Abstract: A semi-automated machine for use with Spendel type belt buckle dies which are mounted on a horizontally reciprocable table to position selectively either an outer or an inner buckle piece die beneath an upper die, which is adapted with a core and a pressure frame controlled by a pressure cylinder called a shot cylinder and a pin that entends into an annular ring and a mandrel. The upper die receives initially an outer buckle piece member and it decorative covering, retains them and then forcibly urges them against an inner buckle piece member to form a decorative buckle that need not rely on adhesives. A power cylinder urges the upper die downward, while another called a slide cylinder, reciprocates a table on which the lower dies are secured. An operator guard is reciprocably retained on the table support to move oppositely from the table to force the operator's hands and arms away from the danger of the engaging dies, being powered for such movement by a fluid cylinder.