A method of manufacturing a suction roll shell for use in a paper-making machine utilizes a mandrel with a length and a cross-sectional area corresponding to the shell. The mandrel has a plurality of generally radially extending holes. A plurality of pins are placed in the holes, with each pin extending radially outward from the shell a distance greater than a desired thickness of the shell. At least one elongate fiber is wound around the mandrel to form the shell with the desired thickness. The pins are removed from the mandrel and the shell.