Chains/Rope/Bands/Mats
Chain
The cheapest way to use chains is pictured above. Get some thin cheap chain for the part that will be in the air during the entire lift, and a big glob of chain that will come off the ground during the lift. Any size chain can be used. There is no reason to spend a large amount of money on special chain, especially when most of it is in the air during the entire lift.
Sometimes chain can be found cheap at a junkyard. If you have to buy at a store, since the amounts used can be short, be sure to ask for left over pieces at a discount! If you insist on thick chain, try McMaster-Carr, but don't forget shipping!
This is a picture from the University of Iowa Football Strength Room. It was in The Daily Iowa, a daily university paper.
Recommended weights:
Chain weight for the bench press:
Under 200lbs bench - 20-30lbs
200-400lbs bench - 40-50lbs
400-500lbs bench - 80-90lbs
500+ bench - 80-90lbs
For squat
Under 200lbs squat - 40-50lbs
200-400lbs squat - 50-60lbs
400-500lbs squat - 60-70lbs
500-600lbs squat - 80-90lbs
600-700+lbs squat - 90-100lbs
800+ squat - 120 -140lbs
Rope
As the use of ropes has increased, so has the incredible prices some are charging for it. Due to the weight, always check around locally before ordering online. I can get 3/4 inch manila for 34 cents a foot locally. If you can't find what you are looking for, check McMaster-Carr. Currently they have 3/4 inch for 38 cents a foot and 1 1/2 for $1.38 a foot, a fraction of what some are charging. They will cut to your desired length and ship cheap.
To cut rope, mark the spot you want to cut, put a couple layers of duct tape over the spot, and use a hacksaw. Leave the duct tape on to prevent raveling.
Bands
Westside style bands are available at McMaster-Carr. Search for pallet banding. For more sizes in bulk ($250 plus) contact Aerorubber.
Mats
Whenever possible, you want to get these locally. They are VERY heavy. They are sold at horse stores and called stall mats. Currently they are around $40 for a 3/4" thick 4X6 foot mat. It will weight over 50 pounds, so shipping it would be very costly. To cut them, use a box cutter. That is a razor blade type knife. Make your cut, then put a 2x4 or similar wood at the edge of the cut. The weight of the mat will cause the cut to open slightly. Then keep cutting until the job is done. I have heard of a reciprocating saw being used, but most saws, such as a jig saw, will result in a lot of smoke and a real mess.
Recently, softer puzzle mats have become available at Menards, Lowes, and possibly some Wal-Marts. They can be used for grappling, but I wouldn't recommend them for throwing.
To practice single throws, I highly recommend a futon mattress. They can be found at moving time in most college, and likely other towns.