Materials
There are so many different styles and types of armour that
it would be quite possible to spend thousands of dollars in
pursuit of the craft. It is also possible to spend very
little (relatively) and still produce a quality piece of
armour without too much difficulty. Therefore, it will be
the philosophy of this guide to produce maille of the highest
caliber with the smallest amount of money.
With this in mind here is a list of tools and equipment you will
need for start up, along with an accompanying estimation of
cost:
Tools
one (1) pair channel-lock pliers (4" handle) --------------- $3.00
one (1) pair needle-nose pliers (3" handle, 2" tip) -------- $4.00
one (1) pair 7" Stanley wire cutters ----------------------- $6.00
3/8" chuck power drill ------------------------------------ $30.00
3/8" wood drill bit ---------------------------------------- $1.50
1/16" steel drill bit -------------------------------------- $1.50
one (1) pair leather gloves ------------------------------- $10.00
Hardware
one (1) hardwood board (24" x 5.5" x .75") ------------ $2.00
two (2) hardwood boards (6" x 3.5" x .75") ------------ $2.00
four (4) 1.5" wood nails ------------------------------ $0.50
four (4) square brackets/ wood screws ----------------- $1.50
one (1) 5/16" unthreaded steel dowel (3’ long) -------- $3.00
Wire
one (1) spool 16 gauge galvanized wire (1/2 mile long) --------- $25.00
two (2) lbs. 1/16" raw brass rods (3 ft lengths or longer) ------ $6.00
Total: $96.00
Most all of these tools and hardware can easily be found at any
large hardware store. For high quality needlenose pliers,
you might want to check a craft store such as Ben Franklin or
Jo-Ann Fabrics. For low priced, bulk wire call Tipper
Wire (1-800-441-fence) or go to your local Agway. Brass rods
should be sold at any welding supply store for about $3 per
pound.
A word of caution is appropriate when looking for a good
power drill. Making links is very hard on the bearings
of the drill and will cause accelerated aging of the drill’s
components. Under even the best of conditions, a consumer
power tool will not last longer than 12 hours of continuous
use! Because of this, I would recommend spending a little
extra money to find and industrial "light duty" drill.
Industrial power tools will last as much as 20 times
longer than their consumer counterparts.
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