[Jewelry making - Article 00148] - Re: [Orchid] Economy Rolling Mills

[Karen Christians]

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Paul,

    First ask yourself these questions. What will I do with my rolling
    mill? 

    Is it a piece of equipment which I will use often? Does my work call
    for the occasional roller printing for a decorative piece? Or would
    the rolling mill be perfect when I need a piece of sheet or wire from
    an ingot of gold? 

    Personally, I want tools that I can grow into, not out of. If I were
    to sell my rolling mill today, I could actually sell it for more than
    than the original purchase price. I keep it it tip top condition and
    grease it when necessary. Every few months, I take out the feeler
    gauges and re-align the rollers if necessary. 

    Investing in a good rolling mill is like thinking about a car
    purchase. It is a lot of money and you get what you pay for. Also, a
    decent rolling mill from a reputable company has good customer
    service. They are companies that stand behind what they manufacture. 

    For my money, I would make the big purchase and go with a Durston. I
    have two in the school and have served me well for 12 years and the
    school for 8. I take care of them, they take care of my work. 

    Certain pieces I can scrimp on. When I needed 10 engraving balls for
    an engraving class, I didn't need to go to GRS, I found another
    source. Some pliers, a hammer, but I love tools and tend to purchase
    the best quality I can. The flex-shaft is another choice. I use a
    Foredom TX which works great for my needs. I don't need a fancy
    reversible motor, but might if I was left handed. Some of the work I
    do requires a bit of torque, so the TX really delivers. But for some
    who use their flex shaft about three times a year, one of the Chinese
    economy models would be fine. 

    -k 

    Where green things are FINALLY poking their heads from the ground. 

Karen Christians
M E T A L W E R X
50 Guinan St.
Waltham, MA 02451
Ph. 781/891-3854 Fax 3857
http://www.metalwerx.com/
Jewelry/Metalarts School & Cooperative Studio
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