Button press question

[Vicki B.]

I don't use many of my presses too frequently,mainly because there is a "learning curve" every time I do.

Decided to make a medium (approx 14mm) size set (one solid color) this week to complement some other beads, and I am having a consistent issue.

Those nice crisp edges seem to develop an uneven sliding kind of look to them whenever I just press (even several times). It almost looks like the top and bottom aren't matching up. I can hand straighten them, but pressing with the top and bottom sections of the press yields the same uneveness each time. BTW it looks like the press lines up perfectly and I have the press full or a little more (which may in fact be the issue)

If I reshape the bead by only using the bottom and flipping from side to side, I have the best result. This shape never seems to do the "ideal fill-the-press until the bead sticks" thing.

I do have Lori's book.

Anyone who makes this shape frequently have any tips?

Thanks.

[Hothead Beads]

Have you checked to make sure your mandrels are perfectly straight? When I use the Cattwalk button press and my bead doesn't have a crisp edge it is usually because my mandrel is slightly bent.

[Vicki B.]

Well I THINK they are straight. It was consistent and I made a set yesterday - ppp ya know!

[Heart Fire]

I had the same problem with the Cattwalk Graduated Button, I think it is because it is such a large press that it is difficult to line up perfectly. After much trial and error I started using both hands to line up the press as perfectly as possible. I get the bead fairly hot--lay it down on the base, place the top press portion on the bead without pressing down too much (just enough to keep the bead in place), then take my left hand off the mandrel and guide the press so that it is even when I press down. So you actually have both your hands off the mandrel for a few seconds, it works for me anyway.

Lois

[Vicki B.]

Glad to hear others have had the same experience. I thought maybe it was partially related to the long length of the press base or the steepness of the squared off sides of the shape.

[lldesigns]

Yup it's been an issue for me as well. I was starting to think that the press was off center some how but, as usual, it's my fault.

[Starrr]

I have the same problem when I use too much glass, even a little seems to cause this problem. I can't tell you how many times I kept checking to see if the press wasn't lined up! LOL Now I just start with less glass and the problem is solved.

[Vicki B.]

Yep - I was doing that too. Maybe with the non-pinched sides, that's what the extra glass does - also noticed it's harder to press down if it's overfilled than presses with attenuated sides.

[squid]

I had the same problem with the graduated button too.

[killerbeedz1]

You have to make sure when pressing that the bottom portion of the press which says Cattwalk is facing you and the top that says button press is facing you. This is true I find with all Cattwalk presses. The names on the top and the bottom need to be both facing you or both facing away from you. If the top one signage is facing you and the other is not you will get lopsided presses everytime.

[Vicki B.]

Yeah - I checked to make sure that the X's were up against the "pillar" as well.

This press has to have both going front to back the same or the same size button is not aligned.

I actually did that once - pressed with a smaller size top and it has possibilities.....

[lenora]

I have had that happen as well, and I think it is when you have too much glass. It is totally frustrating.