Brooks Ward 8/29/18

Looking for suggestions on forming perfect(ish) circles from brass rod.  We have a bender that can get close, but need some kind of mandrel to even out the rough spots. Jewelry Supply stores have bracelet mandrels, but they only seem to run to 3" (makes sense).  At my old job, we had a huge wooden cone I would use to even out curves, but I can't seem to find anything like that for sale, and I really don't want to go through making one from scratch. Any suggestions? -bw

david 8/29/18

Sounds like you're looking for a blacksmith's cone mandrel.  Usually goes from 10" diameter to around 2" diameter, and three to four feet tall.  They all seem to go for a bit over a thousand dollars on ebay. Or perhaps find a turner and have a nice wooden mandrel made, probably for less than a thousand. David

Jamie Hascall 8/29/18

A three wheel ring roller is the easiest way I know to make consistent rings and they are adjustable to do almost any size. Harbor Freight has one for about $80 and they go up in price and quality from there. There’s usually a flat spot at the beginning and then the roll is consistent. Do a search on Ring Roller and you’ll find a variety available. Good luck, Jamie

jpressler 8/29/18

Here’s one for $200.00 plus shipping http://www.saltforkcraftsmen.org/cone.shtml Jon Jonathan Pressler ON THE VERGE DESIGN 703.371.9841

amesgielow 8/29/18

I second the ring roller recommend. Especially for the price. I used something similar in sculpture classes in college but they had longer rollers. You can really dial those in for consistent circles.  How thick is the stock you're using?  Yours,  James  Spark and Anvil