Rolled edge

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’d really appreciate some help. I would like to put a rolled edge
on a strip of metal, such as the edge seen on a steel can or a cookie
cutter. Is there a hand tool or benchtop tool that can do this ? I’m
drawing a total blank on this process. I plan on using metal that is
about 22 gauge or thinner. So far I can’t find this in my references,
or I’m looking in the wrong place.

Thanks,
Allyson Morrison
@iamorrison

2

Allyson;

If you are starting out with flat stock, you might try a ‘bench
brake’. I see these small unite in many of your mail order tool
catalogs.—(most cost effective.) The only other tool would be a
rolling mill, with custom made rollers.(note–one such tool was
mentioned in another Orchid --Email… Do enjoy

Dave

3

You need to look in stuff on tinsmithing or sheet metal work. They
do have tools for this purpose but they may be too big for your work.
You could also check with a local tinsmith-sheet metal shop-heating
and airconditioning contractor. Some of these will have the tools.
Some will either do it for you with you there to guide what they do.

Jesse

4

I believe that tinsmiths have a rolling device to do this. Are you
putting this on a flat piece of metal or some sort of container? I
also think that there is a way to roll metal over a wire by hand and
that I saw it in a “shop class project” type book instead of an "art"
type book. I may rummage around and see if I’ve still got it.

Marilyn Smith

5

Jessie, thanks for digging out the for Allyson . I tried
to reply to your message but it kept getting kicked back.

Marilyn

6

Allyson,

There is sheet metal fabrication tool that rolls those edges. I have
never used one. But I did find one at Harbor freight. Here is the
direct link to the page

They also have an electric version. I don’t know if the rollers are
included or not. You may consider having a local sheet metal shop roll
the edges for you.

Timothy A. Hansen

TAH Handcrafted Jewelry
web-site: www.home.earthlink.net/~tahhandcraft
e-mail: @Timothy_A_Hansen

7

Allyson ,

I do not know about a hand tool ,but there is a good description of
doing a rolled edge in Herbert Maryon’s book “Metalwork and
Enamelling” in the chapter on Mouldings.

Danny

8

I think I might have found the solution to the challenge.

in “The Machinists Bedside Reader” by Guy Lautard there is a short
article reproduced from “The American Machinists Magazine” C1931 that
shows a simple solution to rolling edges.

I’ve posted the article on my website and you can find it at

http://www.goldandstone.com/mainpages/beading-tool.htm

Tony Konrath

Gold and Stone

tony@goldandstone.com

www.goldandstone.com

9 
I'd really appreciate some help.  I would like to put a rolled edge
on a strip of metal, such as the edge seen on a steel can or a cookie
cutter. Is there a hand tool or benchtop tool that can do this ?  I'm
drawing a total blank on this process. I plan on using metal that is
about 22 gauge or thinner.  So far I can't find this in my references,
or I'm looking in the wrong place.

Thanks,
Allyson Morrison
iamorrison@mindspring.com

Dear Allyson,

I may not be on target here, but if your purpose is to have a rounded
edge on your metal (and not a RAISED rounded edge), what you would
need to do is start with round wire and mill it down. This will give
you a rounded edge as opposed to a crisp edge if you were to use
square wire. The refiners use this method, Hagstoz always asks me if
I want them to use round or square wire when I order flat rectangular
wire. What I choose will determine the edge. If you want a raised
edge, can’t help you, maybe someone else can!
Suzanne

10

Hi,

A company called Eastwood tools used to make such a thing. It is used
mainly on automotive sheet metal to get bead on the edge. Size of bead
might be too large for your needs but it will give you an idea of the
way the machine works. I think sheetmetal shops employ a similar tool
as well.

Check out their website www.eastwoodcompany.com - check under
metalworking tools.

Good Luck,
Cameron Speedie
Island Gem and Rock

11

Howdy Folks, I’m a faceter, not a metal worker, but I don’t recall
seeing anyone suggest soldering a wire onto the edge of the sheet
metal. I guess you’d want it’s diameter to be about twice the sheet’s
gauge? Is that do-able? Carl 1 Lucky Texan

12

Armorers have been doing this with simple hand tools & an anvil since the middle ages; long before power tools & machining was invented. Power tools can make this easier - especially if you’re doing it in steel. But I really enjoy forging silver & gold, so I’m tickled to learn about this.

I found this thread while researching the technique so I’m going to post this link for others who stumble on this thread. Hope you find it helpful!