To max out a piece of armor or a weapon there are two ways.
1. Buy the golden pedastal for 1 Million Gold and refine it to the weapon/armor
2. Follow these steps.
Buy three of the weakest weapons/armors (Leather Plate/Short Sword etc.)
Next on one weapon/armor refine the following in this order;
2 x Sturdy Hides
4 x Sturdy Bones
2 x Sturdy Hides
2 x Sturdy Shells
2 x Strong Hairs
Then on the other two weapons/armors refine the following, again in this order
8 x Sturdy Shells
8 x Strong Hairs
4 x Titanic Bones
2 x Amethysts
Then forge the weak one onto your equipment, followed by the two stong ones.
Your equipment should now have +72 and 9 on all stats