I just finished building this cold mangle.   The working width is 37 inches.   The rollers are 3 inch diameter hard rock maple and were milled locally on a computer controlled milling machine.   The handle is removable and fits on all three of the eye bolts.   I can adjust the "squeeze" by tightening top eye bolts, which push down on some heavy compression springs.  Building it was pretty easy except for the casting of the gears - which I ended up doing about 3 times before I got both the gear design and the casting process right.    The plan is to clamp it to a table to use it.

 

Comments

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 15:31

tien (not verified)

Very elegant!  And beautiful, too!

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 16:02

Linda Carta (not verified)

I'm impressed! It seems like it's nearly impossible to find cold mangles, so for you to have figured out how to manufacture one yourself is terrific!  It looks wonderful!  You'll have to let us know how it works for you!

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 16:16

SallyE (not verified)

so I haven't tried it yet.   The only issue I can see is that it's manually driven rather than electrically driven like the new ones.

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 16:22

Sara von Tresckow

Where will your mangle cloth go?

Unless you are planning to wrap your cloth around the lower roller, the effect of this design will not be as effective as it could be. To really mangle fresh linen, you need to have the fabric wrap around the dowel and let it be subjected to rolling and pressure, preferably with a mangle cloth between the layers, for several minutes.

Simply rolling the fabric between the rollers will have a beneficial effect, but will not replicate cold mangling.

This is not much more than a wringer for getting out moisture.

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 16:39

kerstinfroberg

can be done. On one of my table-top mangles the cloth is fastened with a removeable spline (I think that is the right word?), the other also has a spline, but it is screwed-in.

 

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 17:01

SallyE (not verified)

I'm thinking I will try to attach the mangle cloth via some two-sided carpet tape.  I really hate to drill into those rollers.  So my question is, what kind of cloth should I use?   Will a thin but finely woven cotton work - like a muslin?  I'm assuming I won't be heming this cloth at all.

In order to get the cloth being "mangled" to roll around the roller, I think I would want to put it under the mangle cloth so that it feeds itself around the roller and the mangle cloth becomes a layer between the cloth being mangled.   Does that sound right?

Finally, doe the mangle cloth need to be as long as the cloth being pressed, or is it OK for the cloth to press against itself at some point?

 

 

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 19:22

ReedGuy

Looks awsome to me Sally and I havn't a clue about the mechanics of a mangle. Other than is seems to press and roll fabric. In fact I never heard tell of one before one of the members brough it up a couple weeks ago. :)

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 22:40

TheLoominary (not verified)

Great craftsmanship! Hope you post your first impressions when you begin using it. Frank.

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 22:16

ReedGuy

I just wanted to comment about the maple rollers. I know from experience that maple rollers will last a long time. And my experience is with roller tables used in potato processing. The roller table was often made of rollers about 3 feet long attached to a drive chain on each end. They rolled over a wooden track and in so doing rotated the "spuds" as they passed by a person inspecting them for defect and light burn or removing debris like rocks and mud balls. So often these rollers were wet or damp or muddy, depending on the environment when the "spuds" were harvested from the field and weather or not they were washed before they reached the roller table. They took a lot of abuse and might sit with mud on them for weeks before being cleaned for the next season. Or could sit in a damp or even dry environment depending on how it was stored.

:)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 01:38

SallyE (not verified)

Yes, I figured that maple would be the best wood to use.  I have a rolling pin that I've had for 40 or so years, and it's still like new.   And doesn't maple have some anti-bacterial properties too?   Isn't that why they use it for chopping blocks?

 

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 07:41

kerstinfroberg

The "standard" Swe mangle cloth is a tightly woven plain weave, unbleached linen.It typically comes in 3 or 6 meter lengths (for "monster mangles", that is).

My electric small mangle has a 2-meter cloth, fastened to the rollers, and the one pictured above has a meter, or so - it has been shortened at some time, and I haven't bothered to replace it.

When I learned to mangle, I was told the protector should be long enouth to go one turn round the roller, then take all the (sheet, tablecloth...) and do another turn. It was said the result was better with the special smooth cloth between the "goods". However, modern magles which all(?) have the stationary cloth, have shorter lengths. IMO the minimum lenght would be 1,5 - 2 meters. And no, it should not be hemmed.

(One "monster mangle" I have known had both linen and cotton cloths. There was a difference in the result using linen or cotton - which was "best" was, as so often, in the eye (hand?) of the beholder. I found it easier to handle the linen cloths when winding on.)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 09:09

ReedGuy

Sally, no antibacterial properties per se. Wood is safer than plastic to begin with. But maple is dense and hard and close grained which is better for butcher blocks than a ring pourous wood. Out in the yard as firewood it will break down much quicker than white oak. it will also dry a whole lot quicker to. Oak is about 10 lbs heavier fresh cut (63 lb/ft3) because of all the extra water in it, than hard maple (54 lb/ft3). Any wood that is kept moist enough becomes a target for decay.

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 11:28

Dawn McCarthy

A question for Kerstin:  If I am using a large/thick dowel with a flat board should I still use a mangle cloth between the linen being mangled or can the linen fabric be wound on the dowel by itself?

Dawn

 

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 19:29

SallyE (not verified)

So, here is the mangle with the cloth attached.   I just set it on that table for the picture, but will be clamping it to the kitchen island to actually use.  The carpet tape seems to work very well to attach the cloth.   I ended up getting 1 yard of 56" linen, squared it off and overcast the edges to prevent fraying.

 

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 20:55

Dawn McCarthy

Sally, do you know approx how much pressure is exerted?

 

Dawn

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 21:32

SallyE (not verified)

Maiden voyage - I just did that.   You can see the table napkin in the picture - barely.   White on white doesn't show up well.   I have to say, it's still good exercise given that it's a manually operated contraption!

Pressure?   Well, I don't have any way to measure that.   Each side has two large compression springs that press down on some rollers that roll on the maple "logs."  There are rollers under also.  The top eye bolts screw down as far as you want to screw them down and are long enough that they can exert direct pressure as well.   Of course, the more pressure, the more force it requires to turn the handle.   But if I build up a little speed, it's a little easier.  

The napkin that I just "mangled"  (is that what it's called?) has a little embroidery on it and there is now a shadow of that on the napkin at the point where it was over a plain area.   These were the only "real" linens that I had to try it on.   And the hem came out really flat.   I've never seen it so flat!

 

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 21:41

SallyE (not verified)

My cloth is only 56" long - the width of the linen I bought.   I'm thinking that if I have to process something longer, I'll just get another piece of cloth and feed it in at the end of this one.   Or, I could replace the cloth.  For napkins and small things like I plan to make, the cloth I have will work.   Plus the width is 36 inches.

 

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 21:51

ReedGuy

Ah! I was wondering what that pattern was. Didn't make the connection. Looks like a good job to me. But, maybe I'm not the one to give an opinion since I'm no judge by any means. :)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 22:39

laurafry

A longer handle might help reduce the physical effort? cheers, Laura
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 00:33

SallyE (not verified)

"Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world."   - Archimedes

Thu, 03/22/2012 - 09:07

kerstinfroberg

Sorry Dawn, didn't see your q until now... "f I am using a large/thick dowel with a flat board should I still use a mangle cloth between the linen being mangled or can the linen fabric be wound on the dowel by itself?"

Answer: I don't know... Available Swe texts don't mention this. Some reflections: the pressure you can get using dowel/board is so much less than a "machine" can - thus perhaps the mangle sheet is less important? Swe texts describing this method says just "roll tightly onto dowel, lean on the board and roll". We "old" Swedes all know about the "monster mangle" principle - which, because of the construction, always goes back-and-forth. Spontaneously we tend to do the same with the manual method. Then, a froiend of mine met an old woman who had used dowel-and-board since a child - the old woman was totally confounded whne she saw my friend mangling. "It goes SOO much better if you only press-and-roll in the same direction as your goods is rolled - then SLIDE the package back" It was an a-ha moment for my friend (and me!) - this way the problem of the roll getting looser is (almost) eliminated.

A no-answer, I'm afraid... how about "sample, sample, sample"... ;-)

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 21:47

ReedGuy

There is an old text by Lovell Manufacturing on wringers and cold mangles in the archives if interested. The last page has a couple hand crank ones. A table mounted one looks much the same as Sally's design.

Wringers and Mangles

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 21:52

SallyE (not verified)

I did find a way to measure the pressure.  There is a company that sells films to do that, and they were kind enough to send me a sample.  It is a product that turns colors when pressure is applied, much like that multi-part form paper that you have to press down on when you write.

Anyway, I'm getting pressure of 900 psi when it's really cranked down.

 

 

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 22:07

ReedGuy

How have you made out with your mangle?

Do any linens lately? :)

 

And even my grandfather watched the Flintstones, reminded him of Jackie Gleason tv shows.

Anyway, on to weaving linen and mangling. :)

Wed, 11/27/2013 - 00:14

SallyE (not verified)

I have a linen piece on one of my looms right now!   I usually weave in cotton, but have a nice stach of linen that I'm trying to dig into.

Which reminds me, I have a linen question.  I'll start a new thread for that!

Wed, 11/27/2013 - 02:50

laurafry

Mangles are great for any fabric you want compressed.  Works great for cotton, silk, rayon....  :)

cheers

Laura

Mon, 12/23/2013 - 18:40

mrdubyah (not verified)

Here's my low tech mangle:

Mangling Motion

If you haven't guessed, it's a marble rolling pin!  Laugh if you will, but I can assure you that it works!           DRW

 

 

 

Mon, 12/23/2013 - 20:35

laurafry

A marble rolling pin and pastry board are super.  I'd suggest you not press down on the handles, though - the metal axle can be bent...

cheers,

Laura

Fri, 04/04/2014 - 21:05

Olle Lindqvist

 

We are working with the leading Swedish manufacturer of cold mangles. They have asked us explore if there is a market for their cold mange in the US and Canada and, if so, where potential client would expect to buy the cold mangle (online store; retailers who sells looms etc.)

Any and all comments would be most welcome, either here or directly to [email protected].

 Thank you in advance for your help!

 Olle Lindqvist----

The Linden Group, Inc.

4208 Ottawa Avenue South 

St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416

Telephone: 952/920-8861

Fax: 952/400-3397

E-mail: [email protected]

 

Internet: http://www.usaexport.se

Fri, 04/04/2014 - 22:27

laurafry

Do you have a price (approximate?)  

cheers,

Laura

Fri, 04/04/2014 - 22:33

SallyE (not verified)

Do you have specs for what size piece you can mangle?

 

Sat, 04/05/2014 - 01:03

sandra.eberhar…

I'm interested in the above and the availability of replacement parts/service.  I would expect to buy this online.

Sat, 04/05/2014 - 15:46

maryharmon

I would be interested in this product with pricing, demonstration video, etc...Are there varying widths? Online sales would be ok.
Sun, 04/06/2014 - 01:43

WV Vaving

I also would be interested in having the opportunity to purchase a cold mangle.
Sun, 04/06/2014 - 16:08

cottageweaver (not verified)

In addition to a few weaving friends who missed out on the cold mangles when they were last offered in the US, I have two non-weaving friends who have inquired recently about where they could be purchased.  I have a cold mangle and love it - highly recommended!

Sun, 04/06/2014 - 20:14

jmbennett (not verified)

Dear Olle Lindqvist, I wrote an email to the address you provided.  Yes, yes, waving my hand high in Western Kentucky!  I have tried to contact the manufacturer to purchase directly from them but they said no--too much liability.  But I am willing to buy it wired for European standards and have it re-wired myself here in the US--thus the tampering and liability would be on my end. Or at least so I wanted to believe.  But the manufacturer stood firm.  I should have purchased from Becky but bought looms instead!  @Joanne Hall--if this happens, there may be a purchase delay on the Julia I had in mind!  :)

Mon, 04/07/2014 - 01:17

Jeannie (not verified)

Online purchase would work best for me, either from Canada or the USA.
Tue, 04/08/2014 - 13:35

Jeannie (not verified)

I think you could avoid the whole issue by using a transformer. I used an American > European one in Germany and the UK and a European > USA one when I came back 20 years later.
Tue, 04/08/2014 - 13:59

Dawn McCarthy

Jeannie I think it was an export/regulation issue.  I purchased a used Engstrom recently but heard mangles may be available later this year for the US market.

Dawn

bewove.com

Tue, 04/08/2014 - 20:07

Olle Lindqvist

First of all, thank your for you response, input and interest in Pexymek's cold mangle (Pexymek is the company who acquired Engström and the current manufacturer of the cold mangle).

We just started to look into the possibilities for the cold mangle here but the initial response has been very positive so hopefully it will not be too long till the mangle is available here.

The goal is to offer a mangle with a 110 V electrical system that will meet all US (and hopefully also Canadian standards). Price has not yet been established and until we know which model(s), Pexymek will bring to the US market, we can't really answer about the specs.

We will keep everyone posted....

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 08:15

ReedGuy

Usually if the US passes such an item, it will pass in Canada to. Probably need a CSA approval.

I might be interested as well.

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 12:23

jmbennett (not verified)

Wonderful news.  I will try not to get my hopes up too high and sit patiently.  Well, not sit patiently but keep weaving and adding to my growing stack of finished items needing mangling!!!

Thank you Olle Lindqvist for exploring the saleability of this product on this side of the Atlantic.  I am deeply grateful for your time and efforts even if it doesn't pan out. 

Jamie in Western KY

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 20:08

Olle Lindqvist

Preliminary specs - depending on the model - are as follows;

- Working width - 24" to 30" 

- Power - 80 W

- Pressure - 880 lbs

The manufacturer has indicated that the retail price in the US should be $5-600. 

Your comments would be much appreciated!

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 20:09

Olle Lindqvist

Preliminary specs - depending on the model - are as follows;

- Working width - 24" to 30" 

- Power - 80 W

- Pressure - 880 lbs

The manufacturer has indicated that the retail price in the US should be $5-600. 

Your comments would be much appreciated!

Wed, 04/09/2014 - 22:41

jmbennett (not verified)

30" width better than 24. Only one question left. How soon can I order!?! So happy! Jamie
Thu, 04/10/2014 - 01:34

WV Vaving

I am so pleasantly excited of the sheer hope of purchasing a cold mangle. The wider the better.....I can't make a sound comment on the 880 pound pressure --- just want a nice finish when pressing woven linen.... Count me in to purchase one cold mangle. I am with Jamie on: I am grateful for your time and effort to secure these....even if it doesn't pan out..which I hope you are successful. Keep us posted.
Thu, 04/10/2014 - 12:30

cottageweaver (not verified)

My Engström mangle is 30" wide, and that's a very good width.  The mangle cloth is about 28.5" wide.  I have the stand so that it is free-standing in the laundry room, rather than occupying counter space.

Thu, 04/10/2014 - 15:05

Weaver

The price range seems reasonable.  I would probably select the 24" model.

Thank you.