This die has a set of mirrored retro pinup mermaid designs based on a 1950's postcard. The mermaids have oval borders with optional hanging loops. They can be used to make earrings or pendants, or focal pieces for bracelets. The tiny starfish can be sawed out and soldered (or glued) to the mermaids as pasties!
There is also a companion Rolling Mill Component Die with sea creature drops or links that can be hung from the mermaid component bottom loops. they can also be used to make a chain or bracelet, mirrored earring sets, or drops and links for other jewelry pieces. Find it here.
This die measures 3" X 3".
The mermaid component is a 61/64" wide X 1-1/4" tall oval excluding the hanging loops.
This Rolling Mill Component Die is a mild tool steel die that can be used in a rolling mill that can accommodate 3" wide by 1/8” thick material plus your metal and craft foam. The designs can be used for making earrings, pendants, and other smaller sized components.
These Rolling Mill Component Dies are for rolling mill use only. We tested them with a hydraulic press and we were able to get impressions. However, we also found that after the first couple of pressings the plates became dented. This happened because the type of tool steel necessary for use in a rolling mill is softer than the type of steel used in a hydraulic press.
Some of our dies will have an arrow to show the direction that the die should be fed through your rolling mill. The reason we mark certain dies is due to the fact that as the die and metal is pressed it stretches slightly which can slightly deform designs that have round elements or borders. To account for the stretch, we slightly shorten those designs so they will be closer to the right dimensions once pressed.
Retro Pinup Mermaid Rolling Mill Component Die
Usage
Metal Maven Rolling Mill Component Die Use Guidelines
These Rolling Mill Component Dies are for rolling mill use only. We tested them with a hydraulic press and we were able to get impressions. However, we also found that after the first couple of pressings the plates became dented. This happened because the type of tool steel necessary for use in a rolling mill is softer than the type of steel for using in a hydraulic press.
Your die will arrive lightly oiled with a lubricant called CorrosionX. It can be found at most auto supply stores. We highly recommend you use it or some kind of machine oil to protect your investment, especially if you live in a humid climate. We use it to keep rust from forming on our steel pieces, dies, rolling mill rollers and other tools. It also helps your silver or copper release from the die.
When you first set you rolling mill rollers, take your die and place a piece of dead soft copper on top of it. We have found that 20-gauge and 18-gauge copper works best. Then, place a piece of craft foam on top of your metal. Place them into the opened rollers of your mill and gently close your rollers until they touch the top of your die, metal, and foam sandwich. Try rolling your die at that setting first to see if you get an impression. If you do not get a good impression, adjust your rollers tighter and test again. Rolling too tightly could damage your die or cause your die to form a drastic curve, so be careful to tighten in small increments.
You can find the craft foam on Amazon - search for Darice 2mm Foamie Roll, 36-inch by 60-inch, black.
Return and Refund Policy
Please check the sizes carefully when ordering, as we do not accept returns or exchanges.
Please note that we check the quality of each die carefully before we send them out.
Shipping Info
We offer shipping via USPS. Your shipping options will appear in your shopping cart. Shipping Insurance is included on all orders.
