About a week ago I came across this site and the forum.One of the posts I read suggested getting a punch to punch out the circles for buttons. I ordered the less expensive punch. I got the 2.25 in and the circles are too small. I currently use BAM products. What size punch if available, should I have gotten? 2 things to keep in mind. I have a visual impairment and I experienced a stroke last year that effected my left hand. Using the Cut-a Circle is difficult and it’s so old. I think the blade is shot. Anyone know what to get and where? I got this punch from EK Success.
Joyce 11:30 pm on July 19, 2010 Permalink |
I have one of the more expensive ones.
The punches you can buy at a craft store are for smaller buttons, I have never seen one that could punch a large 2.25 button, and if they did make one it probably be very difficult to use.
This is the Cadillac punch http://stores.americanbuttonmachines.com/Detail.bok?no=290 (the one inch size is on my dream list! )
I use this for my 2.25 size buttons, the advantage is you can adjust the size but with a visual impairment it may be difficult to center your design. http://stores.americanbuttonmachines.com/Categories.bok?category=Cutter+%2F+Circle The cutter uses a metal wheel and easily cuts circles by pressing down and turning the handle. Unless your left hand is very very weak you should have no problem. Years ago I had a BAM machine and remember the cutter wanting to “walk” while cutting out the circles, I don’t know if this is still a problem but this cutter is fairly heavy and holds fast to the paper.
June Ann 3:16 pm on July 20, 2010 Permalink |
Well this is a bit disappointing. Centering is an issue. Yes the cut a circle does walk. I don’t make and sell enough buttons to offset the cost of a graphic punvh. Yet I really enjoy designing and making buttons. I don’t know that the rotary cutter would work any better for me. I did purchas a graphic punch from someone on e-bay. It was the wrong one. It’s just a standard 2.25 but it does cut the correct size to make the button. I thought I ordered the one for the BAM size. The cutter is slanted, so that even if I do get the design centered, the paper can easily move. And there is no hole behind the paper to help center the artwork.
Actually the 2.25 punch I just got is fairly easy, it’s just not big enough. The one for BAM is flat anf has the hole. Is there an inventor out there that can help me for under $100.00?? I just need something I can cut with using guiflines I created that used to work with the cut a circle Something a little more goof proof would help. I even set up markers to help with centering which helps some.
buttonman 12:11 pm on July 26, 2010 Permalink |
I feel for you.
the cut-a-circles are designed to drive you insane.
ABM 9:37 am on July 20, 2010 Permalink |
Most circle cutters you purchase from craft stores do not cut the correct sized circle required for making buttons. It is very important to cut the correct sized paper circle or you could make defective buttons. You have to cut a larger size circle than a finished button because the paper wraps around the back of the button and then is crimped between the upper and lower shells. If you do not use the correct sized circle cutter, the paper could be too large and not wrap around the button properly or it could be too small and the paper could pull out of the button or worse case, the button falls apart. Thus wasting all your time, paper and ink.
For example your BAM Cut-a-Circle cuts a 2.750″ circle to make what BAM’ calls their 2.25″ button, which is actually a 2 3/8″ button. (Confusing, I know)
However we do have a solid steel 2.25″ BAM sized punch cutter which is much easier to use vs the plastic Cut-a-Circle you have. Click the link above and see if it looks like it would work better for you. You can also click the following video link to see our punch cutter in action.
Please let us know if you need anymore assistance.
Happy Button Making!
ABM
June Ann 3:31 pm on July 20, 2010 Permalink |
Yours is diferent. It is flat where the circle is and has the hole. I thought it was the wrong one but since it cuts the right size circle I guess not. There is one listed like yours but it doesn’t say anything about a BAM size button although it says in the details that it cuts a 2.6 something size button.
June Ann 3:33 pm on July 20, 2010 Permalink |
So if I’d put out the money, maybe the one with the hole on the underaide would make centering more goof proof.
Jean W 11:09 pm on July 20, 2010 Permalink |
Hi June Ann,
What every size of punch you get, you mainly need to be sure it is for the BAM size. If you are going to find one on eBay or something like that, be sure to email the person to verify it is the proper size. If you keep getting the wrong size, you will be spending more $$ than you ever meant to do. Good luck in your search.
Jean W 8:56 am on July 21, 2010 Permalink |
I’m not sure if the hole would be more goof proof. You may want to find a tiny lite to place under the punch, that may help you line the button up. I have a circle on my template that helpes me line it up. You could do that also. The outline circle could be darker, because it will no show up when you put the button together. Hope this is helpful.