It's not so bad with scales, because fewer rings are used to assemble a piece. A little more than half the number of rings that I would use for a chainmail piece are used in a scale item. That one is still 70+ hours and not complete yet.

After that I want to rebuild my personal anodized scale shirt, using the things I've learnt since originally making it. I'll als be making myself a stainless steel chain shirt. Seriously considering buying a resistance welder so that I can weld the rings closed, making actual combat grade armour.

are you still doing the rings by hand? not sure I would have the patience for it.

Yup, all by hand. My wire supplier created a system for linking and welding rings automatically, then sold it off to a company called Mailletec, that was formed by a couple of their former employees. After seeing how complicated that build was, I knew it was beyond me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBIa-9-lus

I am surprised there is actually that much demand for chainmale etc. that it could support some pretty good investment at that point.

In addition to producing wire, rings, and scales The Ring Lord also does custom work. They made some massive chain curtains for some hoity-toity hotel and have made props for a lot of movies. There really aren't that many companies doing it at that sort of production level, so they have a good chunk of the market.

http://www.theringlord.org/forum/ind...comment-106927

ah yeah, hadn't even thought about movies. the chain curtains would have been interesting to see. I suppose if they were light gage that would look really cool.

If I remember correctly the curtains were made of "bright" (polished) aluminum. I had the opportunity to work on them, but was shooting at the track that weekend.

nice, back when I worked in fabrication I had the opportunity to work on some projects that were somewhat high profile. it was always fun to go see the work I had done in public places.

I feel that way every time I rewatch season 3 three of "Standard Action" and see one of my pieces in it, plus the "special thanks" note in the credits :D

oh that would be awesome, to see your name rolling by on the screen. LOL