First AKs almost there

[darthnugget]

Thanks to 69Mach1 for his tutorial and surplusrifle. I just need to heat treat, blast, and hot blue them. I picked up an open box blast cabinet for $100 today from Harbor freight, normally $299. So these should be complete next week. For my first two AKs I think they are turning out really well. Thanks to the community for providing a plethora of information.

[4thSBCT]

Nice rivet work for first time around.

[darthnugget]

Thanks. I used the jig made by AKMACHINST on the other forum. Worked really well and save me some cash over the AKbuilder one.

[steelholder]

which kits will you be using?

[69Mach1]

That looks really great. Congratulations.

[darthnugget]

I did them first with 1 second holds (one one thousand) but afterward I fit the bolt carrier and after a number of times charging one of the rails popped off. I then redid them at 2 seconds (one one housand, two one thousand). That seemed to hold them a little better by it did show a lot more.

[general_disarray_prk]

darthnugget,

Get yourself an in-line dessicant filter from harbor freight, and place it in-line right before your abrasive blast gun.

They're about $7 w/o the 20% coupon.

HINT: You can always Google "Harbor Freight Printable Coupon 2011" and print one out.

Air compression creates water/humidity and, depending on how much you blast, can create a fine layer of rust on your newly blasted parts.

Wear NEW white cotton gloves or Powder Free Latex Gloves when removing newly blasted parts from the cabinet to prevent hand oil transfer.
POWDERED gloves will transfer their powder, and paint doesn't stick to powder - been there done that...

BOTH are available at HF. The cotton gloves are about $5 a pack - keep them in the bag until you are ready to use them.

Place newly blasted parts in NEW zip loc bags (Target's own brand is good quality and cheap). Get the freezer weight bags - not much more $ and prevents bag punctures.

Get an "air gun" to blow off the blast dust before spraying on your finish.

"Tap" both ends of the newly abrasive blasted receiver (on a clean, oil free surface) to knock loose the blast media that will stick in the cracks/crevices of the front and rear trunnions, and then air blast the receiver - again - with DRY compressed air. Lots of hidden blast media will come out ;-)

If you don't perform this last stage, chances are that when you spray your finish on the receiver as it's hanging from a coat hanger, the blast dust/media will come loose - on to your new, sticky paint. Been there - done that - it sucks...

HTH-

[Shepherds_Hook_47]

good deal!
Can't wait to see them finished!

[straykiller]

Lookin good

[nicoroshi]

Much better than my first time around.
Keep up the good work

[darthnugget]

general_disarray_prk ,
Thanks for the tips. I will update the progress on these. I will be blasting and hot blueing one of them tonight.

[TURBOELKY]

Looking good! That center support job looks great. Don't forget your heat treat of the axis pin area.

[247Nino]

Looks great!

Are you looking to rust blue? IT TAKES A LONG TIME! and it's difficult to card in tight areas.

Think about Cold Blue or Presto Black instead. It's fast and smells like cat piss.

[IW378]

Thanks. I used the jig made by AKMACHINST on the other forum. Worked really well and save me some cash over the AKbuilder one.

What forum is he on. I might be interested in one of those rivet jigs.

[7,62x39]

What forum is he on. I might be interested in one of those rivet jigs.

I've seen him on akfiles