Let's use an arbor press instead of a rivet press to install rivets, spring snaps, grommets, & more!

UPDATE OCTOBER 2023: Harbor Frieght has them back in stock in some stores but doesn't ship them. ***Amazon has 1/2 ton versions that are reported to work well. You may also want to try estate sales, second hand shops and pawn dealers, too!

(TIP: To skip the chatting and get straight to the demonstration click this timestamp:
13:00 Up close arbor press overview. )

In this video I'll show you an amazing (and inexpensive) alternative to table top rivet setters. This is one of my favorite tools in my sewing studio and I'm willing to bet you'll be considering adding one to your space before this video is complete!

I'm not the first person to film an arbor press tutorial. In fact, I learned a ton by watching Geordie Leather on YouTube. However, I do have a few different methods I think may be helpful and thought it would be worthwhile to film a tutorial of my own to share with you.


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TIMESTAMPS:
Click on the blue number to jump through the content.
00:15 Hi! Overview of the arbor press functionality and the tools I’ll be demonstrating.
13:00 Up close arbor press overview.
15:48 Making rivet placement templates from Dollar Tree cutting mats.
16:48 The amazing leather tab punch in action.
17:59 Using hollow punch kit to cut shaped holes.
19:01 Setting spring snaps without hammers – or bad words.
22:46 Setting double-sided rivets.
24:38 Setting double-sided rivets in very thick leather.
26:26 Embossing images into leather/vinyl
29:08 Installing 8mm grommets.
31:38 Installing small eyelet-stye grommets.
33:52 Closing comments.

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SOURCES (I am NOT compensated for these links):
✿ Non-Slip Material Used Under the Press and Cutting Board:
✿ Block Magnets:
✿ Tiny Button Magnets:
✿ Cutting Board:
✿ Round Hole Punch Set:
✿ Hollow Hole Punch Set (various shapes and sizes):
Leather Tab Punches (search Amazon for “Leather Tab Punch” for other options):
✿ 8MM Rivets with Setting Tools:
✿ Rivet Variety Pack with Setting Tools:
✿ Spring Snaps with Setting Tools:
✿ Sizzix Impressions Dies:
These come in a huge variety of dies. I’ve been unable to find the Sizzix bee set online (which I demonstrated in the video). I purchased it in person at my local Hobby Lobby. The product line is Sizzix Thinlets and you can find them instore and online through retailers such as Sizzix, Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Joann and Michaels and more.
✿ Alphabet Leather Stamps:
✿ Leather Stamping/Carving Set:
✿ Rose Gold 8MM Grommets:
✿ 8MM Grommet Setting Tool:
✿ Colored Eyelet Grommets with Setting Tools:

[robinanderson]

I know this video is older but I just wanted to thank you. This is amazing and exactly what I needed. I showed it to my hubby who is a harbor freight and northern tools nerd. I’m sure I will have one to play with very soon. I can’t wait to start playing. ❤

[bogopuar]

Thank you for this video. You have drastically changed my leather and canvas works

[miamontgomery]

I was shopping a rivet press when I encountered this video. I realized I'd bought an arbor press years ago for purposes of quickly softening/conditioning polymer clay. But it had been sitting unused until this fabulous tutorial gave it new life. I've got the rivet and grommet hand tools, so all I need now is the magnet, and it's already inbound! Thank you so very much for saving me money, and allowing me to repurpose a rather monstrous tool :).

[pjinlaca]

This is an amazing piece of equipment and I’m so impressed with your demonstration. Thank you so much for the excellent introduction! The hammering can be a distraction even for me when I’m doing it. This is such an affordable option 👏👏👏👏

[Sherry]

I am so glad I found you demonstrated all the uses! I love it. I am running to garb to pick one up today!

[smokeysmith]

Firstly, thanks for gracefully owning “dorky” and naming your machines ie chunk!!!!

[jesspeak]

Thank you for a very educational and unbiased tutorial. It is very generous of you to spend your time assisting other crofters make informed decisions and purchases.

[gsm]

35 minute tutorial., . . . didn't think I could. I'm proud of myself. Watched every minute. I LOVED IT. I mean, I had just done a search for "little wonder master tools vs Kam professional table press." & there you were. I love you.
Thank you so much for sharing. This is so very awesome. And I now know what Im gonna get. So, . . . screw the screwing! ! !
oh, did I tell you, how wonderful your tutorial is ?

[paull]

I think that’s great! Just a little heads up maybe putting something directly in the middle so when the press comes down your your white plate doesn’t flex three stacks of pallet. Wood works very well. You could even make a gig for the outside in the middle!! For leather clickerdye

[marybethburns]

Ok, well thank you very much for your help. Will order them tonight. So vey helpful. Trying to master this for a long time using a press from another company with poor results, encouraged to keep trying after watching your video!❤

[ccocokios]

Thanks for the cost conscious option demonstration! It really makes me feel more comfortable getting started in bag making without breaking the bank!

[dandelion]

Well you just solved months & months of questions I’ve had about other machines. Most were too expensive by the time I would have to buy die after die, specialized parts & rivets, etc! Or others that wouldn’t do everything I needed it to do. I’ve researched & watched videos til I’m exhausted from it. Then your video came up! WHAT A BLESSING! It’s 4:30 a m & I’m still watching & excited I found you & your video! You’ve absolutely solved my problem & I’m so happy I haven’t ordered anything yet. Thank you, dear Lord!
Thank you so much for sharing your techniques & your talents. Have a very blessed day!!

[jgsawka]

This is such a great video! Than you! I was about to buy a rivet setting tool but this is so much more versatile as you can just use the tools that come with the rivets or grommets etc instead of having to buy a different expensive die sets for the rivet setting tool. 😊

[johnnyc.]

I have those hollow hole punches. They work for the most part, but I make leather crafts, so they eventually separate, the weld breaks, and then when you're cutting a circle, it cuts 99% but leaves a gap, and then you have to cut with a knife. Better to spend the money on higher quality hole punches when you can afford them. That's my problem, I got most of my initial tools on Amazon.

FYI, you need to get a metal plate to put under your plastic piece under the arbor press. That will stop the plastic from bowing, and make it easier to cut holes. I'm sure you've figured all this out, now going on two years. And I also use the rectangular magnets on the arbor press to hold the plastic cutting board down so it doesn't move much.

[stephanieburroughs]

EXCELLENT!!! Thank you, this has been very useful. I'm getting ready to purchase a press, but found it daunting the cost of the dyes and the machine (and the screwing the top every time you wanted to change). Sure the instructor recommend having two, but this is so much more convenient and I don't have to think too much on the type of rivets, snaps to use.

[vo]

This video is amazing! I appreciate you taking the time to show the different ways to use the machine. Most of the arbor press videos show how to make alterations to the press for a specific purpose, unlike this video, you teach how to use the different attachments with the original press with a single "magnet", genius! Thanks again, glad I found you! 😊

[dasan]

The great thing about this press is that I could use it to repurpose a lot of tools I already have.

Thanks for a great video!

[lois]

Thanks for the vid. No apologies needed concerning the bruise. I myself bruise extremely easily. Sometimes I spot a bruised area on me, and I'm like, " Where did that come from? 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[karlakarlat]

Thank you for this tutorial. I read about the Arbor Press in a sewing group, but had no idea how it works as I have never used a press. This video explains clearly how to use it. Thank you again.

[smokeysmith]

Finally,
Was needing to know how to both identify and to install grommets. Chunky did good. “No pounding just pressing” lol