When you combine several yarns even the cheapest fake wool from the cheap shops will do.
I have seen a 16 strand peruvian braid in it, looked great and was absolutely solid.
If you want to start with different ways of braiding, may I point out my braiding page on my website?
http://knopen.ismijnhobby.nl/tables/braid-text_table.htmlI am willing to add more braids if you want them, but find the Peruvian ones a challence I have not been able to meet yet.
A few start to braid tips.
Start with thick strings you can actually see, shoe laces are great, and easy to get, and when you re-use not to expensive.
If you keep your braids tight it does not matter whether you have twisted your yarns together. You can also give the yarns a little twist each movement you make.
The Peruvian way of working is so different that having experience in other ways of braiding is not going to help nor hinder a lot when you start it up. (It might be a help, but not a lot.)
Do not start peruvian braiding with just 8 strands, 16 is better, as that gives a much easier to work set-up, yes, I do braid, also peruvian and I also teach braiding, I know what I am talking about.
If you can get one cheap, the hair twisters that are sold for 'braiding' hair are great for rope making in small sizes and would do great on wool and alike.
Go for one with 3 or 4 hooks, try second hand markets and alike.
For rope making machines, simple ones, here is a great selection:
http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=491.msg3604#msg3604Sorry, but the Yahoo photo links have all died.
Willeke