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Glossery of termsor...
" what the heck are all these weird words?"
1.Wire-
This one is a gimme. This is the long,skinny pieces of metal that
you actually make the coils and links of the maille out of. Wire
comes in different thicknesses ( called "gauges"),and
are made out of different metals. The most commonly used metals
for wire are: steel ( galvanized,mild,or stainless),brass,
aluminum,and copper.
2. Turning
Jig- This is the actual device used to turn the wire
into coils. It usually consists of 2 components: a mandrel and a
frame.
3.Frame-O.K.,this
is another gimme. The frame is the part of the turning jig in
which the mandrel passes through. This can be made of plastic
(ugh!),wood or metal. It consists of a base plate of some
sort,with 2 uprights through which the mandrel passes.
4.Mandrel-The
part of the jig on which the wire is actually turned . It is a
rod (either metal or wood) with one or more hole bored at one end
,in which the wire is inserted to secure it during the turning
procedure. Usually,the mandrel has a crank handle,or some source
of power,at the same end as the holes. Power drills work well for
turning large amounts of coils,but as with any other power
tool,it can be dangerous unless great care is taken. A crank
handle is much safer for the beginning maillier.
5.Coils-These
are the little springs from which individual pieces of of
proto-maille,or links,are cut from. These coils are the result of
the turning process.
6.Links-Individual
pieces of what I call proto-maille.Weaving links togather ,in the
proper patterns ,are what form maille.
7.Maille-(
aka Chainmaille,chainmail, The Warshirt of Odin,ect.) a
flexible,metal armour consisting of metal rings,or links,woven
togather ,usually in set patterns. Most widely used of such is
known as European 4 in 1. Maille is believed ,by most ,to have
been invented by the Celtic tribes of ancient times,and is very
effective against edged attacks. However,maille does not perform
that well against crushing attacks,or thrusting,piercing attacks.
8.European
4 in 1-This is the most widely used pattern for maille
making. Like the name states,it consists of one link passing
through four links. This is one of the easiest patterns to use
for the beginning maillier,and goes quite fast once one has the
hang of it.