I got this button press and kit to make some buttons for my daughters school and to make some cosplay buttons. The machine works great!I have probably made 150 buttons and I've only had maybe 5 failures? And they were all user error or not pushing down hard enough *see belowI think it's mostly technique that yields good buttons. One important thing to do is to use a good template for your paper graphics, it should be about the same size as the mylar. If you make the paper design too small, it won't fold under the button correctly. I made mine 40mm in diameter for the 32mm button machine and it works great.Tips: Make sure you only use regular photocopy or laser paper. Don't use thicker paper stock. Make sure you only have one clear piece of mylar on top, not two. Static can make them stick together. Press down all the way on the lever, slowly and firmly. Doing it fast yields errors.When I press down on the backing with the safety pin, there's a noticeable point where the press stops, but then you can press it further. Press down ALL THE WAY to ensure a good tight seal.Good luck!