Library MakerSpace: Specific Tool Instructions

Operating Instructions

From Tecre Co Button Making Supplies: How to Make a Round Pinned Back Button

1. Identify the crimp die and the pickup die.
2. Rotate the die table so that the crimp die is positioned under the upper die.
3. Insert a shell into the pickup die with the sharp edge facing downward. Place the graphic on the shell. Place the mylar on top of the graphic. Line up the top of the graphic with the center column for correct orientation.
4. Rotate the die table one-half turn clockwise until the die table stop is against the outer column.
5. Pull the handle down as far as it will go and raise it back up to its rest position.
6. Place a pinned back into the crimp die with the sharp edge facing up. Line up the top of the pinned back slightly to the right of the center column for correct orientation.
7. Rotate the die table one-half turn counterclockwise until the die table stop is against the outer column.
8. Pull the handle down as far as it will go and raise it back up to its rest position.
9. Rotate the die table clockwise again to remove the finished button.

Button Layout Template

1-1/4" Round button layout

Before using the Dremel, please read through the following safety rules: 

• Wear safety glasses when using the Dremel. Safety glasses can be found in the drawers beneath the soldering station. 
• Wear a dust mask or respirator, especially when working with materials that generate fine dust. 
• Tie back any loose hair. 
• Wear closed-toed shoes.

Getting started with the Dremel  

• Choose an accessory for the Dremel that is best for your job (see video listed below) 
• Clear the working area and plug the Dremel’s power cord into an outlet. 
• Make sure you have a secure grip on the tool (estimated weight = 1.4 lbs) and that the accessory bit is facing away from you. For close/detailed work, hold the tool like a pencil between your thumb and forefinger. For more aggressive work, grip the tool firmly with four fingers on the bottom and the thumb on top. 
• The on/off switch is located at the top of the tool. To turn the switch on, slide the switch button forward. To turn it off, slide the switch button backward. 
• When using the Dremel, do not push the tool into the material you are working with. The speed and accessory should do the work for you. 
• Use multiple passes for your work like you would when using a paintbrush or emery board. Do not try to get all of the work done in one pass.

How to change the accessory bit 

• IMPORTANT: Always unplug the tool before attempting to change accessories or collets. 

• Instructions taken from the Dremel Product Reference documentation (see diagram for part names and locations): 

Attaching an accessory to the tool using the collet and collet nut 

1. Your tool comes with an 1/8” collet and collet nut 
2. Now determine the accessory shank size 
3. Select a collet to fit the shank diameter of the accessory 
4. Press and hold shaft lock button 
5. Loosen and remove collet nut 
6. Insert properly sized collet 
7. Replace but do not tighten collet nut 
8. Insert shank of accessory 
9. Tighten collet nut 

Attaching an accessory to the tool using the Dremel Chuck 

1. Your tool comes with an 1/8” collet and collet nut. 
2. Depress shaft lock button 
3. Loosen and remove collet and collet nut from your tool 
4. Begin to thread the Dremel Chuck onto the tool shaft while keeping shaft lock button depressed 
5. As the jaws begin to close, insert the shank of the accessory into the chuck 

Accessories in the Library MakerSpace 

• Wire brush, cutting wheels, sanding bands and disks, carving bit

Operating Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Make sure your machine is warm and ready to go.

•  Place the laminator on a flat, secure, stable surface
• The on/off button is located on the top of the machine
• Choose your pouch setting by pushing either 3 mil or 5 mil buttons
  depending on the thickness of the pouch you are working with
• The warm-up time for your machine is 5-6 minutes, the machine is
  warm enough to start laminating once the ready light illuminates

Step 2: Place

Place your project inside the laminating pouch

• Center your item(s) inside the pouch checking that you leave 1/8” laminate margin around the edges on each side for best sealing results
• Tip: trim your project AFTER lamination

Step 3: Insert

Place the sealed end into the machine first with the open end following

• Check to make sure the pouch lines up to the opening to prevent uneven or angled feed through
• Remove any objects that could get in the way of your project as it exits the machine

Step 4: Seal

• The laminated item will automatically exit the outlet of the machine. Do not pull the pouch through the laminator.
• If the pouch does not feed correctly or jams, push the pouch reverse lever located on top panel to reverse the pouch back out of the laminator.
• Remove the pouch after it has stopped moving and allow to cool on a flat surface. Use caution, your project may be hot when exiting the machine.
• It may be necessary to laminate thicker items twice to completely seal the pouch

When finished press the power button to turn off the laminator. 

Still unsure how to use one of these tools? Ask the staff member at the MakerSpace desk for help!