2.) 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:

needlenose pliersChannel lock pliers wire cutters
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" Craftsman wire cutters ---------------------- $16.00
3/8" chuck power drill -------------------------------------- $20.00
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 4" x .75") --------------------- $2.00
two (2) hardwood boards (6" x 4" 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
Galvanized Wire
Wire
one (1) spool 16 gauge galvanized wire (1/2 mile long) ------ $25.00

Total: $90.00


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 a little extra money, it is recommended that you buy Craftsman hand tools. That way you can take them back for an exchange if they ever break, and you don't need a receipt. You can find Craftsman tools at Sears. 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.

Since my original reorganization I've been getting a constant stream of email asking what the brass rods in the above list are for (there is no mention of them elsewhere in the guide. The brass is used to make brass links for edging and inlays on finished pieces. In fact, if you can find brass wire instead of the rods, that is even better. At any rate, it is always a good idea to have some brass or bronze around for when you need it.

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