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Item being reviewed: Durston D130 Rolling Mill
Rolling mill with multiple wire-shaping options
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Manufacturer: Durston Tools
English manufacturer since the mid-1900s, they make
other tools for the jewelry trade. Rolling mills are a signature part of their product line.
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Retail price: $2,500
MSRP supplied by the manufacturer. Discounts are likely to be found
with some searching.
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Appearance: 9
Classic shape, definitely a piece of machinery.
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Packaging: unknown
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.
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Initial set-up time: unknown
It was ready when I got it minus the damaged parts.
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"Plug and play": Yes
You're ready to do everything it's capable of right from the
get-go.
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Additional costs or equipment: If desired
Durston makes textured patterns for the small outboard wheels.
Also, their round lower rollers supposedly fit this machine.
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Set-up time for each use: A few minutes
Clean the rollers and you're good to go.
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Storage provisions: None
I made a form-fitting cover from a thick vinyl shower curtain.
Dust and flying shop debris is definitely simething to keep away from the machine.
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Storage time: A few minutes
Clean and grease every questionable exposed metal
surface, rollers no matter what. Keep it covered.
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Ongoing costs: Low
Aside from basic maintenance supplies it
shouldn't need anything unless it breaks.
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Maintenance: Yes, every use
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. Only roll clean, known metals.
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Usability: Easy
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. These should be something Durston makes given the price point.
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Functionality: 9
It works darn good.
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Robustness: 8
As wide as it is, it could benefit from a sturdier
frame. Still, it's probably better than most.
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Value: 7
This saves a lot of time with its square wire rollers
and half-round side rollers.
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Adjustability: 6
It would be great to have a thicker capacity for the flat rollers.
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Meeting expectations: 8
A few small things were annoying. Not deal-breakers
but should have been better.
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Innovation: Average
It's a well-made rolling mill for the hobbyist or pro but it's
not re-inventing the wheel.
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Results: 9
This has been a workhorse. I've rolled many miles of wire through it.
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Timeliness: 8
It takes time to roll out metal, make no mistake about it.
You won't match its speed by hand (hammer) forging but rolling out a long strand of wire
is literally thousands of turns of the handle.
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Skill level: Low
This item just requires that you aren't a dumbass and can follow
instructions.
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Documentation:
There is something on their website but I think they are relying
on the user being familiar with these machines.
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Customer service: ???
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.
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Comparative: tbd
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.
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Recommendation: 8
Overall, it has proven invaluable.