If you are new to jewelry making or want to improve your toolkit, a rolling mill is very useful. From shaping sheet metal to forming wire, it opens a host of creative possibilities.
What is a rolling mill?
A rolling mill is a tool used in metalworking and jewellery making to compress and reshape metal. The typical jewellery rolling mill uses two hardened steel rollers that flatten or reshape metal by applying consistent pressure.
Using a rolling mill for jewellery transforms metal into different gauges and even changes its shape. For example, passing a round disc through the rollers will flatten it into an oval, a key technique in many jewellery designs.
How to set up a rolling mill?
- Make sure your rolling mill is fixed to your workbench before you start to piece everything together. This will help you to quickly fix all components together without any pieces moving.
- Before you piece all the components together, you’ll find that some of them may be a little greasy. This is completely normal. Simply use a paper towel to remove excess grease that could interfere with your bar rolling mill process.
- To add the handle of your Cooksongold rolling mill, you’ll first need to remove the nut and washer from the lowest small cog at the side of the mill.
- Pop the lever into place and reattach the washer and nut until it’s finger tight. Follow up with a wrench to fully tighten.
- For easier access, lift the lever to its highest point and add the handle by screwing it into place. Add the bolt to the back of the handle and continue screwing until it’s fixed firmly in place.
- Now take the working handle and place it between the screw gears at the top of the rolling mill. Twist to make sure it’s properly in place.
How to use a rolling mill
If using a rolling mill for jewellery is something you’re new to, then don’t worry. We’ve collated all our tips on the rolling mill process and the best way to use it in this handy video.
How to roll sheet
Rolling sheet metal is one of the most common uses for a rolling mill. Before you begin, it’s important to make sure the metal has been annealed, cleaned and dried. Once prepared, adjust the roller gap so the sheet can just about pass through, then reduce the gap slightly to apply pressure. Hold the sheet with one hand and turn the handle with the other, feeding the metal through the rollers. After the first pass, check the thickness and repeat until you reach the desired gauge, annealing again if necessary.
Creating ovals
To create oval shapes, take a metal disc and feed it through the rollers as you would with sheet. This compresses the metal and begins to stretch it into an oval. Measure the length and thickness and repeat the process making sure to always feed it in the same direction to further elongate the shape.
Shaping wire
When shaping wire, many rolling mills feature grooves that allow you to form square or D-shaped profiles. The wire should be properly prepared and cleaned before rolling. Feed it into the grooves and turn the handle, then rotate the wire between passes to shape it evenly. This technique is ideal for creating more structured or decorative wires used in settings and frames.
Benefits of using a rolling mill
Here are just a few reasons why a rolling mill can become one of your most-used tools:
- Versatility: Shape both wire and sheet metal, and even imprint textures using pattern plates.
- Efficiency: Save time and money by reducing metal yourself instead of ordering multiple gauges.
- Precision: Get the exact thickness and shape needed for your project.
- Creativity: Use with texture sheets or organic materials to emboss patterns.
- Durability: With proper care, a rolling mill can last decades.
- Professional Results: Achieve clean, consistent finishes that elevate your work
How to service your jeweller’s rolling mill
Stripping down and servicing your rolling mill is simple. With just a few tools and the right know-how, it should only take ten minutes. Follow our video below to keep your rolling mill in good condition.
- 1. Remove the key at the top of the rolling mill.
- 2. Take a 13mm spanner and loosen the screws at the top of the rolling mill. Once loose you should be able to remove the top section completely.
- 3. Remove the top and bottom rollers, leaving the springs to one side.
- 4. Now take the cogs off the rollers, keeping the washers and bolts safely stored together.
- 5. Grease the end of the rollers, but do not get any grease or oil on the working surface of the roller. This will ruin the roller. You only want to move the ends of the rollers that will be moving inside their blocks.
- 6. Reattach the washers and bolts once you’ve greased the ends of the rollers. As you do add a little grease to the ends of the bolts.
- 7. Repeat this process for all the rollers.
- 8. Take the main unit and run some grease on the inside channels that are not painted. This is where the rollers move up and down on their blocks.
- 9. As you piece the rolling mill back together, make sure that you wipe any excess grease off the roller surfaces as you go.
- 10. Grease the springs between the rollers if you think they need it, and don’t forget to grease each bolt as you piece the tool back together.
Best practices when using a rolling mill
When using a rolling mill, consider the following best practice hints and tips:
- Always work with dry metal to prevent rust and marks
- Roll gradually, reducing thickness in stages to avoid cracking
- Keep your mill clean and oiled to extend its lifespan
- Store properly, using a dust cover or cloth to protect the rollers
A rolling mill may be an investment, but it’s one that pays dividends in creativity and control. Whether you’re texturing, thinning or shaping, it unlocks techniques that would be difficult or impossible by hand.
Explore our full range of rolling mills and accessories at Cooksongold.
Jonathan Broadhurst