Durston 1037 Molly C165 Rolling Mill With 50-1 Reduction Gear - 128.177
Durston 1037 Molly C165 Rolling Mill With 50-1 Reduction Gear - 128.177
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Durston 1037 Molly C165 Rolling Mill With 50-1 Reduction Gear - 128.177
Durston 1037 Molly C165 Rolling Mill With 50-1 Reduction Gear - 128.177
The Durston Molly C165 is a professional combination rolling mill featuring the brand's patent-pending 50:1 reduction gearbox—delivering exceptionally light turning effort and a wider rolling area than the Olivia model. Designed for studios that demand effortless operation and generous flat rolling capacity, the Molly C165 combines a front-mounted turning wheel, induction-hardened rolls, and a highly calibrated adjustment wheel into a solid single-cast body built for precision and durability.
Features
- 50:1 reduction gearbox (patent pending) – 50 handwheel turns equal 1 roll revolution for exceptionally light rolling effort
- Front-mounted turning wheel operates comfortably standing or sitting
- Induction-hardened rolls for long-lasting, consistent performance
- Highly calibrated adjustment wheel for precise, repeatable gap settings
- Combination mill – handles flat sheet metal and square wire in a single unit
- 110 mm flat rolling area on the main roll for wider sheet work
- 11 square wire grooves on the main roll
- Side extension with 4 half-round grooves (4, 3, 2, and 1.5 mm)
- Solid single-cast body construction for rigidity and stability
- Larger footprint than the Olivia model; does not fit the Durston Rolling Mill Stand
Specifications
| Model | Molly C165 |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio | 50:1 (patent pending) |
| Roll Diameter | 60 mm |
| Roll Width | 165 mm |
| Flat Rolling Area | 110 mm |
| Wire Grooves | 11 square grooves (main roll) |
| Side Extensions | Half-round grooves: 4, 3, 2, 1.5 mm |
| Sheet Thickness Capacity | 6 mm |
| Overall Dimensions | 20-3/4" L × 8-3/4" W × 21-1/4" H (530 × 220 × 540 mm) |
| Net Weight | 165 lb (75 kg) |
What our Experts Think
-
Maximum-Capacity Professional Rolling Mill
The Durston Molly C165 is a heavy-duty combination rolling mill designed for large-scale sheet and wire production, offering a wide 165mm roll and exceptional workshop efficiency. -
Ultra-Easy 50:1 Reduction Gear System
Features Durston’s advanced 50:1 gearbox, dramatically reducing hand effort while maintaining smooth, controlled rolling—making it one of the easiest high-capacity mills to operate. -
Wide 165mm Working Width with Strong Flat Area
Provides a 110mm flat rolling zone plus full combination capability, ideal for larger sheets, pattern work, and production-grade jewellery manufacturing. -
Full Combination Functionality
Includes 11 square wire grooves and 4 half-round extension grooves (4mm–1.5mm), enabling sheet reduction, wire forming, and profile work in one machine. -
Built for Production Environments
Heavy cast construction with induction-hardened rolls ensures long-term durability, stability, and consistent pressure under continuous use. -
Ergonomic Standing or Seated Operation
Front wheel design allows comfortable use whether seated or standing, improving workflow flexibility in busy studios. -
High Output Efficiency Focus
Designed for jewellers who need speed, reduced physical strain, and repeatable precision when working at scale. -
Studio-Grade Investment Tool
Best suited for professional workshops, manufacturing setups, and high-volume goldsmithing where throughput and consistency matter most.
Q&A
Q: What is the Durston 1037 Molly C165 Rolling Mill (128.177)?
A: It is a professional high-end manual combination rolling mill designed for jewelry makers, featuring a wide 165mm rolling capacity and an advanced 50:1 reduction gearbox for extremely light operation.
Q: What is it used for?
A: It is used for reducing sheet metal thickness, rolling wire, and forming metal profiles, commonly in goldsmithing, silversmithing, and jewelry production.
Q: What makes it different from standard rolling mills?
A: It uses a 50:1 reduction gearbox, meaning the handle turns many times for each roller rotation, dramatically reducing effort and making heavy rolling much easier and smoother.
Q: What materials can it handle?
A: It works with gold, silver, copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals commonly used in jewelry manufacturing.
Q: Is it manual or powered?
A: It is a manual rolling mill, but the gearbox makes it significantly easier to operate than standard direct-drive mills.
Q: What is the main benefit of this model?
A: It combines a very wide rolling capacity with ultra-light operating force, making it ideal for users who need high production capability with minimal physical effort.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean rollers after every use – Wipe the 165mm flat and wire grooves immediately to remove filings and prevent scoring on the induction-hardened rolls (~64 HRC).
- Protect with light oil film – Apply a thin layer of rust-preventive oil (e.g., 3-in-1) when idle; always fully clean before rolling to avoid contaminating metal stock.
- Maintain the 50:1 gearbox – The ultra-high reduction system is low-effort but still requires periodic light lithium grease to keep torque transfer smooth and prevent long-term wear.
- Keep grooves and extensions clean – Regularly remove debris from 11 wire grooves and side extension channels to ensure accurate wire forming and prevent uneven pressure marks.
- Avoid overloading thickness – Do not exceed ~6mm sheet capacity; always reduce in gradual passes instead of forcing heavy single reductions to protect rollers and gearing.
- Use only clean, annealed metal – Dirty or hardened stock increases wear on precision rollers and reduces surface finish quality.
- Check alignment regularly – Ensure even pressure across the full 165mm width to prevent tapering, uneven wear, and gearbox stress.
- Secure mounting is critical – Bolt firmly to a heavy, stable bench or dedicated stand; the large frame relies on rigidity for accurate rolling performance.
- Store in dry conditions – Prevent humidity exposure to protect rollers, bearings, and cast frame from corrosion.
- Never touch rollers with bare hands – Skin oils can cause long-term spotting on precision-ground steel surfaces.
