Machine dies for spots: top or bottom loading?

[ButtonLady]

There are two ways to load a spot (rhinestone, round, etc.) into a die.  The way you do it depends on your machine and/or die brand:

1.  Right side UP into the top die

• Pro... You can see what you're doing (your work is always visible).
• Con... Your fingers will be sore after pushing lots of sharp little prongs upwards into the die.
• Con... Rhinestone spots must be pre-assembled (= convenience, but at a cost).

2.  Right side DOWN into the bottom die

• Pro... Your fingers will thank you.
• Pro... Rhinestone spots don't need to be pre-assembled (= potential cost reduction), although pre-assembled rhinestones can be used.
• Con... You need to keep flipping your work.

So, before I get any deeper into The World of Spots... which setting method do people tend to prefer?  As far as I can tell, the biggest benefit to top loading dies is always having your work in front of you, but does that outweigh the disadvantages?

Thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

Edited December 2, 2020 by ButtonLady
Forgot a word (it's late and my brain hurts).

[ButtonLady]

Oops... didn't cite the images.  First is from Allstarco; second is from Standard Rivet.

[ButtonLady]

So, to clarify my question regarding machine dies for spots:

Top Loading vs. Bottom Loading

Do people (who set spots with machine dies) have a preference?  Does it depend on the application?

Help? 

[ButtonLady]

A spot can also be called a "nailhead" (or "nail head") or "stud" —different names for the same thing!

Based on the number of responses I'm getting... I'm guessing people here don't tend to use machine dies for application.  Do folks in general prefer setting spots (nail heads, studs, etc.) by hand?

[tsunkasapa]

3 hours ago, ButtonLady said:

A spot can also be called a "nailhead" (or "nail head") or "stud" —different names for the same thing!

Based on the number of responses I'm getting... I'm guessing people here don't tend to use machine dies for application.  Do folks in general prefer setting spots (nail heads, studs, etc.) by hand?

That is the way I do it.

[ButtonLady]

10 hours ago, tsunkasapa said:

That is the way I do it.

tsunkasapa, that is gorgeous work!  Your spacing and application is absolutely perfect, and the finished effect is stunning —stitching is nice, too.

Do you set spots (nail heads, etc.) with them facing you, or do you have to keep flipping the leather because you're setting them upside-down?

 

[tsunkasapa]

After I lay out the spacing, I poke all of the holes with a chisel I made from a screwdriver. Then I set all the spots from the top, flip it and bend the prongs with another small screwdriver.

[ButtonLady]

21 hours ago, tsunkasapa said:

After I lay out the spacing, I poke all of the holes with a chisel I made from a screwdriver. Then I set all the spots from the top, flip it and bend the prongs with another small screwdriver.

That's a clever way to do it.  I assumed some spots would work their way loose "in progress" if not set one at a time.  Clearly that's not the case.

Are you using 2-prong or 4-prong spots?

[tsunkasapa]

They are 2 prong. I also have a block of high density foam that I push the prongs into so I can keep the leather flat and do several before turning the project over.

[ButtonLady]

23 minutes ago, tsunkasapa said:

They are 2 prong. I also have a block of high density foam that I push the prongs into so I can keep the leather flat and do several before turning the project over.

Also clever!  I wasn't even thinking about keeping the leather flat while you space the spots.  The foam no doubt also prevents prongs from slipping out before they're set.

Do you also use a foam block to cushion the spot fronts while you're bending the prongs? —or just a workbench or table?

I apologize for all the questions, but this is fascinating and I'm thrilled you can share this information.  Thank you!