If you have Badge-a-Minit machine then you need parts that are described either as Badge-a-Minit button sets, Badge-a-Minit size button parts or Badge-a-Minit compatible parts. If you are looking for 2-1/4” Badge-a-Minit buttons, we also refer to them as 2-3/8” BAM size. BAM stands for Badge-a-Minit.
Okay, maybe you don’t know if you have a Badge-a-Minit machine. Badge-a-Minit only makes 3 sizes which are 1-1/4”, 2-1/4” and 3”. There are 4 types of Badge-a-Minit machines which are called hand press, bench press, semi-automatic (Badge-a-Matic) and the automatic (electric) machines.
Hand presses and bench presses both use assembly rings. The 1-1/4” size and 3” size consist of metal pieces. The 2-1/4” has plastic pieces. Each set consists of 5 pieces: blue, red, green, yellow or silver. If you have the 2 -1/4” assembly rings you might have a dark purple ring instead of a silver piece. Badge-a-Minit calls this same piece gray.
The actual hand press is gray if you have a 1-1/4” or 2-1/4″, but if you have a newer 2-1/4” press it is bright orange. Both have black handles. When assembling the button during the last step you will use a squeezing motion to crimp your button.
Bench press systems are usually all black. The bench sits on the table (flat surface) while you firmly press down on the handle to crimp the button in the assembly ring.
A Badge-a-Matic machine is all metal. This machine has one die. A die is the cup that holds your button parts. In this single die, you place the pinback with the sharp side face up, then you place the shell with the sharp side face down. Now you place your graphic/photo. Place your mylar on top of your graphic or photo.
The lever on the base should be to the left. Bring down the handle. Move the lever to the right. Bring down the handle again. Your button is complete.
The last Badge-a-Minit machine is an electric machine. This machine is usually called a Badge-a-Matic also. The machine is loaded just like the semi-automatic. You close the door and push the button. Only after the motor stops should you open the door.
So if your machine does not have any of the characteristics above you might have a Standard machine. A standard button maker will have 2 dies that either slide or rotate. One die holds the shell, graphic and mylar and the other side holds the pinback part.
If you have a hand press or bench press, look at the side to see the name Badge-a-Minit. Older models might not have the name on them or might not be visible any more.
**If you still need assistance please contact us.
button maker, button makers, badge a minit
button maker, button makers, badge a minit,
2 Comments
August 31, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I have a bam and was sent 2 1/2 inch supplies do you know of any addaptors to use so I don’t waste a huge box of supplies?
September 8, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I mentioned in the article above that Badge-a-Minit only makes 3 sizes which are 1-1/4”, 2-1/4” and 3”. If you ordered 2-1/2″ button parts they were probably also described as Standard Size.
They will not work with Badge-a-Minit machines.
Sorry.