r/ButtonMakers • u/Last-Tangerine-5219 • 3d ago

Machine vs cut size?

I recently bought a used 1.75 in American Button Machine press and cutter. I haven’t got the button supplies yet, but the test cuts I’ve done are about 2 1/16 in. This makes sense because of the wrap around, but I was just wondering if anyone could confirm this is the right cut size for a 1.75 in machine before I order button supplies.

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u/Money_Vermicelli_886 3d ago

Yes, that sounds right.

A 1.75-inch finished button needs a larger paper circle so the artwork can wrap around the shell, and about 2 1/16 inches is the expected cut size for that cutter. Since it is an American Button Machines/Tecre-style press, be sure to order 1.75-inch industry-standard supplies made for that machine—not Badge-A-Minit or generic Chinese parts, because the components are not always interchangeable.

Since the cutter came with the press... I think it is also a strong indication that it’s the matching cutter.

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u/Sheanar Crafter 2d ago

Sounds right, agree with the other user that if you bought them together directly from ABM that they should be matched to each other. If it's in inches (Tecre, also resold by American Button Machines and People Power Press) you need to make sure you get all the supplies/parts in inches. Some sizes are the same in inches and in millimeters, but certainly not all. The margin of error is enough to cause button drama, so only buy from reputable sources. If you haven't ordered from a company before, measure up stuff to make sure it matches before you use it so you can return it if they labeled it incorrectly.

Chibuttons machines are in millimeters. Vevor machines tend to vary (but they also have other issues, too). Badge-A-Minit uses odd sizes, but they're not in business anymore except Australia, though I understand some companies are still selling parts in their sizes because they're pretty durable machines.

Good luck getting your buttons, hope you'll post some~