Maybe a dumb question about a pasta roller

[Tela]

I was admiring some earrings that Susan made and my husband wondered if something like that could be done with a good quality pasta machine. Don't laugh, I'm serious.

edited to add that I am referring to milling with a pasta machine

[susan]

Tela, what a great question!! I have some experience working with polymer clay with a pasta machines, so I am familiar with both the pasta machine and the rolling mill. Both have similar actions in that they have horizontal rollers that operate by turning a handle, but the pounds of pressure that is on the rolling mill is greater than that of the pasta machine. Also, the handle on the rolling mill is designed to take a great amount of leverage, while the pasta machine handle is short and not suitable for this type of pressure. Now mind you, this is only an educated guess and not tried and true. One more thing that I would mention is that the rollers on the rolling mill are thick steel. The steel is fairly unyielding. When I lift my pasta machine I can do so with one hand, with the rolling mill I have to use both hands and a little bit of strength, due to the heavy nature of the entire machine. The rolling mill is a work horse.

Now, having said all of this, there is a machine that I have used to emboss and cut very thin gauge soft metals, like silver and copper at about 30gauge. This machine is the Sizzix and is typically used to cut and emboss paper, fabric, cardstock, chipboard and other similar materials with the commercial paper dies and embossing folders. Another machine, that is used typically for paper cutting is called Pazzle's Inspiration and this system has an attachment used for engraving metal, glass and Plexiglas by using the fonts on your computer. The system is a bit pricey, but if you already own one, this is an added feature of the machine.

In conclusion, I would recommend using the rolling mill for embossing delicate items like dried leaves, fabric and paper onto thicker metals and commercial paper embossing folders for 30 gauge or thinner metals with the paper cutting machines found at local craft stores.

Either way, happy rolling!!

~Susan

[Tela]

Susan, thank you for such an awesome answer! Now, I know. I'll be sure to tell my husband, too. (Maybe, he's been thinking of getting me a mill- wouldn't that be cool? )