We were looking for a machine to make goodies to hide/trade/giveaway in a local ""spread kindness"" rock painting group. Didn't want to spend a fortune, but needed something that wouldn't fall apart or break within the first few uses. This machine is GREAT! After having used it many times and producing a couple hundred buttons, I feel better about leaving an honest review.First off, the hole punch diameter for the 1.25"" button is actually 1.629"" in diameter -- which is nearly impossible to find - so we simply cut with scissors. The enclosed cutter is worthless. We used our household inkjet printer on tradition printer paper and it worked fabulously! We used a dab of glue stick to hold the paper in place on the metal to ensure that the image was stayed centered on the metal base. The pin backs are made from plastic and you have to be careful to snap off any ""extra"" bits from the casting process or your button will get stuck in the machine. Also be careful that you're only using ONE mylar cover -- as they tend to stick together and using more than one will ruin the button as well. In making over 250 buttons -- we've only experienced approximately 3-5% defect (either our own fault, or just didn't come together because of small flaws in materials). I'd say that's not too bad. No matter, I'm extremely happy with the investment!