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Building a Chain

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FACT: The biggest causes of poorly closed rings are laziness and junk rings (anything that's not saw-cut). Only a fool with cognitive defects would say or think otherwise since the math and science of a properly closed ring are indisputable.

If making a chain was as simple as opening, inserting, and closing a ring...well, it is. Like knitting - stitching one purl through another - making a chain is merely a variation of putting one ring into another. It's how they're intertwined that creates the incredible variety. As long as they're assembled with attention to detail using saw-cut rings, that is.

What is regarded as chainmaille essentially has to be made by hand. Machines have to be programmed for each specific weave, costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for new tooling. They excel at doing basic 2-in-1 chains and European 4-in-1 for sure.

No matter the weave, assembly line methods can be used for part of it. For instance, open all rings the perfect amount and orderly place them for easy pickup. Less time putting down and picking up tools or reaching for supplies translates into better production numbers.

It's a muscle memory thing, too. Repetition means more consistency and speed. Consistency ensures everything is done to the same standards. Precision and accuracy can never be underrated.

Advanced techniques like welding and soldering use multiple tools within the span of ten minutes. Loop-in-loop chains have a long list of equipment so it's important to know every process intimately.

If time is the sole consideration then do whatever is necessary to reduce it. Faster work means more product. Nothing short of a stopwatch and a breakdown of tasks will measure it accurately. Research does add time but generally pays off long-term. At least everything's been quantified.

Sometimes other metrics are more critical, like quality workmanship. For those making precious metal chains with welded or soldered seams, closing the rings is only the beginning whereas it's the end for typical chainmaille. Regardless, the assembly method must be flexible enough to adapt.

There are good speedweaving techniques for the European X-in-1 family. Others must be assembled one ring at a time like Jen Pind Linkages. How efficient could the chain-making process be? Trimming ten seconds per ring will result in a significant bottom-line savings.

While tutorials are a mouse click away, they will be forgotten without practice. Make a video or take pictures while learning it. Explain it in detail so another person could follow, i.e. you in the future. It's a great refresher and accessible without an internet connection. Keep a log to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Posted by M: June 25, 2018

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