Rivet jig

[kcstott]

Getting closer

This one will be tested on my Romy screw build

I couldn't see spending $250 on a jig that so many said needed to be fixed.
As in holding the action in place while working the press.

[TATER313]

Nice work I was tossing the idea in my head about building a rivet jig. I'll probably build one for the long rivets

[kcstott]

This one will do both.
As you can see it's a copy of AK builders but will get an additional mod to better support the receiver while the press is being operated

[Gowking]

Looking good. I would like to make one with the short and long rivet stations on separate bases. I get tired of changing my AK-Builder jig from short to long and back. What's the additional mod entail?

-MRA

[kcstott]

Some sort of small bar stock welded to the side of the base with a small platform on it to be an extra hand to hold the receiver square in the jig. I need to figure out a way to make it as universal as possible.

And if this becomes a pain to swap over. A new base plate it easy. I hear ya though some times a universal tool can universally suck. Dedicated tooling is always better.

[Flintlock Tom]

I really admire people with skills to build "something better." And the knowledge to know what would MAKE it better.
Well done!

Has anyone ever tried using a front sight adjustment tool for setting rivets.
Also, while looking at AK Building videos on YouTube I came across this one in which the guy uses a steel bar in a vise and an air hammer with riveting punch. This method seems very easy and versatile.
Riveting with an air hammer.

[Ak707]

The air hammer technique is a skill in its own.

[kcstott]

The air hammer technique is a skill in its own.

Thats how I built my pistol.

[arsilva32]

so um KC are you going to sell a few of these? hint hint

[kcstott]

Yeah at me shop labor rate. $500 each.

In reality I couldn't compete with AK builders design (since I ripped it off and modified it a wee bit) and price. Sorry dude this one is for me.

But it will be available free of charge at the build parties here in San Diego.

Update: I just removed the screws from the front trunnion on my Romy and replaced them with rivets. The Jig works perfect. I do need to add some clearance to the over arm to allow better alignment with the swell neck in the front trunnion as those are accessed through the mag well.

[Gunsmith Dan]

Hmmm guess you got shaky hands because a hammer and punch seem to work really nicely for me ...

[kcstott]

A hammer and punch for what?? Setting rivets?? good luck with that buddy. The more you post the deeper your hole gets

[Gunsmith Dan]

hehe darn thought I would get you there .... can't fool you ( of course in the field the russian military armorers actually were trained to do it with car jacks, works but is time consuming and won't look pretty).


What alloy you using in the jig btw?

[SJgunguy24]

I made one using some 6"X4" tube steel, a 3/4"nut and bolt and 5/16" grade 8 bolts for the rams and the long rivet line up tool. I made another one using some 1/2" x6" 4140 plate that's welded up. The key is the buck bars, make those with a nice wide base. I made mine out of 1 1/4" round stock.

That looks good. I'm a fan of 2 stations myself.

[kcstott]

I'll call that one "all in good fun"

Everything is A36 except the ram that was made from a left over piece of Thompson shaft.

I'm thinking of making a new base so it can be two stations and no change over needed.