A tutorial for AK build parties.

[MikeR]

Great write up.

I only read the first 50 posts and dont know if it was mentioned later, so ill add 2 tips.

Before riveting your selector stop make sure it on the correct way, don't ask me how i know.

After a long day of building a nice bottle of whiskey will help cement new friendships and make your tall tails ... umm taller. haha I need to attend another BP just to hang out. Good times.

[kekoa1969]

Where in LA are you. I'd love to join one of your build parties, have wanted an AK for a long time so I might as well build it. I have to admit though, that I don't even know where to start or what I need to get.

[CocoTiTs]

This is an amazing thread. Ty. I am very inerested in learning the whole process and where can you get all jigs and tools needed? Akbuilder.com? I'd love to get all tools and equipment needed. Any idea what they would add up to aside from the 600$ ak?

[osis32]

youre probably looking at around $1000 between the ak builder tools the 12ton press the drill press and the files, trunnion press support and spot welder/mig welder. I just bought everything I need from akbuilder now I have to hit up harbor freight.

[gtforde]

awsome step by step... to bad I don't have all the tools to do it. lol The Marine Corps doesn't pay that well :-)

[moulton]

It's necessary for a folder. It is desirable for any receiver if you're not doing a full heat treat. It adds strength and rigidity. If you're able to spot weld it in place, even better.

Do grip plates go on the outside or the inside of the receiver?

[Roccobro]

Outside. The holes in the polish plate would line up with existing underfolder holes (these are NOT for rivets!) Use a regular length rivet in lieu of the shorty rear trigger guard rivet. Spot weld plate in place.

If it isn't an UF or side folder kit your building, the plate is not needed.

Justin

[MikeWilliamson]

However, if you're not heat treating the whole receiver, I like to use the rear plate for extra strength.

[Roccobro]

However, if you're not heat treating the whole receiver, I like to use the rear plate for extra strength.

The wood stocks do wonders to the rigidity of the receiver when stuffed in as designed. No need for plates on anything but UF and some SF receivers.

Justin

[MikeWilliamson]

The stock does add strength, but I've had an aftermarket grip with a wider profile allow the receiver to dip, and it can draw the rails enough to affect feeding. Your experiences may be different--it will all depend on hardware, thickness of blank, shaping, etc.

It's never a bad idea to have a stronger receiver.

[MrAnchovy]

Cutting bit for building

Hi fellow builders,

I'm currently finishing up build #2 and wanted to share something. I ran out of Dremel grinding bits and so went to the local HWS for some replacements. While there, I found a new bit for cutting metal and I wanted to share my experience with it. Its a Dremel #9903 - Tungsten Carbide Cutter. This little bit tears through the lower rails and receiver sheet metal so much easier than what I was using before. Took me about 2 minutes to grind a lower rail and egging a receiver hole took just a few seconds. The bit likes to be run fast so I used a very high speed - 8 of 10 on the speed scale. Slower speeds tended to make the bit bounce and skip. I do have a warning though.... do wear gloves and as always wear eye protection. The cutting action creates thousands of tiny splinters of metal. These splinters easily puncture skin and will get very stuck into your hands. Two days after I did the grinding, I still feel little pricks every time I rub or touch my hands to anything. Here's a pic of the bit in its packaging...



Have fun, be safe and build it yourself!

Dan

[S470FM]

I'll be going to my first AK build party in SD and am stoked about it. I've been looking at YouTube videos and reading the tutorial for 1st timers. I do have a question about parkerizing though, what does the finished result look like?

[artoaster]

I hope this is an appropriate thread to ask this question. I'm now planning purchase of kit and needed parts and tools and attending BP in near future.

I'm looking at a parts kit for Bulgy AK74 that has it's own barrel chopped and comes with another new chrome lined original Bulgy barrel pulled from another rifle? This is GTG, right?

Of course, I would make sure barrel work can be arranged to be done (headspace, populate) beforehand by the AK Team prior to BP.

[69Mach1]

I hope this is an appropriate thread to ask this question. I'm now planning purchase of kit and needed parts and tools and attending BP in near future.

I'm looking at a parts kit for Bulgy AK74 that has it's own barrel chopped and comes with another new chrome lined original Bulgy barrel pulled from another rifle? This is GTG, right?

Of course, I would make sure barrel work can be arranged to be done (headspace, populate) beforehand by the AK Team prior to BP.

Sounds good.

[Flintlock Tom]

Does anyone have an opinion about a one-ton manual arbor press (Amazon Arbor press) for populating barrels, pressing barrel pin, setting rivets, etc.?
I just don't have room for the hydraulic press that seems so popular.

Thanks.