I started with a "snap press" kit from Joann's, it does metal snaps and it was less than ten dollars including some snaps. Basically it has a ring to place your cap with the prongs in, then you position fabric over that and clamp it down with a big plastic thing that swings down. Next there's a little flip-up hole where you drop in the stud or socket, flip the top back down and smash the whole thing with a hammer to apply. I used it a lot for some bodyshirts. Then I got the Industrial Snap Press, which is for resin snaps but there are dies for applying metal snaps. Personally, I love the resin snap press and after making four diaper covers in the past few days I think it is worth it. I'm kind of a perfectionist, though, so I like the professional look my covers have. Even DH was impressed. Four covers cost me maybe eight dollars, and I still have plenty of material for making more so I don't feel bad paying the high price for the big press. However, I would recommend getting the little applicator kit if you are doing the metal snaps, it makes it so much easier to place a snap exactly where you want it and there are fewer chances that the snap will shift suddenly and get munched when you try to hammer it. HTH!
Andi
