Im using steel wire 16 guage fencing.  But, it has black oil in order to keep it from rusting, while i understand the reason for it, I find it a bit off if i put it on top of clothing (or skin) it leaves a black smudge, So how would I get rid of this?  Should I scrub it off the wire before I use it on my mandrel?  Or should I make the rings, then normalize them?  Im not intending to get into Riveting just yet, while it is cool I have to gather a few more tools for that and am getting into a project for a shirt to start off, will eventually want ot rivet my rings .  any help welcome :)

If you are talking about oil, and not epoxy coating, rub it down with mineral spirits before forming and you should be good to go. No sense in burning it off and breathing the fumes (mineral spirits is not great vapor to inhale either).

-Crazy Ivan

May I commend to your attention www.armourarchive.org a series of forums dedicated just to modern armour making.  Lots more people with experience in maille over there.

Thanks guys, Ill check the site.  :)

that's actually bailing wire, the oil is so it doesn't chew up the hay baler, i simply held it with a rag as i coiled it, but be careful, that can be dangerous, if you use a drill to coil your wire.

 

also i don't think this is the best site to learn about chainmail, below is a link to the best site possible on the subject. its complete with a library of tutorials, pictures, articles, and a ton of different weaves.

 

 http://www.mailleartisans.org/

 

i may have just started smithing, but ive been making chainmaile for 10 years now, and this site is the best tool i could possibly ask for.