ordering a snap press

[aisraeltax]

i want to purchase a snap press but don't know what all i need, or the difference in snaps.
i am looking at this one: snap prss.
my questions are this:
what dye set do i need? i dont understand this part.
what types of snaps can i use with this? what is the difference?
i know nothing, so any information would be greatly appreciated.

rach

[Kari_mom]

Different die sets are needed for the different kinds of snaps. You need a different die set for metal versus polyacetyl (a type of plastic) snaps, for example. You also need different die sets for different sizes of snaps. Different projects need different snaps. Clothing usually uses metal caps. Infant clothing usually uses smaller snaps. That sort of thing.

Since you are in diaper making, I'm going to make a leap and suggest that you want to make diapers, size 20 polyacetyl snaps are the most common for diapers. So you would order this die setto attach size 20 snaps. The size, as in size 20, refers to how big the cap is.

If you aren't sure, ask Wendy, the wahm who owns the snap store. She knows everything snaps and is easy to work with. Or you can keep asking here of course. I hope this helps a bit.

[babynurse11]

Rach,
I just received that very snap press, so I'll try to answer your questions. The dye set you need depends on what size of snap you want to use. 20 seems the most common for diaper making. If that is what you want to use it for, then the 3 pc size 20 die set is what you will want. Do you want plastic (polyacetal resin) snaps or metal snaps? You will need to choose the appropriate die set then. You can then purchase the snaps you want. For the polyacetyl, I know you can get sets of complete snap parts, or you can buy the parts separately. If you buy them separately, you will need caps- 1 for each stud and 1 for each socket. I went with plain white studs/sockets/caps and then colored caps for the visible part of the snap. So my snap will look like (colored) cap/white stud, white socket/white cap. That way I didn't have to try to match snap sets.

Sorry for the novel, but I hope that was somewhat helpful

[aisraeltax]

what is the difference (pros/cons) of the different types of snaps? do you guys recommend buying the snaps all together or separately?
i am so confused. i know i wont get this before the holidays, but i just dont want to order it and then have it set on my sewing table and not get used...that woudl not be a good thing.
plus, if i order this, i can justify ordered some PUL which i have never even seen!
thanks
rach

[Kari_mom]

I would start with the polyacetyl snaps, size 20. It is a very versatile snap type and style, and what most diaper-makers use. I would also recommend a Kam press, lots of co-ops sell Kam snaps for Kam presses and dies.

If you are making diapers, you will use far more sockets than studs. Studs go on the wings, sockets go across the front. Caps hold the studs and sockets from the other side, you use one cap for every stud and socket. For example, my favorite diaper uses 4 studs and 9 sockets, with a total of 13 caps. By ordering the studs and caps separately, I won't run out of sockets before I run out of studs. I might order 500 sockets, 200 studs, and 700 caps. Not quite the same ratio as my diapers use, but closer than ordering sets and I do use snaps on other items.

Don't be afraid to buy a snap press if you have the $$$. Snap presses are much easier to use than it seems before you buy, and they seem to have excellent resale value.