Rollation is a little-known technique for making patterns. This video shows the elegant simplicity of the process - which uses no fancy tools, computers, or math!
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Ron: "Let me know if you'd like me to show you how to do that." Me: "Are you kidding me? You want to teach us intricate, specialist metal working tricks for free? Absofuckinglutely Ron. I'd be honored. Thank you! I've seen your garage/collection/museum on Dennis Gages show, your work is incredible. Big thanks to TOT, otherwise I wouldn't know you had a KZhead. Thanks Tony...
I'll keep 'em coming!
Yeah, Tony led me to you as well! Really loving your videos!!
Trev's Blog brought me here.
@@RonCovell Which show was that one?
I am thrilled to see Ron get catapulted into the maker scene, he truly possesses an amazing amount of skill and tricks that are "lost" today. If the producers of the Discovery programs weren't so keen on showing people's faults and toxic relationships, they would have spent more time showing the metalworking that went into the creations people made back then (ca 2003). It was Monster Garage and the other programs that inspired me to try and switch careers by pursuing metalworking. I tried a little bit of everything, never fitting a single mold except to describe my shop as a "Machine Shop". From working on Beer vats to race cars, off road and street rod steering systems, electric vehicles (motorcycles, pocket bikes), and precision components for electric vehicles. Sadly, I had to come back to "reality" when the economy hit the skids.
Heck Yes we all would like a continuing video. Please hurry! Common people, give a thumbs up all you ingrates.
Thanks so much!
fantastic as always Ron!
Thanks so much, Tony. I LOVED the dies you made for Colin Furze, and the fitted wooden case put it over the top!
Hey tony, thx for the channel introduction!
@@ofmiat4693 Yeah, I am really glad Tony pointed us in this direction, and the collaboration was a great way to do it.
Who'd of thought that a dust pan that you could buy for less than $7 could be so powerful.
@TOT you're a monster for not bringing Ron to all of our attention sooner! :D
He's the Bob Ross of sheetmetal, calm, soothing and educational. Subscribed!
YESSSS! I was thinking the same thing!!!
It's neat to see this done without relying on CAD software. Keeping it simple.
Thanks, Aaron - I like to keep things simple when I can!
Would love to see a Ron Covell and 6061.com collaboration in the future.....
Now that you mention cad, it may even be easier for some to just draw the small diameter and the large diameter with a compass and connect the ends.
@@1123pawel I learnt how to draw up layouts using geometric development, however this method could be handy for developing straight to the material without scratching it. Cheers Ron!
Ha! I had an engineer ask me to mark up a part so I used a set of calipers and a felt tip. He wanted to see the drawing and I said "It's on the part." He had a kid CAD it and a while later their holes lined up with mine.
Would definitely like to see more this subject
I'll get going!
Yes, please. More instructional videos of this quality on this obscure topic would be fabulous for all your viewers. Thanks for the excellent content.
You got it!
i spent 8 months to learn and work free to learn the trade and there are people so gready to share their experiences, but Ron you are so genarous . God bless you...
Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you enjoy my videos!
Its good to see someone teaching these kinds of techniques without the use of cad/cam software and equipment such as a brake or sliproll. Ive been doing metalwork for over 30 years and still learn things from these videos.
I'm very glad you are still learning!
It all looks so simple in the hands of a master. I would very much like to see more!
More to come!
Read my reply I just posted now. It really is as simple as he has showed it. Cannot believe how simple it was.
Shout out to ToT! I've been fabricating for a couple years and feel like a child watching Ron's videos. I know nothing compared to this man!
Wow, thanks!
It's a honour to watch a tutorial of a master craftsman at work. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
This is quickly becoming my favorite KZhead channel. You've probably forgotten more than I'll ever know.
Thanks for the soap as lubricant tip, it really solved some issues here.
Glad to help!
@@RonCovell I never would of thought to use lubricant with abrasives!
I love the soap tip as well! Any special kind needed?
Yea, I've started using it after it was mentioned in the collaboration and it really makes a huge difference working with aluminium...
WD-40 works too
I'll watch every single tip and trick you can film. You're a true master.
Sincere thanks - more videos on the way!
I watched some of Ron's VHS tapes many years ago - but so happy to be "re-united" thanks to This Old Tony. These videos are amazing
VHS? Wow, that's so 20th Century! Seriously, glad to have you on-board on KZhead!
I always love seeing things like this, gives me a whole new way to approach fabricating.
Great!
God damn! Even his skills cutting paper with scissors is impeccable! I can't match a scribe line on a paper template but Ron's out here cutting perfect curves like its nothing!
Inspiration without perspiration. You make it look so easy. Keep the lessons coming.
Thank you! Will do!
Excellent master class lesson. To be filed away and treasured. Please make more.
More to come!
A video from Ron is like an awesome Xmas present! Hooray!
Happy holidays!
I love your awesome teaching style mate. Cheers from Australia and thanks to This Old Tony for putting me on to your amazing channel.
I'm very glad you found my channel!
Second that from this Aussie
The Bob Ross of sheet metal! Great technique, great presentation, great vibe.
Thank you kindly!
What ever knowledge you are willing to share is appreciated, circle to oval, circle to trapazoid.
kzhead.info/sun/npt7ia-OcGOEaXk/bejne.html kzhead.info/sun/bNuLZNGian9ppGg/bejne.html
That's really an interesting technique. Please do make more videos about it!!!
Thank you! Will do!
Yes, I love the idea of a "transitions" video.
Glad you are interested! I'll get going on it!
@@RonCovell Thank you Ron! These videos are great learning/teaching tools!
Greetings Mr Covell, I'm a machinist by trade but have done my share of sheet metal work over my 46 year career. I have always developed patterns using techniques I learned from aircraft sheet metal books published in the 1940s. Though I have done plenty of transitions none of the layout work was nearly as simple as your Rollation method. Thanks for publishing this information. I will certainly be using it now that I have retired and have my machine shop to play in. Cheers, Eric
Excellent!
I’ve been watching KZhead since the beginning of it. Ron, you are only the the third person that I’ve done all three: Like, subscribe and hit the bell for. Bravo sir! Amazing explanations and no BS. Thank you
Wow, thanks so much!
I'm really happy I stayed til the end, I was going to ask of you can use this technique to make square-to-rounds too.
Yes I would love to see more on the rollation technique. Thanks for the videos, Merry Christmas!
I'll get going on it!
A true “ MASTER “ of the trade and a gentleman , a living treasure
Thanks for the kind words!
Comment for engagement. And yes, please please do. I have no use for the technique now but who knows in the future! Plus, you're the only one putting out this level of video on this topic and it needs to be archived for everyone.
Thanks - engagement is good!
I would love to see them, thanks for sharing your skills
Thank you! Cheers!
Ron, you are so very generous to make these videos - you present calmly and with care, you don’t ‘milk’ repetitive work for YT minutes and you show us inspiring and uplifting mastery of your craft. Thank you! Another shout out to ToT for bringing you to my attention!
Wow, thank you!
Ron, I came to your channel via This Old Tony. I never seen such a sheet metal artist such as yourself. Honestly, whenever the sheet metal comes out, I typically go home. Otherwise, I need a gross of BandAids!!! You are a true Artist/Artisan and make the virtually impossible, look simplistic. I'm beyond envious. Please keep up your informational videos, as I'm almost willing to get out some sheet metal. Who'd ever have thought that one could "SHRINK" some sheet metal overall dimensions. I'd almost think that Dr. Einstein would have something to say about that process. Again, I cant' thank you enough for the education! Sincerely, Scott
I saw a Swedish guy use this method on the H.A.M.B. To build a transmission tunnel. It’s excellent to see it explained in detail. Thank you!
Very cool!
Excellent video as always! I'd love to see another video on Rollation Patterns. Happy New Year MR. Covell!
Coming soon!
Another great video, thank you for sharing this. I would greatly enjoy seeing more content on this subject.
More to come!
If you dislike this video, you obviously don't know what you're watching. This was great Ron!!! I look forward to more videos like this.
Thanks!
I used to watch Norm Abram on Saturday mornings on PBS when I was a kid. Ron reminds me of Norm; a master of his craft with the patience and ability to teach others. Each appears to be working effortlessly in their mediums. Ron, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. It would be interesting to hear you talk a little about how you have used these techniques to overcome specific fabrication challenges in the past. I can see the truncated cone being used to joint two tubes of different diameters such as in charge piping, but I am sure there are other applications as well.
Glad you enjoy my videos, and thanks for the suggestion. I'm working on a video right now that stems from a past problem I had to solve.
This man is metal bending's Bob Ross! I am in awe!
always a pleasure to learn from you. thanks a million for yet another amazing video :)
I'm so glad you liked it!
Im so glad This old Tony did a collab with you, otherwise id never have found out about your channel. Its really interesting to see engineering done with such little maths, and proof is it works so well.
Thanks!
this reminds me of my apprenticeship at a large aerospace company (50 years ago) , there wasn't any CAD machines or even electronic calculators then. We learnt how to make complex shapes for the aircraft in just the same way. Brings back good memories.
Hey - in many ways, those were the 'good old days'!
Nice use of CAD Ron🤣 Cardboard Aided Design, eh Binky. 🤔🤣
Oh yes!
I call that "Solid Modeling"
Glad to see someone else that knows Binky!
@@jenniferwhitewolf3784 and Lady Hamilton!😉
I would love to see a transition from a rectangle to an oval. CAD programs provide tools that make these translations in design but seeing the metal formed by hand would be magical.
Square to round is a hard one but once you mage it.
O - mazing! You are the sheet metal and pattern making teacher I never had. Thank you for the excellent content with high value video production. More videos, please.
Wow, thank you!
Ron I've followed your work and videos for years. I'm willing to learn anything you're willing to teach!
I appreciate that!
You really show us that when u want perfection it’s all about prep and taking your time. Do a collaboration with the 6061 guy.
I'd love to do a collab with Aaron at 6061. He's an amazing guy!
It would be a shame if these time honoured, century old techniques that help build our modern society where to vanish forever, thanks to videos like these however, hopefully there will be a small part of it preserves forever.
I don't think they will ever die completely. I'm doing my best to pass along what I've learned!
@@RonCovell The day you stop learning is the day they plant you or cook you, or you have wasted your life, which unfortunately many do. And it is amazing how one can tansfer a technique from one trade to another totally unrelated.
YES YES YES!!! show us anything you care to. This content is excellent!!! (My grandfather was a sheet metal man... I regret never asking about his trade)
I'm glad you like these videos. I'll have a new one uploaded very soon!
I don't work with metal but the things you and This Old Tony do are way more interesting and entertaining than 99% of what is on TV. My father was a mechanical engineer but I was too bad at math to go to engineering and follow in his footsteps.
I started my college education as an engineering major, but I couldn't get through the math classes either. Then I discovered art and metalworking, and my career developed in those areas.
@@RonCovell That is something they wouldn't have taught you anyway. There's more to machines than functionality. It's a different feeling when the tools and machines you work with have a clearly intentional elegance and aesthetic to them. It's something that is lacking in modern metalworking.
I'd like to see a video on the transition from circles to squares/rectangles for sure.
Thank you Ron for showing us your LEGENDARY SKILLS "LIKE" IF YOU AGREE !!
Wish i had known about this 50 years ago, my comment about this is you do great in defining the simple ways to do work.
I appreciate that!
Any thing you wish to show us will be greatly appreciated your insight and willingness to share has helped me with my projects over the years thanks from New Zealand
Wonderful!
Alternative title: How to make metal hoofs.
HAH - I like that one. Someone else thought it would make a good lampshade!
Magicians aren't supposed to show their secrets. But I'm sure glad you did .
I wish I had known about this a few months ago when I was making a pair of gauntlets for my daughter's Halloween costume! You are a great teacher Mr. C!
Halloween comes around every year!
You are Definitely a good teacher, I've sent this to my grand son he is taking welding classes this is a top motivator for him,thank you and keep up thy good work....
Wow, thanks!
Ron Covell saying, after doing a little extra bending, "It looks like it's fitting really well" is like Simone Biles saying "I couldn't get this one trick but then I tried extra hard and I got it"
I was a sheetmetal duct fabricator and many times I would roll out a jig to form my patterns. Say to form a rectangle to oval with a 2 way offset, I would cut the the shape of the rectangle and the oval fold up some small angles and spot weld them the right distance apart and with an offset both ways and then roll it over a sheet a mark with my sharpie. I could make complex patterns in a short time even faster than marking out with radial lines.
Yes, there are a number of people in the HVAC industry who are familiar with Rollation, but it's not widely known by others - and I'll guess that in this day and age most of HVAC layout is done with CAD.
Yes,in productions shops,but do it with dividers and tramels,you should do on on that.no making templates. I been doing metal work along time it's the first I seen that,I will keep that in my bag of tricks
I love any and all knowledge I can obtain from a master craftsman like you through your videos.
Awesome, thank you!
Tool and die maker here, really enjoyed the video-always amazes me to see what I don't know in how other trades do things.
Glad you learned something!
seems like a good opportunity for some carbon paper!
You know - that's an EXCELLENT idea! I tried putting paint on the edges of the discs, but that didn't work very well - and the paint got on my hands and dripped on everything else!
I guess you could try some grease too, that would definitely leave a mark on the paper.
That is an excellent idea.
Wintergatan gang rise up!
We drifted here due to TOT's praises. Very glad we did. You have halved the distance to the finish line for me. I need to make an identical cone for a PTO shroud on our 1960 IH B275 tractor. Thank you, and TOT for sending us here. When I say "us", I'm referring to myself and my 16 yr old son. He is very enthusiastic about metal working and is slowly taking over my woodworking shop. Looking forward to more in 2021.
Wow I am very glad I found you. I took a Class from you several years back. Glad to see you are active in the business, sharing your knowledge and I hope you are doing well.
Awesome! Thank you!
Nothing like a simple template. Great work Ron. Please keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
Yes, definitely. I would love to see how to make those transitions. I love watching you work and explain how to do things. Thanks so much.
Noted!
I have been in the sheetmetal fab. industry for 43 years. I used to hear about rollation methods, but never actually seen them. I did like you and googled the subject with no results. Just recently found a few videos with rollation used on square to rounds, etc. Thanks for all your videos.
You're very welcome!
Another super-duper video of the Master himself! 😃✌️ Pleeease more of that awesome stuff. You‘ve got a lot of fans even here in Germany 🇩🇪☺️🙏
More to come!
After seeing the rollation, To me that takes the complication out of the process! A true brilliant artist! Thank You.
Glad it was helpful!
I am so glad This Old Tony let me know about this channel. Great techniques. Thanks!
Glad you enjoy it!
I have been doing metal fab for 30 years and still learning from ur vids
Wow - I'm very glad to hear that!
The nice part is that the concepts are the same as in CAD, so even an engineer like me can find neat little tricks to help with modeling! Keep up good work, you are educating not only DIY fans, but also engineers and CAD designers.
I can't tell you how much it means to me that an engineer can learn from a tradesman like me!
Love sheet metal work. Just built an Airstream Basecamp from aluminium making a bed frame bender. In my mid 70’s intimidated by trigonometry but now I don’t need it!! Thankyou so much. I prefab in stiff cardboard so was with you all the way. Thankyou Thankyou.
Very cool!
All your videos are spot on. Very cleanly done. Thank you so much, Ron.
Thank you so much for the nice compliment! More videos on the way.
A BIG YES for interest in more Rollation techniques!
More to come - soon!
It's always fascinating to see how things were done before CAD. Thank you
You bet!
Yes please on transitions! You are bringing CAD lofting into real life and making it look so easy. Love these videos
You got it!
Ron I have watched a few of your video's now. You a true metal Artisan. I loved the dust pan project as well as the Rollation technique videos. You have my vote for best Artisan on KZhead. I'm now a subscriber. Cheers.
Thank you very much!
Oh man, Ron your work is beautiful. Your videos are a pleasure to watch. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you so much 😀
Takes me back to my old school days in my Technical Drawing Class no CAD them days it was all done on drawing boards with T squares. I would go back to those days in a heartbeat. Great video thanks for sharing.
Classic!
I was the last promotion in college to get drafting class on the drafting table.. we used to do all this the old school way with squares and compasses, transferring points in space to points on the sheet. We also had CAD classes. The following year we could see how those who could do it in their heads really aced it in CAD and others who didn't follow the paper process would just get by without understanding what they were doing! It's a lost art!!
Yes, in my experience, things sink more deeply into my brain if I work out a problem manually - either by drawing lines on paper, or constructing something from tangible materials.
In 1982, as a young engineer on a power plant project, I was asked to layout an large eccentric cone. I remembered how to do if from my drafting courses, and it took about 5 minutes. When done, our older sheet metal foreman did the rollation method... in 30 seconds. He just dabbed motor oil around the edge of the disks and rolled the pair around...left a nice line to cut along. Been teaching students this approach ever since.
Hey - I never thought of using motor oil to make an easy-to-follow track. I may give that a try. Thanks for sharing a great idea!
I went googling for more information then you mentioned this in the TOT collaboration and was forced to conclude that rollation is not really a word. I Am very happy your shoveling some quality information into a hole in the internet. Keep at it and thank you.
Well, Rollation IS a word, but it's not widely used outside of the HVAC world.
That was a fascinating technique to make those cones. The second one with marking only half then folding to get the complete pattern was brilliant. As a novice I would not have thought about that.
Thanks for watching, and commenting!
Anything you do is interesting, watching a master in action is a rare treat. Such skill, patience and knowledge. Always a pleasure.
Thanks - we'll keep 'em coming!
Please keep making as many as you can think of. Thank you.
I will!
Ron you are the Bob Ross of the metal working world. With that calm pleasant voice. Always fun to learn from a master.
Thanks for the kind words!
Ron, yes please show the masses more.
OK!
Thank you for showing me what I learned thirty years ago and just forget. Breath of fresh air for sure. Keep up the great work.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@RonCovell Look forward to seeing great technique in the future.
Yes absolutely, please more videos on forming different shapes!
I don't know if you saw my rotated rectangle video? kzhead.info/sun/npt7ia-OcGOEaXk/bejne.html I'm working on the next one right now!
Wow. The skill! The simplicity! Genius!
Glad you like it!
THANKS, RON FOR ANOTHER AMAZING TUTORIAL, DEMONSTRATIOON, AND EXPLANATION OF YOUR FINE SKILLS, AND THE CRAFT OF METAL FABRICATION! RON, I (AND PROBABLY MANY OF YOUR FOLLOWERS/FANS/STUDENTS)WOULD LOVE TO SEE A SERIES ABOUT THE SUBJECT OF "BRAZING"!!!...PLEASE, CONSIDER DOING SOME, ON THAT TOPIC.
Are you more interested in 'TIG Brazing', or brazing with an Oxy-Acetylene torch?
IMHO: ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD DEMONSTRATE, WOULD BE AWESOME!!!... I NEVER THOUGHT THAT ONE COULD DO "TIG BRAZING"!!!... INTERESTING!!!@@RonCovell
Hi Ron long time tin pecker here. I learned to lay out square to rounds, offsets, and other fittings by the traditional methods. But rollation is a proven method for a lot of fittings. Good show
Thanks so much!
I wish 2021 brings us much more of your amazing ability to educate.
I'm working on new videos right now!
I’ve said it before but Ron is the most skilled metal worker on KZhead! Metal shaping and pattern making is a true lost art. Ron’s skills are amazing!
Thank you so much for the very kind words!
thank you Ron. I've been making things as needed on site for material handling equipment (grains and powders) for the past 15 years with no equipment other than a welder and a disk grinder and i have often used the forks on a forklift as my forming tools . people often think I'm doing voodoo when I cut out the worn out section and place it on the new material and start sketching. a joy to see it expressed so simply.
Great job!