Rolling mill ratio drum

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hey everyone I have query about my rolling mill, it’s rather old and
doesn’t have the gear ratio drum on it, I was just wondering if
anyone knew whether I could buy one for it? And where I might find
one.

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Thanks heaps
Luke

2

Someone may recognise this mill, looks like one of the Italian ones.

Nowt wrong with that tho, however my advice would be to look for one
thats got the epicyclic reduction gear on it, like a Durston, and
sell yours on to a beginner on this forum. That will be a lot less
hassle than trying to modify something.

Most proper as in 25 plus worker jewellery production factories have
a machine shop and a tool room so doing this would be easy, however
most workers here are one pair of hands bench workers without the
luxury of a supporting machine shop. It really makes a difference
having one. Theres just one other than myself here, that have!! that
Brian or Alberic, over on the W Coast USA. Anyone else have a fully
equipped machine shop? just asking? Im however in Dorset UK.

Ted.

3

HI Ted,

There are a few others that I know of who’re tool geeks like me and
Lee, but they’re not on Orchid. I can think of two off hand who have
multiple rose engines, for example…

But it’s a pretty rare combination of skills, interest, and space
for all the crap. Especially in California.

(Would you believe I now have six instrument lathes? And it all
started with wanting spare parts for the one I started with.)

Meanwhile, on the original topic, I’d agree with Ted: Buy one that’s
set up with reduction gears to start with, and sell this one on to a
beginner. Preferably one in their 20’s, just out of school, and
feeling strong.

The difference between the costs of the two machines will probably
be less than you’d pay for the reduction gear set by itself, and
certainly less than you’d pay to make it work on a machine that
wasn’t designed for it to start with.

Sometimes, it’s best to trade money for time. (that you use to make
more money.)

Regards,
Brian
AKA Alberic.

PS. Ted, if you ever get to Berlin, you MUST get down the German
Technology Museum near the old Anhalter Bahnhof. They’ve got an
entire East German jewellery manufacturing shop, complete with drop
hammers, fly presses, chain machines, and etc, and it’s all still
running, and in use periodically. I was there a couple of weeks ago,
and had a VERY good time. Really interesting rolling mill: it comes
apart sideways, for replacing the rolls with embossing rolls of
various widths. The outboard support frame is adjustable for width,
which is an interesting thing to see. All sorts of step-by-step
displays with their drop hammer dies as well.