Where to Find the Best Supplies for Making Scale Mail Armor and Jewelry

Introduction to Scale Mail Supplies

Scale mail, also known as scalemail or chainmail, refers to a type of armor made from interlocking metal rings. This iconic medieval armor was used extensively by warriors, knights, and soldiers throughout history. While full suits of scale armor are rare today, many people enjoy making smaller scale mail projects for costumes, jewelry, and decoration.

To create scale mail, you need two essential ingredients - scales and rings. Scales are the small, flat metal pieces that overlay each other to form the armor. Rings are used to connect the scales together into the desired pattern. When shopping for scale mail supplies, you'll need to find a source for both quality scales and rings.

Choosing the Best Scales

Scales come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Here are some of the most common options:

• Aluminum - Lightweight and affordable, aluminum is a great choice for beginners. The scales are easy to cut and shape as needed.
• Stainless steel - More durable than aluminum, stainless steel scales hold up well over time. They have a nice silver sheen.
• Brass - With its distinctive gold color, brass is popular for costumes and jewelry. Brass does require more polishing to keep its shine.
• Copper - Copper has a lovely reddish-orange hue and antiqued look. It's a soft metal so the scales can dent if treated roughly.
• titanium Alloy - Titanium scales are super strong yet lightweight. This high-tech material is expensive but ideal for armor projects.

The shape and size of scales varies too. Smaller scales typically measure 0.5"-1" across. Large scales may be 2" or more. Common shapes include diamond, square, rectangular, and round. Shape and size can affect the overall look and flexibility of your mail.

Selecting the Best Rings

You'll also need rings to attach your scales together. These come in coiled rolls as well as individual rings. When selecting rings, consider these factors:

• Gauge - This refers to the wire diameter. Larger wire is lower gauge. For scale mail, 16-18 gauge rings work well.
• Weave - Rings come in several weave styles. The 4-in-1 European weave is commonly used for scale mail projects.
• Metal - Match your rings to the type of scales chosen. Choose a durable metal like stainless steel.
• Coated - Some rings feature colored PVC coating for extra durability and design options.
• Temper - Rings are available in different tempers from dead soft to work hardened. Go with softer rings for easier connecting.

Make sure to get an appropriate quantity of rings for the scale mail project you have in mind. It's smart to buy extra since you'll likely make mistakes and need spares.

Where to Buy Scale Mail Supplies

Now that you know what to look for in scales and rings, where can you find and purchase these essential scale mail supplies? Here are some of the best places to buy:

Specialty Scale Mail Websites

There are a number of online retailers that specialize in chainmail supplies. These sites offer the largest selections of scales, rings, tools, kits, and more. Products are designed specifically for mail making. Here are some top specialty suppliers:

• The Ring Lord - One of the most popular sources, they carry stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, Niobium, and other metals. Massive selection of scales and rings.
• Metal Designz - Great for aluminum, copper, and stainless steel supplies. Also jewelry findings and kits for beginners.
• Ring Ninja - Rings, scales, and jump rings in a wide variety of metals. Helpful tutorials available too.
• Chainmail Joe - Good source for beginner aluminum scale mail kits. Also scales, split rings, and tools.

These specialty retailers offer convenient online shopping with reasonable shipping rates. Browse their selection to find the ideal scales, rings, and accessories for your project.

General Craft Stores

Big box and independent craft stores can be another source for select scale mail supplies. While they won't have specialized products, you can often find:

• Aluminum sheets - Use these to cut your own aluminum scales.
• Brass sheets - Cut brass scales from these sheets.
• Jewelry wire - Softer wire can be coiled into rings.
• Jewelry pliers - Essential for opening and closing your rings.

Check the bead and jewelry making sections for these useful supplies. Michael's, Joann's, and Hobby Lobby are popular chains to try. Or visit local independent craft stores.

Metal Supply Companies

For buying metal in larger bulk quantities, check with metal supply companies. Online metals suppliers like OnlineMetals.com and MetalSupermarkets.com are handy. Or search for local metal distributors. Here you can buy metal sheets, wire rolls, and more to make quantities of scales and rings yourself.

One advantage of bulk metal suppliers is that you can find more unusual metals like titanium and high carbon steels. Use these to create unique looking scale mail pieces.

Hardware and Home Improvement Stores

Big box hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's can be another convenient option, especially for aluminum supplies. Check their metal sheets selection for thin aluminum in various sizes. You can also find metal snips and shears here for cutting the aluminum into scales.

The drawback is that hardware store metals are not always ideal for jewelry creation. But for costume and armor projects, their aluminum stock works perfectly fine.

Thrift Stores and Yard Sales

It's amazing what you can find if you check thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets. Keep an eye out for old jewelry and beading supplies. You never know when you'll come across rings, chains, pendants, and other finds you can repurpose into scale mail pieces.

Vintage tin ceiling tiles are another neat item to watch for. The ornate tin tiles can be cut into unique, decorative scales for one-of-a-kind projects.

Essential Scale Mail Tools

Having the right tools will make your scale mail projects go smoother and turn out better. Here are some of the essential items to have on hand:

• Jeweler's pliers - For opening and closing rings smoothly without deforming them.
• Flush cutters - To neatly cut rings from coiled rolls.
• Metal snips - For cutting sheet metal into scales.
• Dowel rod - Use for measuring ring sizes consistently.
• Ring mandrel - Helps shape rings for a nice round shape.
• File set - For removing rough edges and burrs.
• Sandpaper - Helpful for smoothing and polishing scales.
• Leather gloves - Protect your hands from sharp edges.
• Clamps - Keep pieces steady while you work.
• Sewing pliers - Make it easier to stitch scales onto backing material.

Specialty scale mail pliers with round jaws are also available to prevent marring. Invest in quality tools so your work looks neat and professional.

Tips for Successful Scale Mail Projects

Once you've gathered your supplies, these tips will help your project go smoothly:

• Plan your design - Sketch out the scale and ring sizes, shapes, and patterns you want to use.
• Prep materials - Cut scales to size. Open rings partway. Organize supplies.
• Work comfortably - Have good lighting and a table surface at the right height.
• Connect scales methodically - Be patient and systematic to prevent mistakes.
• Check sizing frequently - Make sure the mail drapes and flexes how you expect.
• Close rings carefully - Use pliers to avoid deforming the shape.
• Protect finished work - Pad sharp edges to avoid scratches and dents.
• Clean and polish - Give finished pieces a good cleaning to look their best.

Scale mail takes practice and patience, but the artistic results are well worth the effort. With quality supplies and perseverance, you can create stunning scale mail pieces to treasure for years to come.

FAQs

What gauge wire is best for making scale mail rings?

16 or 18 gauge wire usually works best for scale mail projects. This wire is thick enough to hold its shape but still small enough to manipulate easily.

Can I use pliers from the hardware store when making scale mail?

Regular pliers can work, but specialty jewelry pliers like round nose or chain nose pliers make the job easier. They allow more control and won't mar the metal.

What's the advantage of buying coiled vs loose rings?

Coiled rings are faster because you can simply cut them to length. Loose rings take more time to shape and connect individually but allow more custom sizing.

Should I make my own scales or buy them pre-made?

Pre-made scales are easier and give a uniform look. Making your own allows you to customize shapes and sizes but takes more time and tools.

Can I substitute craft store jewelry findings for scale mail rings?

Split key rings, jump rings, and beading wire can work in a pinch, but the quality won't be as nice as real scale mail rings.