Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roll coated with an absorbent, compressible material and used to support strip metal includes the steps of selecting a roll body having a rigid, cylindrical outer surface, attaching a leading end of a line to the outer surface, selecting a first elongate strip of compressible material, forming the strip into a V-shape, placing the line along the crotch of the V-shape, winding the line and the strip onto the outer surface such that the longitudinal edges of the strip extend in a substantially radial direction, and finally attaching the trailing end of the line to the roll body. In a preferred embodiment, the line is wound in a helical path from one end of the body to the other, and, simultaneously, the windings of the line and strip material are urged sidewardly in an axial direction to compress the strip to form a continuous surface.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus having a movable frame which supports a plurality of back-up roller assemblies, each of which is individually positionable to vary the penetration of a portion of the work rolls it contacts such that the penetration of the entry work rolls can be varied independently of the penetration of the exit work roll. Each back-up roller assembly includes an elongate back-up block having a longitudinal slot and a rearwardly-positioned concave surface, an elongate support member positioned within the slot and including a rearwardly-positioned convex surface positioned to matingly engage the concave surface, and a plurality of back-up rollers positioned along the support member. The support member is urged against the back-up block by a resilient connection, and the assembly includes an adjusting screw mechanism mounted on the adjustable frame for pivoting the support member relative to the back-up block.