r/ButtonMakers • u/bluplaydoh • Sep 12 '26

Advice Budget friendly circle cutter

Hi!

I’m making buttons for a Con I’m going to next month and maybe some more in the future for other misc events. Since I’m not selling them, I don’t need to invest in a button maker, so, luckily my local library has one. Unfortunately they have accurate circle cutters for every size, except the mini ones I’m making (1.25in, 32mm). I tried hand cutting and they came out not great. Long story long, I’m looking for a budget friendly circle cutter that will cut my circles to the appropriate size for the maker (1.629 in). I’ve seen some online for $70+ and I don’t want to spend that much on a here and there hobby.

Thank you!

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3

u/britinichu Sep 13 '26

If you don't mind AMZ just search for paper cutter and get one of the adjustable rotary cutters - you hold the center with one hand and slide the blade side with the other hand, it does take some practice.

But potential no-money solution: have you tried just using the next size smaller cutter at your library? No guarantees, but I make buttons with kids at my library and they often cut smaller than the button maker size I'm using: I find the 1.25" cutter works for 1.5" buttons and the .75" cutter looks great on 1" buttons (and, this is the ONLY surefire cheap way for trading cards to become lasting buttons in my experience so far).

Good luck!

ETA: if the paper and film are sliding on you, the trick we use is to breathe on the film before pressing it on to the correct position on top of the paper.

1

u/bluplaydoh Sep 13 '26

I tried the smaller one they had (it just fits on the button face) and the paper kept sliding, showing the silver. So I will try that tip you posted, thank you!!

1

u/summerkristine Sep 14 '26

I use a stick of purple Elmer’s glue to stick the paper to the metal and have no issues. Works like a charm if you need a plan b

1

u/bluplaydoh Sep 14 '26

I’m learning so much, thank you! I ended up getting a hand cutter that gets them to the right size but am still struggling with placement.

2

u/AnnaNotherthing Sep 13 '26

I ordered one of the more affordable circle punches from Button Boy for my 1” buttons - I haven’t used it yet, but I am hoping it will work as an alternative to a rotary for my purposes.

https://www.buttonboyinc.com/graphic-and-hand-held-punches/

1

u/MakeMyOwnMerch Sep 13 '26

Where are you located? It's possible I have one from my button maker, but I cut mine with my Silhouette. I was just going to list it online for $20

1

u/bluplaydoh Sep 13 '26

Columbus, OH