A Bit more advice on a Rolling Mill

**The Dragon** · 06-12-2009, 01:28 PM

Ok I've managed to persuade my rellies not to give me any presents this year but give me money to go towards a rolling mill. I haven't got a cat in hells chance of affording a Durston but I have seen a new one on on Ebay.

It's sold by a firm in Leicester called Proops Brothers and although they don't list a brand name it does have the following:

Supplied with SS gears and wheels
2 Plain Rollers
2 Wire Rollers
1 Cross/Flat Check
1 Dull & Lining
1 'V' Groove and Half Round

It's £184.00 with free p&p. As I've never used a rolling mill I'm not sure if this is a good buy or not, anyone have any thoughts?

**Green Beetle** · 06-12-2009, 03:05 PM

Might be worth a trip to Leicester (or somewhere near, I don't think they are actually in Leicester) and have a look at it.

I'd be very interested in what you think - someone I met was singing Proops Bros praises because of their prices but I'm a suspicious type and have wondered about the quality of their stuff.

**WitchfordSilver** · 06-12-2009, 03:51 PM

I have one which i got off ebay which looks very much like the Proops one i saw last weekend, except that the one I got has guards covering the cogs. They are ok for the price but I would try and save up and get a good one to start with.

They do come with up to 7 rollers but can take ages to change, lots of bolts to undo, castings to remove. Then you've got to set them up again. I've found that the way mine has the cogs welded to the screws I can't get the rollers perfectly parallel.

If i did it again i would waite to buy a combi-roller no need to change rollers. buy the best you can.

**mizgeorge** · 06-12-2009, 04:46 PM

I have a cheapie rolling mill, and for my purposes it works just fine. I'd love a Durston, and one of these days I will get one, but the price difference was just too great for me to justify it at this stage - it meant I was able to afford my foredom, which I wouldn't be without.

I'm sure the wire rolling isn't as accurate as it could be, but I rarely use this (I'm quite happy to draw my wire). I use it mainly for texturing sheet and thinning solder.

Mine also has guards, and I can change the rollers in under 10 minutes, including a good clean and re-grease.

**ben b** · 06-12-2009, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by mizgeorge

I'm sure the wire rolling isn't as accurate as it could be, but I rarely use this (I'm quite happy to draw my wire)..

Ive not heard of a rolling mill rolling wire? It will roll a square rod, which can be then drawn down into a round wire.

if you want to melt your own alloy, and then make a round wire, a rolling mill is essential, as the square rod it produces is an intermediate stage between rough melted shape and a square rod thin enough to begin the draw plate proccess.

If you draw your own wire without using a mill, are you talking about drawing down thicker wire stock, bought in?

**Sandra** · 13-09-2013, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by mizgeorge

I have a cheapie rolling mill, and for my purposes it works just fine. I'd love a Durston, and one of these days I will get one, but the price difference was just too great for me to justify it at this stage - it meant I was able to afford my foredom, which I wouldn't be without.

I'm sure the wire rolling isn't as accurate as it could be, but I rarely use this (I'm quite happy to draw my wire). I use it mainly for texturing sheet and thinning solder.

Mine also has guards, and I can change the rollers in under 10 minutes, including a good clean and re-grease.

Could you tell me which Foredom tool you are referring to? I am looking for a way to texture sheet metal without having to spend a fortune!

**mizgeorge** · 13-09-2013, 08:25 PM

A completely different tool Sandra - it was a reference to a pendant motor, which I bought with the money I saved by buying a cheap rolling mill.

If you want an alternative to a rolling mill for texturing, etching might be your best bet - it's a very cheap option (if a little more time consuming) but does give you a huge range of possibilities.

**tjaysilver** · 03-02-2010, 06:28 PM

I'm pretty sure the one my hubby got me was from Proops came with all sorts of stuff and I find it good I'm sure there is better out there for more money but then there always is.

I think you will find this one ok.