Jumping into the AK deep end.

[rikitikijave]

After missing out on a few parties, I finally was able to wiggle my way into a spot for a build. In the process I was also able to sucker my brother (who is much more mechanically inclined) onto the bandwagon as far as doing our own builds. I am trying to compile the necessary tools in order to do our own builds at home. After searching this site and reading the gunwiki article, I have a narrowed down list here. What am I missing besides the equipment for heat treating and finishing (blast cabinet etc)?

Scratch list so far:

Rivet Tool $250 AK-Builder.com Improved version of 'plinker jig' - less adjustment needed, better rivets, harder steel, does rear rivets.

Trigger Guard Rivet Jig $65 AK-Builder.com Only trigger guard rivet jig I've ever seen, and I can't imagine a better one.

Barrel Install/Removal Kit $95 AK-Builder.com Fair kit, but trunion support plate's made of weak aluminum and takes lots of damage after 8 or so uses; trunion support system slips easily.

Improved trunion support $28 Gunthings.com Buy this and throw away the ak-builder trunion support plate. It doesn't slip readily, and can press barrels FORWARD in a completed trunion too.

20-ton press $135 Harbor Freight? I got a bargain $70 12-ton press, and had to replace the ram and bottle jack almost immediately. Get the HF 12 or 20 ton instead.

I'm good on the small tools (dremmels etc.) but want to get an idea of what large tools are needed.

Thanks for the help guys.

[rikitikijave]

Sorry if this is "mad newb" by the way.

[Rekrab]

Plenty of shims!

I'm guessing you plan on using 100% receivers?

[4thSBCT]

drill press. 7 and 5 mm reamers. Flat bending die set (if using a flat) headspace guages,

[Rekrab]

A spot welder would be a good call too if he's using flats.

[ott1]

Some 1/4" ball bearings, a nice vise and maybe 24" HF bolt cutters and rivet jaws from Toth.

[wash]

The rivet tools I have used are the bolt cutter jaw type, a home made long rivet jig and the AK builder trigger guard rivet jig.

From my perspective, the bolt cutter jaws worked quite well and I hear they are cheap. The trigger guard rivet jig works well as long as you rivet the trigger guard before you weld in the rails.

Building AKs is all about metal fab, so make a long rivet jig if you are able.

If you go that way you can save most of that $250 rivet tool.

If you have a press, I'm not sure why you need a barrel tool except maybe for pulling out barrels from receivers after the front trunnion is riveted in. If that's a problem, you could fairly easily make a press plate and a mandrel to do it fairly easily.

So you can do it cheaper.

[bigbob76]

I would say buy Nodak receivers and buy the riveting jig etc. You will be building rifles right away and understand what you are doing. After that if you want to make your own tools or bend flats you'll have some experience. You can always resell the tools after getting a lot of use out of them for very little money. The main thing is get started and have fun!

[rikitikijave]

I plan on starting with the Nodak receivers. Can anyone recommend any specific riveting jigs. I have seen what seem like a dozen different ones and they tend to overlap. Is there one that is able to do all of the rivets. How about the Toth adapter and bolt cutters? I'm trying to find the minimum list to build a decent AK. I am probably going to start with Romanian kits, and as my experience grows, I plan on expanding both my build types and machines/tools. My hope is to assemble the necessary tools, and contract, pay, or bribe one of Calguns own AK team members to help with a build so I can learn while doing.

[cmace22]

Rivet location tool comes in handy or buy the Ak-Builder trunnion rivet jig.

Flat bending jig

Spot welder

Dremel

Bolt cutter rivet jaws work just as good as the AK-Builder jig. The only use I ever had for the AK-Builder jig was installing rear trunnion rivets on a side folder and center support.

[KingNookie]

Im assuming youre going to be buying kits to put everything together as it is cheaper than buying individual parts. Because of this I suggest you visit ak-builder dot com again and think about buying the trunnion rivet drill jig ($95) and the trigger guard drill jig ($25) too. These will assist in better drilling out existing rivets. I suggest you get all three mandrels as you never know. plenty of vices of different types and a grinder just to finish off any sharp edges.