Rolling mill

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi, I have a question. I have a rolling mill that I haven’t used a
lot but would like to use more. It’s a really good Durston ( I think
that’s right) Anyway, In the past I have used a file folder that I
have cut designs out of to use as a pattern. The silver came out
very nice. A matt finish on the recessed part with the design raised
and shiny smooth. For some reason this isn’t working for me now.
I’m annealing the silver, placing it between a sheet of brass and the
file folder. The design is barely coming out on the silver. The
rollers are very tight. I have my son turn the handle because I
can’t. Anybody got any ideas? I can’t find any info on using the
rolling mill other than a Lapidary Journal from 1996. Are there any
books on this? Thanks

~Poppy~

2

Back it instead with a few layers of paper towel; this padding will
be forced through the opening by the pressure and raise your pattern.

HTH
Pam Chott
Song of the Phoenix

3

Dear Poppy, Goss Design Studio has Durston rolling mill instructions,
it’s also a neat web site to check out:

Marta in Sunny Sacramento

4 
    Anyway, In the past I have used a file folder that I have cut
designs out of to use as a pattern.  The silver came out very nice. 
A matt finish on the recessed part with the design raised and shiny
smooth.  For some reason this isn't working for me now.

Try a different brand of file folder. Different manufacturers have
different processes for manufacture, including fiber length and
quality. Perhaps this is the reason you have a different result now?
Also check your rollers with a feeler gauge all across the width to be
sure there is a consistent amount of space from one side to the other,
and including the middle. Your rollers may need to be dressed (a
process which makes the rollers even by regrinding or milling). Also
try various art papers. Old sample catalogs are great to
experiment with.

5

Dear Poppy I know of no books but there are extensive postings in
orchid about rolling mill topics of all sorts here is the address
http://ganoksin.com/Nuts/ …HTH

Ron

6

Poppy, if you are trying to use the same cut out you used before,
it’s only good for a very few passes. cut another design and try it
without the brass. The extra pressure that you are using probably
has caused the paper to lose nearly all texture and thickness. My
guess any way. Durston makes a fine mill.

Judy Hoch
@Judy_Hoch

7

Poppy, I think your rollers are too close together. It should not be
that difficult to turn the handle. Try it again, put the stack (paper,
silver & brass) between the rollers and close them just so that you
have to tug a little to remove the stack. then turn the handle a 1/4
or 1/3 of the way around to close the rollers just a bit more, and
roll the stack through.

Goss Design Studio has a wonderful web site which contains a page
just about roller printing. I was surprised to see their directions
were enclosed with my Durston rolling mill when I opened the box.
Durston obviously endorses their methods for roller printing.

Gail Middleton
Brooklyn, NY

8

I am forging silver bracelets and injured my trapezius muscle. I
think a rolling mill would be very useful. Does anyone know of a
source for a gently used rolling mill? DeeAnn

9

Dear DeeAnn, SNAG had one for their silent auction which I don’t
believe was sold. Try getting in touch with SNAG through their
website. Sam Patania, Tucson

10

Check website Ringtools.com. And you can 1-800 221 4812. Karat
Rolling Mills Kenneth Singh.