Advice on Tools for AK Build

[JPurp]

I am looking to purchase some of the tools needed to do some AK building.

Harbor freight is just down the street and they are inexpensive so I was going to go with them but I could use some advice.

12 ton Shop Press - A frame or standard and why?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=1667

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=33497

Drill Press - Not sure what to look for here.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44505

Spot welder - I was going to go with the AK Builder as it has the correct tips. Thoughts?

http://www.ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29841

Jig - AK Builder again. Thoughts?

http://www.ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29924

If you can think of anything else that is a must have I would appreciate the info.

Thanks

[scott.cr]

For the shop press I would suggest A-frame. I had a standard Horror Fright shop press and the whole frame would distort at high loads, and eventually distort enough to spit the part out the side and send it across the shop at about Mach 3.

Is 12 tons all you need for the AK Builder jig? (Not a sarcastic question; I honestly don't know, but am interested in knowing.)

Drill press selection is probably okay but I would add an X-Y drill press vise. Horrid Freight has these too.

In terms of actually using those tools, you should be prepared spending a fair amount of time on setup and clamping. Horrid Freight tools are more like a kit of parts than actual turn-key tools. My guess is that for every one hour of work on your flat you will be spending three on setups.

[JPurp]

Is 12 tons all you need for the AK Builder jig? (Not a sarcastic question; I honestly don't know, but am interested in knowing.)

This will be a first build but from everything I read 12 or 20 ton will get the job done.

[JamesY]

How many builds are you doing? If you're only doing 2-3, it's not worth buying the tools unless you really want to.

Anyway, you'll also need a riveting jig or two or three, depending on what you end up getting. AKBuilder sells a combo riveting jig that can do both long rivets and front trunnion ones. They also have a separate one for the trigger guard. Another option is to buy a long rivet jig by itself and use modified bolt cutters. How about the barrel jig? You might need one of those as well. Just buy it all from AKBuilder and host a party at your place. I'm sure you'll find people that can teach you how to use your $1000+ worth of tools

[justinLB]

If you are going for the stepped rail jig get a standard 20 ton press. The 12 ton really struggles with the stepped rail jig.

The drill press will be OK the real downside I see will be the amount of wobble you wouldn't be able to locate and drill the front trunnion holes with the method I use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5CSE...81AD9&index=13
You will also need 5mm&7mm reamers, cutting fluid, top rail layout jig, barrel removal kit, riveting jigs, dremel, bench vise, drill press vise and most important how to use em.

I know there are a few people in your area that have most if not all of the necessary tools to complete a flat build. Offer up some good beer and grub and you'll have a rifle in no time.

[uxo2]

12ton H-frame....
You need the added length for barrel installation and removal.

also..

I would just get a 100% reciver becuase it is a HIGHER quality.
Compleat hardness..

But If you want to bend your just because you can...So be it and enjoy


and as for justinLB comment..
He's right.....People here in OC have the correct tooling.
Like me.
But limited time to do it

[Noonanda]

JPurp if you get an Orange county Build party going let me know, Ive got a pair of bolt cutter front trunnion rivet tool, and some other stuff plus a flat Ive been meaning to build.

Im waiting for my Romy PSL parts kit to get here so I can see what I would need to build a full rifle

[CSACANNONEER]

If you don't have tools or know how to build one, instead of trying to do it by yourself, think BUILD PARTY. Either go to one or, host one. Since I had a bunch of kits and zero knowledge about how to put them together, I hosted a couple build parties. A buch of people volunteered to bring all the equipment and special tools to demill, build and parkerize. Hosting or even just attending a BP is not a good way to make money but, it is a good way to get your rifles built without spending money on tools and you get to meet a lot of great calgunners. Without the expertise and equipment of JustinLB, Caimen, Wyseguy and a ton of other people I might have $1000 worth of tools cluttering up the garage and still not have been able to figure out how to build a rifle with them. Instead, I'm down to one 12T H frame purchased for the BPs and no other specialty tools. But, I'm 8 builds up!

[motorhead]

h frame press. 12T works fine for me. the a frames aren't tall enough to fit the jig. i measured. ak builder jig. dph/555 requires less clearance so a frame may work. drill press, the best you can afford. i went cheap but i'll have to upgrade someday. hf 110v spotter. 220v is too strong and burns through. watch for sales/coupons. get on h/f's e-mail list. they've been kicking with a 20% coupon every weekend for months.