Mig or Spot weld?

[AR MIKE]

Has anyone spot welded the guide rails with MIG welder ? Most I've seen here are spot welds . Which is better other then looks?

[4thSBCT]

on what I'll guess your talking about AK's , both work fine, mig will be stronger than spot welding

[Roccobro]

I MIG weld 'em. I've repaired many a spot welded rails recently. Even from good quality machines with LOTS of juice!

Justin

[CSACANNONEER]

If I was going to MIG them, I'd probably first drill them and attach them with machine screws, test for fit and function and then, plug weld them with my MIG. But, that's because, I've never done one with a MIG yet.

[WTSGDYBBR]

The factory who builds ak spot welds them. I have a welder that I believe is just to hot. I may buy a cheap HF one that the burn rate last longer. MiG is no doubt stronger then a spot weld.

[Roccobro]

If I was going to MIG them, I'd probably first drill them and attach them with machine screws, test for fit and function and then, plug weld them with my MIG. But, that's because, I've never done one with a MIG yet.

Do you do all this to spot weld them as well?

The spots left by MIG is small. Look at some of Nicoroshi's pictures to see. First time I saw his pics I thought somebody had posted a pic of their rifle I had done. Identical spots and rail areas. MIG is almost a no brainer welding technique.

If penetration is a concern, use the same discoloration indicators you would for spot welds. I also watch the color change from red to regular immediately after the zap to see what all got heated (easier to show that type it).

Another benefit of MIG is you NEVER have pock marks or divots visible from the outside where you welded like you see on many arc/spot welds.

Justin

[CSACANNONEER]

I'm not the most accomplished welder so, I'd use the screws as clamps. Do you plug weld or weld the tops and bottoms of the rails from the inside? I've seen both but, I'd be afraid of screwing up the weld along the top of the lower rail.

[247Nino]

I've had to have a couple of my rails TIG'd for insurance, my buddy's spot welder has fugged up tips from other's misuse so I had to make sure mine would stay.

[nicoroshi]

I mig weld all my builds.
Never had one fail.

[AR MIKE]

Hey Thanks to all , going to MIG em, my first build ,hope I don't mess it up .Thanks again for the info.

[nicoroshi]

Kind of hard to mess it up.
Couple hints for you.
The bolt does not reach all the way to the interior of the receiver when it travels on the lower rail so you can leave about 1/16" of weld bead in the corner between the inside of the receiver, and onto the top of the interior rail.
I normally tack mine in a few spots.
top front of interior rail
back of interior rail just below the top of the rail
both sides of the rail in the magazine well, and one just below the center support hole.
More than enough to hold the rail in place, and straight in the receiver.
I weld on the interior (not from the outside). Some minor penetration marks to clean up before finish but normally comes out looking good with a finish applied.

Here's a couple of pictures of the exterior of a Bulgy AK-74 receiver to give you an idea of my weld placement.




One of the side of the receiver after a cold blue finish:

[sd_shooter]

I used a flux core welder on my first build and it worked well. It was easy to justify spending money on a tool that I'd use for many other things as well (eg. target stands.)

[4thSBCT]

heres a pic of a few boogers I did on a build



and then a few on top and cleaned it so the carrier can move

[oldyeller]

Do you drill a holes in the rail and plug weld them Nico?

[TimRB]

Get ready, Ken.

Tim