AK Studio Apt. Build Equipment

[baka]

I have a buddy who's shown a great interest in Building his own AK's as he's watched a few of my builds.

His problem is he lives in a studio apartment and he asked me if it would be possible for him to do his own builds with the limited space etc.

I ruled out de-milling for now. He will be using 100% complete receivers instead of bending/welding and heat-treating with this set up.

This set up he can populate and Head-space his own virgin barrels which should help a little in the cost going forward.

Here is what I came up with and I would like your feedback and any suggestions/comments are welcome!

His goal is to get the gear for less than $1k

Folding Clamping Workbench - HF $19.99
IRWIN 4.5-in Vise - Lowes $29.98
6 ton A-Frame Bench Shop Press - HF $74.99 (he does not have room for the 12 ton)
8 in. 5 Speed Bench Drill Press - HF $69.99
24 in. Bolt Cutters - HF $15.99
Rivet Jaws for 24" Bolt Cutters - Tothtool $75.00
AK Barrel/Sight/GB Alignment Jig - Requiem $59.95
Cobalt Metric Drill Bit Set - Requiem $19.95
AK Trigger Guard Installation Tool - Tothtool $80.00
AK Barrel Populating Tool - Tothtool $40.00
AK Barrel Removal / Install Tool - Tothtool $90.00
7.62 x 39 Headspace G-No GO Gauges - Brownells $58.00
4 lb. Fiberglass Drilling Hammer - HF $11.99
Automatic Center Punch - HF $2.99
1 lb. Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet - HF $5.99
Punch Set 12 Pc - HF $13.99
Needle File Set 12 Pc - HF $4.99
AK-47 7.62x39 Gas Port Extended Drill Bit - AoA $5.95
AK Long Riveting Tool - Gunthings $55.00
AK Barrel Pin Tool for 1 inch press ram end - Gunthings $24.00
Build Your Own AK: Vol. I - Amazon $14.99
Build Your Own AK: Vol. II - Amazon $18.99

Harbor Freight Coupon Links

Harbor Freight Savings Using 20% Coupons $44.18

Total Cost $748.54

[ar15barrels]

What's the 4lb sledge for?

[kylednf]

My AK build space takes up about 4'x4' in my "man cave." He should be fine. That includes drill press, press, spot welder. For the most part, I'm sitting on a milk crate or on my knees. Storing all his stuff is another thing but I don't see why he couldn't disassemble the press and put it in a closet and box and shelve the rest of the stuff.

[kylednf]

You should add a shop vac to that list as well. You'll be living in a room with metal shavings everywhere if not and picking them out of your skin is the worst.

I'd try craigslist for the drill press and shop vac. You'd probably get a better drill press around the same price as the HF one.

To save some more money, he can make his own rivet setting jaws with the bolt cutter he is buying anyways. There are many tutorials online.

Add a ball-peen hammer. Always helpful.

Also consider a dremel or some sort of grinding tool.

I wouldn't rule out your friend not having to demill anything. I've had some parts kits come with a piece or two not demilled. But if he is going to tackle populating barrels then demilling will be easy.

Depending on how many your friend plans on building, it can be cheaper to build your own receivers. Factoring in time spent driving back and forth to the FFL, gas, taxes and DROS, etc...

[tujungatoes]

List looks good. My only suggestion would be to change both hammers. Get a 16oz ball peen and 1lb dead blow. You don't need a BFH to build AK's.

[MosinVirus]

List looks good. My only suggestion would be to change both hammers. Get a 16oz ball peen and 1lb dead blow. You don't need a BFH to build AK's.

Everyone knows that a nice big hammer can sometimes scare things into compliance and good working order.

[tujungatoes]

I've beaten the holy hell out of a lot of metal over the years. It's been mean, occasionally vengeful, and frequently defiant, but I've never seen any sign that it was intimidated.

[MosinVirus]

I've beaten the holy hell out of a lot of metal over the years. It's been mean, occasionally vengeful, and frequently defiant, but I've never seen any sign that it was intimidated.

Might not have the right touch. LOL

[AKSOG]

What's the 4lb sledge for?

FSB pins

[tujungatoes]

Maybe I need a bigger hammer. This ones only 45tons

[Wes C Addle]

I see a man's face in the glass to the cab. Anyone else see that?

[MosinVirus]

I see a man's face in the glass to the cab. Anyone else see that?

Yes, those are the ghosts that live in the machines.

[tujungatoes]

^ Funny you should mention that. Previous operator died in that chair. He was pulling on a piece of pipe. It broke loose and came back into the cab. It's generally agreed that the machine is haunted now. It shuts down on its own and drifts when you're not touching the controls.

[MosinVirus]

^ Funny you should mention that. Previous operator died in that chair. He was pulling on a piece of pipe. It broke loose and came back into the cab. It's generally agreed that the machine is haunted now. It shuts down on its own and drifts when you're not touching the controls.

Wow, sorry for the guy. Not a good way to go.

[ar15barrels]

FSB pins

LOL.
No.