜ compatible diameter
 *[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZTMS1Y/antiwarbookstore Amazon link] for diameter for 25mm buttons
@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 ====Badge-A-Minit====
-Only available in Badge-A-Minit sizes and seriously overpriced.  Not recommended.  You can get 2.375 inch at a minimum from several other sources to use with Badge-A-Minit equipment.
+Only available in Badge-A-Minit sizes and seriously overpriced.  Not recommended.  You can get 2⅜ inch at a minimum from several other sources to use with Badge-A-Minit equipment.
 ====Badge Parts, Incorporated====
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 ====Dr Don's Buttons====
-Currently the main source used by the Texas caucus for 2.375 inch supplies.
+Currently the main source used by the Texas caucus for 2⅜ inch supplies.
 ====Tecre and American Button Machines====
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 *'''2⅜ inch'''
 [[File:Button Template 2.375in R608 01.svg|138px]]<BR />
-Commonly referred to as 2¼ inch despite being deliberately larger and incompatible with that size.  It may be identical or very slighhly larger than 60mm if 60mm dies or supplies could be found.
+Commonly referred to as 2¼ inch despite being deliberately larger and incompatible with that size.  It may be identical or very slightly larger than 60mm if 60mm dies or supplies could be found.
 Several manufacturers make supplies that are this size given the ubiquity of Badge-A-Minit equipment, but some manufacturers also produce equipment for this size, including Tecre and Badge Parts Incorporated.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ===Badge-A-Matic I===
-When purchased used, this can be a reasonably cost-effective and reliable button press.  Variants are available in multiple sizes, albeit only in the non-standard sizes introduced by Badge-A-Minit.  They can also be improved by using dry lubricant (Liquid Wrench, et al -- note that these tend to be fluorine or even lead based and should not be sprayed or applied indoors).  RECOMMENDED.
+When purchased used, this can be a reasonably cost-effective and highly reliable button press.  Variants are available in multiple sizes, albeit only in the non-standard sizes introduced by Badge-A-Minit.  They can also be improved by using dry lubricant (Liquid Wrench, et al -- note that these tend to be fluorine or even lead based and should not be sprayed or applied indoors).  Caveat: does not work reliably with Tecre/American supplies.  RECOMMENDED.
 ===Badge-A-Matic II===
-This is probably the most cost-effective electric button press on the market, especially if purchased used.  It is only available for 2⅜ inch button supplies.  Caveat: does not work reliably with Tecre supplies.  RECOMMENDED.
+This is probably the most cost-effective electric button press on the market, especially if purchased used.  It is only available for 2⅜ inch button supplies.  Caveat: does not work reliably with Tecre/American supplies.  RECOMMENDED.
 ===Badge-A-Matic Combo===
 This appears to be a Dawei-designed press, but uses Badge-A-Minit sizes.  It has not been evaluated, but some reviewers note that the Badge-A-Matic I is more reliable (and by extension more reliable than other DAWEI presses).
-It is not yet known if there are less expensive Dawei equivalent dies that can be used with Badge-A-Minit supplies.  The Badge-A-Minit one is insanely overpriced and is not recommended at anything more than maybe a tenth of its full retail price.
+It is not yet known if there are less expensive Dawei equivalent dies that can be used with Badge-A-Minit supplies (60mm?).  The Badge-A-Minit one is insanely overpriced and is not recommended at anything more than maybe a tenth of its full retail price.
 ====See Also====
 *[https://peoplepowerpress.org/blogs/news/5841988-the-pros-and-cons-of-multiple-interchangeable-die-machines The Pro's and Cons of Multiple/Interchangeable Die Machines ]
-===DAWEI===
+===DAWEI/Chicom===
 Machinery to manufacture Dawei style equipment appears to be sold to a number of manufacturers that then produce identical to nearly identical button presses that are essentially interchangeable.  Only metric diameters are supported, but it's a very wide range.  They have a cut line that is further out from the bleed line than is typical of other equipment sources.
 ====See Also====
@@ Line 34: / Line 32: @@
 ===Dr Don's Buttons===
 ===Tecre===
-In addition to some amazingly expensive electrical presses, Tecre makes some manual presses in a wide selection of US sizes, including 2⅜ inch for use with Badge-A-Minit compatible supplies.
+In addition to some amazingly expensive electrical presses, Tecre makes some manual presses in a wide selection of US sizes, including 2⅜ inch for use with Badge-A-Minit compatible supplies.  Dr Don's Model 225 looks identical to Tecre's Model 225.  Tiffany has or had one.
 ==Circle Cutters and Punches==
 ===Badge-A-Minit===
-Cut-A-Circle is only about $30 and has inexpensive replacement blades.  Unfortunately, it gets painful to use after awhile and the blades wear out.
+Cut-A-Circle I is only about $30 and has inexpensive replacement blades.  Unfortunately, it gets painful to use after awhile and the blades wear out.  Correct diameter for bot 2.375 and 58mm buttons.
-Cut-A-Circle Plus -- this is untested, but a similar design by a third party (manufacturer never identified) was harder to consistently use successfully than expected.
+Cut-A-Circle Plus -- this is untested, but a similar design by a third party (manufacturer never identified) was harder to consistently use successfully than expected.  Correct diameter for bot 2.375 and 58mm buttons.
-Cut-A-Circle II is electric.  They can be inexpensive to buy used, but do not have open-ended lifespans.  If you want to go this route it may be best to buy a new one directly from Badge-A-Minit to ensure that you can avail of the lifetime warranty.  You will probably need it.  Also, be sure to unplug when not in use as it continues to draw power and reduce its life expectancy when plugged in.
+Cut-A-Circle II is electric.  They can be inexpensive to buy used, but do not have open-ended lifespans.  If you want to go this route it may be best to buy a new one directly from Badge-A-Minit to ensure that you can avail of the lifetime warranty.  You will probably need it.  Also, be sure to unplug when not in use as it continues to draw power and reduce its life expectancy when plugged in.  Correct diameter for bot 2.375 and 58mm buttons.
 The 2 in 1 Cut-a-Circle is just like the Cut-A-Circle II except that it also cuts for their "3 inch" equipment and may also use an incompatible blade design.
 ===Dawei===
-This is possibly the best way to cut circles: it's fast, easy, and can be quite accurate.  Note that the sizes on these punches correspond to Dawei-style diameters.
+This is possibly the best way to cut circles: it's fast, easy, and can be quite accurate.  Note that the sizes on these punches correspond to Dawei-style diameters.  has recently been found on EBay for half the traditional price.
 For 2⅜ inch ("2¼ inch") on Badge-A-Minit equipment, use the circle punch for 58mm.
@@ Line 59: / Line 58: @@
 ==Button Supplies==
 ===Manufacturers===
 This list is known to be incomplete.
@@ Line 69: / Line 67: @@
 Good news: possibly the least expensive supplies on the market.
-Other news: The quality is very unreliable.  Not really recommended.
+Other news: The quality is very unreliable and the pin design is disappointing.  Not really recommended.
 ====DAWEI====
@@ Line 77: / Line 75: @@
 Currently the main source used by the Texas caucus for 2.375 inch supplies.
-====Tecre====
+====Tecre and American Button Machines====
-This is possibly the best quality source available.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work well with the Badge-A-Matic II, giving a scrap rate. between 50% and nearly 100%.  Should work fine with the Badge-A-Matic I with a slightly altered order of actions: crimp the circle, cover and top _before_ putting the back into the bottom die.
+This is possibly the best quality source available.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work reliably at all with Badge-A-Matic presses despite being the correct diameter, giving a disturbingly high scrap rate.  While it was hypothesized that its problems could be compensated for with the Badge-A-Matic I, this has proven to not be the case.
 ==Sizes==
@@ Line 85: / Line 86: @@
 *'''2⅜ inch'''
 [[File:Button Template 2.375in R608 01.svg|138px]]<BR />
-Commonly referred to as 2¼ inch despite being deliberately larger and incompatible with that size.  We probably want to find out the Dawei equivalent metric size.
+Commonly referred to as 2¼ inch despite being deliberately larger and incompatible with that size.  It may be identical or very slighhly larger than 60mm if 60mm dies or supplies could be found.
 Several manufacturers make supplies that are this size given the ubiquity of Badge-A-Minit equipment, but some manufacturers also produce equipment for this size, including Tecre and Badge Parts Incorporated.
 The most reliable circle cutter for making buttons this size using Badge-A-Minit presses is the punch designed by Dawei for 58mm buttons.
@@ Line 122: / Line 129: @@
 *''''''
 -->
 *'''75mm'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:17, 28 January 2019
Line 89:		Line 89:
	Several manufacturers make supplies that are this size given the ubiquity of Badge-A-Minit equipment, but some manufacturers also produce equipment for this size, including Tecre and Badge Parts Incorporated.		Several manufacturers make supplies that are this size given the ubiquity of Badge-A-Minit equipment, but some manufacturers also produce equipment for this size, including Tecre and Badge Parts Incorporated.

−	The most reliable circle cutter for this size using Badge-A-Minit ~~equipment~~ is the punch designed for 58mm ~~Dawei~~.	+	The most reliable circle cutter for making buttons this size using Badge-A-Minit presses is the punch designed by Dawei for 58mm buttons.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:08, 28 January 2019
Line 89:		Line 89:
	Several manufacturers make supplies that are this size given the ubiquity of Badge-A-Minit equipment, but some manufacturers also produce equipment for this size, including Tecre and Badge Parts Incorporated.		Several manufacturers make supplies that are this size given the ubiquity of Badge-A-Minit equipment, but some manufacturers also produce equipment for this size, including Tecre and Badge Parts Incorporated.

−	The most reliable circle cutter for this size is the punch designed for 58mm Dawei.	+	The most reliable circle cutter for this size using Badge-A-Minit equipment is the punch designed for 58mm Dawei.

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 Machinery to manufacture DAWEI style equipment appears to be sold to a number of manufacturers that then produce identical to nearly identical button presses that are essentially interchangeable.  Only metric diameters are supported, but it's a very wide range.  They have a cut line that is further out from the bleed line than is typical of other equipment sources.
-At least one source seems to suggest using 57mm dies with Badge-A-Minit supplies, but this is completely untested.
+At least one source seems to suggest using 57mm dies with Badge-A-Minit supplies, but this seems dubious and is completely untested.
 ====See Also====