Turkish Round - is a variant of the Open Round Chain Mail. It has an A.R. of 4.0 (use the AR Calculator) to estimate the I.D. for other gauges). In this example we are using 18ga 4.0mm ID jump rings. You will need approx. 36 rings per inch of chain.
This project uses the following size jump rings.
STEP 1: The StarterThe easiest way to assemble this chain is to make a starter. You need a dowel (3/16" diameter) a piece of masking tape and (3) 18ga 4.0mm ID Jump Rings. Close the three jump rings. |
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STEP 2: Stick 'EmPress the 3 closed jump rings into the sticky side of the masking tape. Make sure at least half of the jump ring is visible above the tape. |
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STEP 3: The RollAttach the dowel to the edge of the tape. Make the end of the dowel equal with the tape, and roll the dowel so that the tape and jump rings are packed inside. |
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STEP 4: Looks Like This...Press the tape firmly against the dowel and jump rings to secure them. Your finished starter should allow you to add jump rings to the starter jump rings. |
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STEP 5: The TriangleThe jump rings on the starter should form a triangle. You will be adding new jump rings, one each, to the corners of the triangle where the jump rings meet. |
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STEP 6: Starter CompleteOptional: Hang the starter from your work lamp or third hand to give you access to the chain. |
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STEP 7: Connect Pair #1 - New RingLocate the point where two rings on the starter are touching. Open a jump ring and attach it to that pair. |
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STEP 8: Connect Pair #2 - New RingRotate the work to the next point where two rings from the starter touch. Add a new jump ring. |
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STEP 9: Connect Pair #3 - New RingTurn your work and find the point where the rings from the starter touch and add a new jump ring. Row Complete! Note: You will always be adding rings in groups of three. |
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STEP 10: Add a New Row - Ring #1You are going to repeat the steps 7, 8 & 9. But lets continue following the chain to reinforce what it should look like |
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STEP 11: Then ring #2, then ring #3Find the point where the rings touch and add a new ring. Each row requires 3 new rings. Note: The first several rows can be tricky. Make sure that your new ring does not grab the previous row. |
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STEP 12: Start the Inverted StepIgnoring the very first row [taped on to the dowel] You completed two rows (consisting of 6 rings) We are going to flip the chain and face it upward. Grab the neck of the chain with your thumb and forefinger and face it toward you. |
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STEP 13: Let the Rings Fall OpenPress your thumb and forefinger firmly around the chain to keep it stable. Let the rings fall open like the petals of a flower. You are going to add three new rings. |
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STEP 14: Identify the InsideWith the last row of jump rings open (petals), identify the inside portion of the jump ring. Seen here in red. You will be adding a new ring to link the (red pair) rings together. Note: The inset picture in the left and right corner identify the other pairs your will be linking. |
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STEP 15: Connect in 3 PlacesSet aside 3 rings for this stage. Open a 18ga 4.0mm ID jump ring and attach it to the inside of the rings (identified in the previous step) and pull upward. [Ring 1 of 3 shown] |
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STEP 16: 3 Rings, 3 PlacesAfter you attach the second and third ring, your chain should look like this. You have completed the inverted stage. [copper rings denote new rings] |
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STEP 17: Continue the ChainYou can easily loose your place creating your first chain. If you prepare your rings in alternating piles of 3 and 6 rings, your will maintain the proper pattern. |
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STEP 18: ReviewHold the chain downward. |
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STEP 19: Review - Add 6 RingsOpen (6) jump rings and add them to the chain to form two new rows (Steps 7-12) |
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STEP 20: Review - Identify the InnerFlip the chain upward, letting the rings fall outward like petals and identify the inner portion of the ring. |
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STEP 21: Review - Add 3 ringsAdd 3 rings to the inside |
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STEP 22: Complete Chain to LengthRepeat the steps, adding 6 rings, invert add 3 rings, repeat, until you reach your desired length. |
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STEP 23: Create a 3 to 1 LinkEnding a 3 sided chain can be challenging. Create a 3-1 link out of scrap wire. Cut a length of 18ga wire approx 4 inches long. Use a round nose plier and create coil. |
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STEP 24: Separate the coilsPull the coils apart. The wire may be very stiff. |
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STEP 25: Bend to TriangleContinue to separate the loops until they form a triangle. |
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STEP 26: Attach chainAttach the last three rings of the turkish round chain to the 3-1. Create a loop and wrap on the other end. Note: I end my chains with the inverted step. Then connect each ring, one at a time, to the 3-1 connector. |
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