Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

With modifications
It still sucks!

• Item being reviewed: Microfold brake corrugator ▼

  Q: What's this all about anyway?
  
  A: This is supposed to make a corrugated pattern in thin, annealed, soft metals like gold, silver, or copper.
• Manufacturer: Generic ▼

  Who makes this and what is their history?
  
  A: If it looks like this, it is the same. The only difference may be the handle, knobs, or color.
• Retail price: $200 ▼

  What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price?
  
  A: Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are likely to be found with some searching.
• Appearance: 7 ▼

  Q: Simply, how does it look? While subjective, does it have clean lines, professional appearance, etc.?
  
  A: It looks like it will do the job and it's heavy, so no mistaking it for a lightweight stamped metal imitator.
• Packaging: 5 ▼

  Q: Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?
  
  A: This came in a box with a set of spare rollers for a different "pitch" corrugation effect.
• Initial set-up time: Minimal ▼

  Q: After removing contents from box, how long before it can be used?
  
  A: It is ready to go minus some cleaning.
• "Plug and play": Just about ▼

  Q: Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts?
  
  A: It requires a vise or a system to secure it to a stable work surface.
• Additional costs or equipment: Minimal ▼

  Q: Not included with the purchase, what else is required and how much does it cost?
  
  A: Other than the mounting provisions, nothing else. I reworked some parts like the knobs with poor threading. Wing nuts allow easy adjustments.
• Set-up time for each use: Minutes ▼

  Q: From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved?
  
  A: This takes virtually no time.
• Storage provisions: Cardboard box ▼

  Q: What or how is the equipment stored when not in use as provided by the manufacturer?
  
  A: For something as expensive as this set, the cheap flimsy cardboard box won't last. I repurposed a latched metal case.
• Storage time: Seconds ▼

  Q: How long soea it take to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, etc.?
  
  A: It's best to wipe clean and apply oil to prevent rusting.
• Ongoing costs: None ▼

  Q: What is the cost of using the equipment: replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.?
  
  A: This item will need, or should need, nothing.
• Maintenance: Minimal ▼

  Q: What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.?
  
  A: Some oil on exposed metal areas should suffice.
• Usability: Simple ▼

  Q: Is it complicated to use?
  
  A: Other than adjusting the rollers, which seems to be perfunctory since it doesn't work well anyway, just turn the handle.
• Functionality: 2 ▼

  Q: How well does it do its job?
  
  A: While the rollers are about 8" wide, any piece of metal wider than about 3" will not corrugate fully and consistently. The rollers don't even align along their length (not parallel to each other or the frame, egads).
• Robustness: N/A ▼

  Q: How well-constructed or flimsy is it?
  
  A: Since it really doesn't work as it should, it's a moot point. However, its weight is substantial so you'd mistake it for a quality piece.
• Value: 1 ▼

  Q: Based on price, performance, and function, is it worth it?
  
  A: Really disappointing.
• Adjustability: 2 ▼

  Q: Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?
  
  A: These have two sets of rollers to theoretically get two different corrugation widths. Sure, you can adjust the roller spacing but unless the rollers are basically touching, fuggetaboutit.
• Meeting expectations: 1 ▼

  Q: Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?
  
  A: This is a major letdown.
• Innovation: Average ▼

  Q: How ingenious or clever is the design or concept?
  
  A: Nothing special here but something like this would/could work if designed better and with stricter manufacturing tolerances.
• Results: 2 ▼

  Q: What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not decent quality.
  
  A: Again, as long as it's super thin and narrow, it will mostly work.
• Timeliness: 8 ▼

  Q: How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?
  
  A: This effect is difficult to duplicate any other way. However, this unusually high rating disregards the other flaws.
• Skill level: None ▼

  Q: What mechanical aptitudes or skills does one need to use it?
  
  A: Basically, tighten the rollers until they touch and turn the handle.
• Documentation: None ▼

  Q: Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line?
  
  A: These had nothing with them. At least give something for spending $200!
• Customer service: N/A ▼

  Q: How quickly do they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory?
  
  A: This product is made by a no-name company in China or India so the best you'll get is the distributor or retailer who can only apologize and hopefully fix any problems.
• Comparative: N/A ▼

  Q: How does this compare to similar machines within its price range?
  
  A: For about 10x as much you could buy a Durston corrugating rolling mill or for 1/5 the price get a Gill tube wringer. A glutton for useless, ineffective, poorly made tools would buy the zig zag roller, but it won't corrugate.
• Recommendation: Understand its strict limitations ▼

  Q: My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it knowing what I learned about it?
  
  A: If it's less than 2" wide and super thin and super annealed, maybe it'll work. Those seeking a dramatic, deep texture may have to look elsewhere.

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