Mylar not crimping

[PandaLoveShop]

Hey guys! I have a Model 100 Tecre button machine and I've been having problems with it for the last two days. When I make a pinback button, sometimes the mylar is not crimping down entirely and it leaves this exposed bubble on the edge. Obviously, I can't sell these buttons so I just have to throw them away :( I never had this problem before, any ideas on how to fix it? The problem is only when I make pinback buttons, my flat back buttons are still coming out perfectly. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

This may or not be helpful:
http://buttonmakers.net/blog/double-trouble/

I've had the problem in the past- but mostly caused by using thick materials like fabric.

Another thought- and I have no experience with this---
When making flat back buttons are you using an adapter? I've read about one before that you insert into the machine .. Are you leaving this in when making regular buttons? Just a thought... I've never made flat back buttons before.

[PeriwinkleDzyns]

Have you flipped your machine over to make sure nothing extra is left over or jammed into the machine?
that happened to me once and it caused problems

[Former_Member]

@ PerriwinkleDzyns

That's another issue- a shell can get stuck in the upper die and you don't notice it... But since flat backs are coming out fine, I suspect the crimp adapter used to make flat back medallions has been left in the die-

http://www.tecre.com/products.iml?Product_ID=25040

[PeriwinkleDzyns]

@jacob, good point!

[Former_Member]

Someone enlighten me on flat back buttons... what's the point? I've been making buttons for 10 years and have never felt compelled to order that accessory. I make buttons, zipper pulls, key chains, and compact mirrors- I just don't get what the flat backs are for... crafts?

[PandaLoveShop]

Nope, I don't use an adapter when I make the flat backs. Yup, most people use the flat backs for crafts, they're great for making magnets, hair bows, necklaces, etc. I've checked both dies as well as the top portion and there's nothing in them. Do you think greasing it might help? Is there something I should try besides WD40?

[Former_Member]

Scrapbookers love flatbacks as well.

[Former_Member]

Hmmm. I'm stumped those are the only things I can think of...
You've got a lifetime warranty if you are really having trouble.

Where did you buy it from?

So 1" Buttons with the plastic flat backs are "great for making magnets"....
Why wouldn't you just shove the magnet into the back of the button collet?

[PandaLoveShop]

Because I like the neodymium magnets more than the ceramic magnets. And I use the metal flat backs, not the plastic ones :) I tried wiping the pickup and crimp dies with silicone lubricant last night and it seemed to do the trick! Hopefully I won't have any more problems.

[Former_Member]

This may sound silly, but one mine did that and I just hit it until it worked. Year later, still working! Not throwing the thing at a wall, but juggling and smacking the thing a bit. Getting any paper/metal bits out. Shake it upside down to!

Brann :)

[Former_Member]

had the same problem, switched to thinner photo paper