Go to the 16ga Society forum site, there was a thread on there a few months ago on mfg roll crimping heads.

Thanks for the reply and the pointer. Would it be possible to give a link to this site as I have found it difficult to locate this item.
Thanks
Fortune
PS Goat I have replied to pm and look forward to seeing the pics
Thanks

Not sure how to post a link on this site, but search 16ga Society, should get you there. On home page click on "Gun Talk". I will work on putting up link.

OK. I found it. Quite interesting. That thread almost mirrors this one. And they've gone through the same problems and ideas that I have had with the grinding of small tool bits and the re-idea of making it in two or more bits and then the internal shaping of the tool.

how to do a roll crimper 12 caliber ???
I need data , work plan , sketch, drawing ... etc
help please !!!!

roll crimper head can easily be designed from a 12 gauge loaded shell. From that you have the diameter, say plus 3 thou, of the recess, decide the depth of roll over and width, grind a tool and cut the groove, mount head in drill press vice and cross drill for pin, small enough holes for press fit. If you want fancy, drill holes for pins tangentially, so they form the roll with a lead in the direction of turning. Eyeball placement of holes is more than good enough.
This is not rocket science.
You can make the shank for drill chuck integral with the roll head, or drill.centre of tool, tap 1/4-20, and use a cut off bolt as a shank, nut on thread against the roll head to lock it in place.