AK flat vs 80%

[Axelgear]

So what are the benefits and downsides to both? I'm on a pretty tight budget - no presses, if I do go flat it will be the 555th jig - it's gonna be straight up Khyber Pass for me, hand tools only, only power tool being a drill. What can I MacGyver up?

[Tasty]

I am by no means an expert, but the blanks that you can get that are already heat treated was the big deciding factor for me. I'm not a fan of the "spot heat treating" that I see people doing.

[bksa]

80%s are more work. You have to trim the top rails and manage to drill all holes straight across.

all you gotta do on a ak builder flat is fold it.

[Pauliedad]

I did an 80 that was pre bent with rails already welded in. Lots of dremel time and some holes and all is good. Spot heat treating works fine. Try drilling on already hardened steel. No thanks.

[Axelgear]

Thanks for the input so far, I'm leaning towards flat