Last year we added a 130 mm Combination Ultra Rolling Mill with Ductile Frame from PepeTools to the studio, and it's already transformed the way we work with metal. This isn't just another tool on the bench — it's a workhorse that's helping us save money, reduce waste, and expand what we can do with silver.
Built for Precision and Longevity
This rolling mill is thoughtfully engineered with jewelers in mind. It features precision-machined, hardened rollers and a heavy-duty ductile iron frame that's designed to dampen vibration and stand up to repeated use. The robust 4:1 reduction gearing means turning the handle feels smooth and controlled — even with thicker pieces of metal.
What It Lets Us Do in the Studio
Here's how we're putting this tool to work every day:
♻️ Recycle and Reuse Silver Scraps
One of our favorite uses is turning leftover sterling silver from previous projects back into usable sheet. Instead of letting precious metal sit or sending it to a refinery, we're melting it down and rolling it into a clean, flat piece we can cut, texture, and shape for new designs. This practice is especially helpful with the increased cost of silver — every bit we can reclaim and reuse means less we need to buy.
📏 Make Custom Gauge Sheet Metal
Whether we need a thinner gauge for delicate components or a thicker sheet for more substantial pieces, the rolling mill lets us dial in consistent thickness right here at the bench. That gives us more design flexibility without waiting for new stock to arrive.
✨ Expand Creative Options
Rolling mills aren't just about flattening metal — they can also help with wire forming, shaping, and even texturing when paired with texture plates. It opens up all sorts of creative paths we're excited to explore.
💰 Stretch Your Materials Further
Material costs have been on the rise, and sterling silver is no exception. By making our own sheet from scraps and pre-rolled stock, we can stretch every ounce further, which ultimately helps us keep our pricing competitive without compromising on quality.
A Tool That Keeps Giving
Investing in a quality rolling mill like this one isn't just about adding another gadget — it's about empowering smarter workflow and thoughtful use of materials. It's already become one of our go-to tools on the bench, and we can't wait to showcase jewelry made possible by this upgrade.
The rolling mill plays a direct role in our sea glass jewelry — every back plate is hand-rolled and cut right here in the studio. If you love the idea of wearing something truly handcrafted from start to finish, explore our sea glass jewelry collection.