press or hammer

[dont_tread_on_me]

just got the agi ak builder video. getting ready for my first build. in the video they use a hammer and not a shop press. what do ya'll recommend.

[uxo2]

hammer and not a shop press

used on what part of assembly?

[falbuff]

press for sure

[B.D.Dubloon]

Press. Check craig's list and you'll find one pretty quick. What's your location?

[ar15barrels]

[chiz]

I have a lead hammer that is for removing knock-offs on wire wheels that I have used and it worked fine. It is really heavy but the metal is soft so it doesn't damage anything.

[nicoroshi]

I figure you're talking about barrel removal.
I have done one with the 'hammer/ soft metal/ beat the snot out of it till it comes out' method. All my other builds I did with a $7 gear puller from my local auto parts store, and 45 cent brass fitting to protect the chamber end. Much easier,smoother, safer (for you, and the firearm), and I didn't need to buy or borrow a press. I pressed the barrels back in on my woodworking bench using the vice, and bench dogs.

So far three successful builds using those methods.
First choice is a 20 ton press but there are ways to do it (correctly) without one.

[dont_tread_on_me]

sorry should of been more specific. I meant to bend the receiver flat. The guy in the video mounts the flat onto a bending jig and bends it with a hammer. Not sure if this is the way to go?

[hawk81]

Use a press.

[nicoroshi]

Again I agree that a press is 'the way to go'.
But.....if you don't have one there are other ways (without using a hammer).






(formed by tightening the vice).

[Ford8N]

sorry should of been more specific. I meant to bend the receiver flat. The guy in the video mounts the flat onto a bending jig and bends it with a hammer. Not sure if this is the way to go?

I know the video you are talking about. If you can, pressing is the way to go. If you don't want to pay for a jig and press, go to one of the build parties and just stamp out your flat. It will be easier, faster and a better result. The AGI method will work, rather crude and s l o w, but I think that video was made before the 555th jig was perfected.