========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm ]========
Rosenthal Supply in Miami has an extensive assortment of replacement
rollers and dies for making patterned stock..many don't know they
exist ( rosenthal that is) and their prices are hard to beat on
custom dies and rollers..i think they refinish rollers for around 15
bucks or so.. I'm with Jay on the winch,vice and draw tongs
drawbench..i think i saw the plans in either Complete metalsmith or
one of C.Lewton-Brain's books..the main thing is to buy draw tongs
that have malleable handles so you can bend them to fit the
retaining rings that do the pulling.. as far as drawplates..-and i 'm
betting there will be dissent on this point- there is no need for an
80-100 sapphire lined plate unless you are in the business of making
mill products..i have had really good ones and really bad ones..if
you opt for the 15 dollar combo plate you get usable stock that needs
a bit of finishing, not much but some - and it's easily
accomplished.. if you buy the twenty five dollar combo plate you get
usable stock with less finishing required..if you make it out of any
hardwood and then harden the holes,squares, etc, with fire and waxes,
you get usable stock too..it depends on what your needs are..don't
just buy to stock your larder with tools if you plan on buying
assorted shaped wire from metals dealers..( though i am an admitted
tool junkie myself- but after losing everything single tool I owned
to the flood after hurricane katrina it becomes apparent really fast
what you need, what you don't, and how many other people have the
same excesses of rarely used or surplus tools..)..for instance no one
uses pear, heart, or star shaped drawplates in this country
much..though in india drawing 6 gauge wire from it and slicing it as
decorative appliques is common..how many stars and hearts and
teardrop appliques do you think you'll use in a lifetime.??.then
having that 12 dollar drawplate may be for you..for tubing a swage
block has more uses than just tubing and with a self made wooden draw
plate for the final closures is ideal..a local machinist can make all
the metal plates you need usually cheaply so don't rule that custom
made possibility out..and step drills are wonderful for making wood
plates....Oh lightening, gotta cut off the power system !
R.E.Rourke
Would you like to reach Members of the Ganoksin Project to educate
them about the wonderful array of supplies, services and products
you have to offer?
Please request a copy of the Ganoksin Media Kit if you would like
more indepth information regarding Ganoksin's advertising services.