Snaps for Mama pads

[Siana]

I've been making pads for a few years now, and I just use sew-on snaps. They work great for me, but another mom recently asked me to make some pads for her daughters, and I'm pretty sure I don't want to go with the sew-on metal snaps.

I think my only other options are:

* Snap tape:
I believe Lunapads.com use those on some of their pads (or at least used to). They don't look tremendously professional, but I won't have to invest in specialized equipment to use them.

* Snap source

* Industrial Snap press:
Can I only use this with resin snaps?
Any idea of a Canadian source for this type of snap press? I found snaps for them here at least: www.snap-happy.net

I prefer the metal snaps because I think they're more environmentally friendly (is this true?), but I've heard the snap source can be tricky to work with, and is more of a pain to use (though mama pads don't require a whole whack of snaps like diapers do).

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[fek&fuzz]

I use a little blue snap press from Joann, and the metal snaps that are sold near it on the notions wall. It looks like the snap source, and you use a hammer to put the snaps together. It works fine for me.

[Siana]

I've think seen the snaps and setting tool you're refering to fek&fuzz (I don't have a Joann's here), but I'm not sure if they'll work with either the felted wool fabric or fleece backing I'll be using. Both are pretty thick fabrics. Have you tried them on thicker fabric layers with success?

I was just talking with a friend, and he asked me if I would like making pads in to a business someday. I think I'd actually like that (I really enjoy sewing these pads!) and so I'd probably want to make sure these pads I'm making for the mom are very much like those made "commercially" (by other WAHM's), right?

What other setting tools can one use for metal snaps? I thought an industrial snap press could be used? Also, mamapads will most likely be soaked in water for long lengths of time (a few days at least on average) -- would this be a problem with metal snaps?

Sorry for all the questions mamas, but I'm quite the novice to all this.

[*~Danielle~*]

I have this metal snap press that looks like a bigger hole punch. They sell it right near the snaps at Jo Ann's so if you ask at your fabric store they'll probably have it. You just put the snap in the thing, put your fabric inbetween and squeeze, so easy, little effort.

It's like $14.99. I use metal snaps on my momma cloth and they are totally fine.

[capemom]

I've been using the Snapsource snapsetter with metal snaps on mama pads (as well as other things including diaper covers) with great success. It is pretty easy to use and was much cheaper than investing in a snap press. Plus I like the look of the metal snaps on clothing.

[Siana]

Do you think these more affordable snap setting tools will work with thick fabrics combos such as felted wool and velour?

Has anyone already tried this, or willing to try for me?

TIA