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Thread: The next step...?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    14

    Default The next step...?

    I'm thinking about buying a rolling mill and workbench and taking it a bit more seriously. Been selling some pieces for firends and family and making a nice little side income as well as having a good time and achieving a rather healthy level of self confidence as a result of my relative success.

    Thinking about stepping it up a level. I have all the basics. Is it worth me investing in this kind of equipment at this early stage of my 'jewellery making career' lol ???

    Any advice would be lovely???

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Bristol
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    879

    Default

    I guess it depend on what techniques you want to be able to use - I bought a rolling mill earlier this year and have used it just once I am ashamed to say! I finish my full time job next week and it's my plan to master the rolling mill as I got in a right muddle with it last time!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Scotland
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    Default

    I spent a lot of money on a rolling mill too....and it is just sitting on the end of my bench gathering dust!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Market Deeping
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    Default

    When you say "have all the basics" what do you consider the basics.
    These are some of the things I use most (excluding tools like files,hammers,saws etc)
    A proper height workbench (eases back ache and brings things to better visual height)
    A bench peg (attached to bench, as above)
    Decent Torch for soldering & three solders
    A Flex-shaft with polishings attachments, burrs etc
    A rotary or Magnetic Tumbler
    Mandrels for ring forming
    Bangle Mandrel

    Yes I have a rolling mill but don't use it hugely as I'm also a Metal Clay artist and that's a much quicker way of introducing texture....
    (which is why another vital tool for me is my kiln)

    Nicola x
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Shetland
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    129

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MuranoSilver View Post
    When you say "have all the basics" what do you consider the basics.
    These are some of the things I use most (excluding tools like files,hammers,saws etc)
    A proper height workbench (eases back ache and brings things to better visual height)
    A bench peg (attached to bench, as above)
    Decent Torch for soldering & three solders
    A Flex-shaft with polishings attachments, burrs etc
    A rotary or Magnetic Tumbler
    Mandrels for ring forming
    Bangle Mandrel

    Yes I have a rolling mill but don't use it hugely as I'm also a Metal Clay artist and that's a much quicker way of introducing texture....
    (which is why another vital tool for me is my kiln)

    Nicola x
    These are the tools that I use myself with exception of the flex-shaft I would love a rolling mill but cannot justify it at present. I also like to make things the same way they were about 1200 years ago. So the more basic the tools the better.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Newcastle Upon Tyne
    Posts
    339

    Smile

    I used a rolling mill at uni all the time, and when I started my own business from home I had to make do without one. I personally found while I didn't have the money I could make do with hammers or I just bought the right size metal when needed, I have also adjusted my designs to suit this.

    Make a note to yourself when you would use one while you're working, if it seems like its popping up all the time it might be worth it. I've seen some cheap ones on ebay, but I wouldn't know if the quality matches the price!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Chepstow
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    1,072

    Default

    Ooooh soooooooo want a rolling mill!!!! But seriously don't have ANYWHERE to put it. Have most of basics including those Nicola mentions.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Doune, By Stirling, Scotland
    Posts
    27

    Default Rollingmills

    Hiya,

    if you're going to buy a rolling mill, for god's sake don't buy a cheapy Indian made one (which is mostly what you'll find on Ebay), you'll be throwing good money away. The metal is soft and they don't line up properly. Also if you're a chick, don't buy one with no gearing mechanism, as you'll end up having to get up on a chair and try to kick the handle round!! (yes, this is from experience... I managed to move the bench it was attached to from one end of the workshop to the other, but not the handle - much swearing ensued and then had to ask my male colleague to do it for me, much to my mortification!) Save, save save and buy a decent one, if you think you need one at all. I used it all the time but was doing repairs, so had to make odd-sized pieces for wedding rings etc, and used the wire part more than anything else, but I guess you could use a swage block to make half round thick wire etc. Never used it for texturing since I left college but probably would if I had my own workshop now, hopefully will soon, I've fallen off the jewellery wagon for a while now and miss it like stink - just the evil money holding me back at mo.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Buckingham
    Posts
    903

    Default

    I bought my rolling mill from America a few years back when the exchange rate was good Saved lots of money!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Milton Keynes and London
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    787

    Default

    get the bench, hold back on the rolling mill until you are sure (if you have to ask etc). look out for them second hand!
    Em

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