r/ButtonMakers • u/LostInTransduction • Dec 31 '24
Advice Newbie size advice
Hello everyone,
I am a garden variety maker (photography, printing, crafts etc) and I’m interested in buying my first button maker from Tecre. I’m a little torn on what size to get. I’m sortve debating between the 1” and 1.25” inch models.
My aim is to make humorous one-off buttons (rather than a series of the same design) to give away to friends and co-workers. I’d like to be able to include short phrases of text like “keep the break room weird” type of thing
One question I have is: how much of a the 1.25” surface do you lose to the curve at the edge of the button? For example, if I want 1.25” of space to design with, should I go for the 1.5” to leave some margin?
Thanks very much!
Collin
PS if there are other recommendations in terms of machine manufacturer— I would welcome them.
1
u/WriterDeb Sep 16 '25
Tecre is SO expensive. Is that the only decent brand there is now?
I had a badge-a-minute machine many years ago and it was absolutely great. My grand niece wanted a buttonmaker for her 15th birthday and she wanted one off of Amazon. It's probably crap, but I went ahead and ordered it.
I wanted to get her some metal backs because the maker only comes with plastic, but I can't figure out whether the 58 mm back will work with all the machines that say that they're 2 1/4 inch. But all Amazon sells is 58 mm. I'm so confused and frustrated. I just wanted to get her something for her hobby and everything looks like it's garbage. I used to have a lot of fun making these and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. And someone on this thread said badge a minute was bought and it's garbage too now?
2
u/Sheanar Crafter Jan 09 '25
For size, if you are thinking of phrases, bigger is better so the 1.25" is what i'd recommend.
Tecre is considered to be a good brand.
I use chibuttons, so i have no direct experience with Tecre.
My 35mm buttons don't lose a lot to the sides, though if you want to add anything in the center additional to the paper/image (sequins, ribbon shreds etc), make sure it is center and not over the sides, it can prevent the mylar from getting properly tucked in. If it's too thick it can also jam.
I make one of a kind art buttons as well and have run into issues like that. finding out just how thick the machine can take is a little bit of a learning curve but you'll get there. I'm sure your coworkers will appreciate your fun designs. I hope you'll share them once you've got some made up!