Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

Durston D2 130mm Rolling Mill
 

• Item being reviewed: Durston D130 Rolling Mill ▼

  Q: What's this all about anyway?
  
  A: Rolling mill with multiple wire-shaping options.
• Manufacturer: Durston Tools ▼

  Who makes this and what is their history?
  
  A: English manufacturer since the mid-1900s, they make other tools for the jewelry trade. Rolling mills are a signature part of their product line.
• Retail price: $2,500 ▼

  What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price?
  
  A: Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts may be found with some searching.
• Appearance: 9 ▼

  Q: Simply, how does it look? While subjective, does it have clean lines, professional appearance, etc.?
  
  A: Classic shape, definitely a piece of machinery.
• Packaging: unknown ▼

  Q: Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?
  
  A: I'm not sure how it comes packaged but mine was an open/missing box item so it was the rolling mill and nothing else.
• Initial set-up time: unknown ▼

  Q: After removing contents from box, how long before it can be used?
  
  A: It was ready when I got it minus the damaged parts and some cleaning. The rollers needed adjusting, however.
• "Plug and play": Yes ▼

  Q: Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts?
  
  A: You're ready to do everything it's capable of right from the get-go.
• Additional costs or equipment: If desired ▼

  Q: Not included with the purchase, what else is required and how much does it cost?
  
  A: Durston makes textured patterns for the small outboard wheels. Also, their round wire rollers supposedly fit this machine.
• Set-up time for each use: A few minutes ▼

  Q: From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved?
  
  A: Clean and adjust the rollers and you're good to go.
• Storage provisions: None ▼

  Q: What or how is the equipment stored when not in use as provided by the manufacturer?
  
  A: I made a form-fitting cover from a thick vinyl shower curtain. Dust and flying shop debris should be kept away from the machine.
• Storage time: A few minutes ▼

  Q: How long soea it take to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, etc.?
  
  A: Clean and grease every questionable exposed metal surface and rollers no matter what. Keep it covered.
• Ongoing costs: Low ▼

  Q: What is the cost of using the equipment: replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.?
  
  A: Aside from basic maintenance supplies it shouldn't need anything unless it breaks.
• Maintenance: Yes, every use ▼

  Q: What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.?
  
  A: This investment deserves some time. Keep covered when not in use. Clean rollers with solvent once in a while. Grease every exposed metal surface frequently and the rollers before storage.
• Usability: Easy ▼

  Q: Is it complicated to use?
  
  A: This is relatively simple once you understand how it works and fine-tune the rollers and gears. I made several add-on pieces to help with rolling long sheets and wires. Durston should make and supply something given the price point.
• Functionality: 9 ▼

  Q: How well does it do its job?
  
  A: It works darn good.
• Robustness: 8 ▼

  Q: How well-constructed or flimsy is it?
  
  A: As wide as it is, it could benefit from a sturdier frame. The outboard rollers are severely stressed and flex considerably when used. Still, it's probably better than most.
• Value: 8 ▼

  Q: Based on price, performance, and function, is it worth it?
  
  A: This saves a lot of time with its square wire rollers and half-round side rollers.
• Adjustability: 8 ▼

  Q: Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?
  
  A: It would be great to have a thicker capacity for the flat rollers.
• Meeting expectations: 8 ▼

  Q: Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?
  
  A: A few small things were annoying. Not deal-breakers but should have been better.
• Innovation: Average ▼

  Q: How ingenious or clever is the design or concept?
  
  A: It's a well-made rolling mill for the hobbyist or pro but it's not re-inventing the wheel.
• Results: 9 ▼

  Q: What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not decent quality.
  
  A: This has been a workhorse. I've rolled countless miles of wire and sheet through it.
• Timeliness: 8 ▼

  Q: How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?
  
  A: It takes time to roll out metal, make no mistake about it. You won't match its speed by hand (hammer) forging. Rolling out a long strand of wire is literally thousands of turns of the handle but far easier, quicker, and more consistent than a drawplate.
• Skill level: Low ▼

  Q: What mechanical aptitudes or skills does one need to use it?
  
  A: You must follow the instructions.
• Documentation: Minimal ▼

  Q: Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line?
  
  A: There is something on their website but I think they are relying on the user being familiar with these machines.
• Customer service: Mixed ▼

  Q: How quickly do they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory?
  
  A: They were quite responsive when they had to warranty the top wheel, plate, and gears. After that, nothing. Several of their dealers said the same.
• Comparative: tbd ▼

  Q: How does this compare to similar machines within its price range?
  
  A: I haven't used enough rolling mills to say one way or another. I'm told these are some of the best and for the most part, I believe it.
• Recommendation: Yes ▼

  Q: My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it knowing what I learned about it?
  
  A: Overall, it has proven invaluable.

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