Rolling mill bearing question.

Joined
Jun 22, 2002
Messages
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Sad day tommorrow I have to give back the rolling mill I have had a lend of the last couple of months.

Does anyone have the modified version called the blue crusher.
The original Hugh McDonald version has large bronze bushes for the top roller. I saw the new model uses pilar blocks and bearings.

I am going to build one. Has anyone had problems with the bearings on the new model. I would rather use bearings than bushes.

Any thoughts.
 
I've only seen pictures of the blue crusher. I have however, built one from Hugh's plans. Instead of using bushings, I did replace that part with large pillow blocks. The only thing that I had to change was the bottom roller assembly, it had to be about an inch longer or so.

Here's a link to some pictures. http://www.polarbearforge.com/rolling_mill.htm

Jamie
 
Thank you for the information you have made my day. Your sight is well worth a look around. You have a great selection in your galery.

I carted Jim STEELE'S machine home to him today now he has his new work shop up and running. Do you get any use out of the side lever. I was just using the threaded rod, not too much per bite and it works better as the bilet gets thinner.

I think I will go for the pilar block aswell. I made the mistake of spreading a little of the grease from the top bronze bushes onto the roller.
I thought it would have burned off quick but it caused all kinds of problems with slipping. I saw another fellow put some oil type spray to keep the roller protected against moisture same problem. It is working fine now the grease is gone.
The puley ratio is slightly different on Jim's and the other one I saw was different again.

I thought there were problems with the machine at first but I must admit it was me (operator error) Now I have used one I have to build one for myself. The power of the motor is important. I will go for
at least 1 hp. A high torque capacitor motor.

For the suburbs the roller seems to be quiet enough. I don't dare build a power hammer.

Thanks again
 
sheesh .. i spray a little bit of oil on my precious new rolling mill and suddenly im labeled a mill moron, is that it??
:D :p

so i guess we wont see you posting anything for about a month since all your spare time will be used in making your machine?

:)

D.
 
Why go manual when there are electric rolling mills available now.They really cut time in half
 
Why go manual when there are electric rolling mills available now.They really cut time in half
 
Dion

I would have done the same thing with the spray. It is the clever thing to do caring for your tools. I just mentioned it to save others the same problem. Gary Wood and Jim have also had slipping problems.

I did not mention it was you either. You stuck your hand up all by yourself. Good to see you can cop it on the chin without a blink.

When are you going to send me a few pics of a pile of new damascus.

Did You try Jacksons Ceramic division in Subiaco for the thermocoat 300. 9383 9777

I forgot the other store don't have it.
 
Reg~

i know you didnt mention me, i was just kidding with ya.

dont worry .. im happy to own up to my mistakes.
:D
thats a lot of owning up to do though.

i havent had any problems with any slipping now tha the oil is off the rollers, so i think you were right, it really it better to keep the oil off .. besides, if we are using our mills enough they wont have enough time to get rusty
:)

apparently jacksons and the other suppliers have stopped storing thermacoat because it has a horribly short shelf life, so they just dont find it worth their time and investment.

i dont have any new damascus made up yet .. hence no pics ..
been trying to get some stainless blades finished up ..
but i did get to flatten out some silver plate for jewellery work, man that thing is just awesome.
:D
it sure beats having to hammer the plate flat.

pics coming soon .. promise.

D.
 
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