The Button Blog - American Button Machines — Circle Cutter

Hey Button Makers. We occasionally have callers who ask how to change the blade on their Adjustable Circle Cutter. It’s actually very simple, but we’ve put together this step-by-step tutorial to guide you through the process. You will need a small, flat-head screwdriver and a pair of needle nosed pliers. If you organize anything like me, the screwdriver is in the drawer to the left of the fridge and the pliers are in the garage. We’ll wait while you look for them…. Okay, ready now? The first thing you want to do is remove the plastic Centering Template from the Circle Cutter.  ...

We’re excited to tell you about our latest project and we think you’ll be just as excited as we are. Are you "artistically challenged" at times? Have you ever wanted to use someone else’s spectacular artwork to make a button? Sometimes you can accomplish this task easily. Other times, though, you have trouble with designs and sizing. Well, we’re excited to tell you we have found the solution!  We are in the midst of creating an awesome new product – digital collage sheets specially designed for button makers!  AKA downloadable collage sheets. For those unfamiliar with the concept, this cool product...

A couple months ago the crafty Jennifer Null of Technicolor Moments had a chance to stop by the fabulous SpaceCraft Studios in Charleston, South Carolina, to make a few pinback buttons with the help of owner Allison Merrick. For those of you unfamiliar with SpaceCraft, it combines a workroom studio and retail shop in one space. The workroom has all the necessary tools and materials needed to make a variety of craft projects – including a 1” button machine and circle cutter from American Button Machines. Jennifer is a lover of pincback buttons (who isn’t?) and is excited to use...

Button making is much easier than most people think. This isn’t to say that all button machines are made equal – there are several myths circulating about certain machines – but what’s cool about our American-made machines is, even though they are designed for adult use (12 years and older), their low center of gravity and wide base allow for ease of use by buttoneers  both young and old. To show you exactly what we’re talking about, we’ll tell you how to put together a button, in this case a pinback button, with the help of two talented button makers,...

You asked and we are delivering! A few months ago we began offering a hand-held punch cutter for 1” buttons.  Right out of the gate we were getting requests for larger sizes.  Well, the wait is over – say hello to the Dynamo Hand-Held Graphic Punch Cutter for 1.25” AND  1.5” buttons!       Just like their original smaller sibling, the features and benefits include: The ability to center graphics easily. Once you cut the graphics, they slide right out. It is small, light, and very easy to operate. Still, it is constructed from sturdy, durable metal, so it will last. The full...