Federal Farmer Posted April 10, 2012 at 03:17 PM Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 at 03:17 PM Did you grease the Flat before trying to bend? I found Spray White Lithium Grease worked well. Yeah, I got some kind of blue bearing grease of some sort. High temp grease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willxjcherokee Posted April 12, 2012 at 12:37 AM Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 12:37 AM Are you going to heat treat the receiver? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarandFan Posted April 12, 2012 at 01:18 AM Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 01:18 AM Are you going to heat treat the receiver? Gotta at least treat the trigger and hammer pin holes, and the lower rails (before welding them in place). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted April 12, 2012 at 04:17 AM Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 04:17 AM From test placing the bolt rails, it looks like I'll have to drill through them to install the support pin. Can that be done easily after the rails are heat treated? I'm not sure how easy it will be to drill them prior to welding them in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yas Posted April 12, 2012 at 04:32 AM Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 04:32 AM I'd be wanting to drill before heat treating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted April 12, 2012 at 04:36 AM Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 04:36 AM I'd be wanting to drill before heat treating. I also have to grind down the 'oversized mag stabilizers' on the rails as well. Same rails for AK74 and AK47, they are made larger than needed and trimmed to suit. Link is to the flat/rails I'm using. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yas Posted April 12, 2012 at 12:34 PM Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 12:34 PM You might want to poke around here : Pookie web AK build instructions He went into a lot of detail. I'v also got 6.3 MB of information from the old Surplusrifle web site Pm if you want it. Also Arizonia Response Sysrtems has a lot of information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted April 12, 2012 at 09:42 PM Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 at 09:42 PM You might want to poke around here : Pookie web AK build instructions He went into a lot of detail. I'v also got 6.3 MB of information from the old Surplusrifle web site Pm if you want it. Also Arizonia Response Sysrtems has a lot of information. Great links! I'm still trying to decide whether I will use the drill and weld rails from outside or weld them to the inside. Also whether I will try to do it myself or phone a friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted April 26, 2012 at 02:46 PM Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 at 02:46 PM I ordered the updated flat bending jig from ak-builder.com. I've been using the old one with his pre-bent and trimmed top rail flats. According the the proprietor, this leads to the crease that runs just under the top of the rail along the sides of the receiver. Also ordered a new flat to start over on the bend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR1987 Posted April 26, 2012 at 03:13 PM Share Posted April 26, 2012 at 03:13 PM How hard has this been so far? What level of difficulty woukd this be? Seems far more complicated than an AR build. I'm curious. I might want to do one myself . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted April 26, 2012 at 03:16 PM Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 at 03:16 PM How hard has this been so far? What level of difficulty woukd this be? Seems far more complicated than an AR build. I'm curious. I might want to do one myself . I haven't done the hard parts yet, which is heat treating the receiver/rails and welding the rails in place. So far it has been simply following instructions and attention to detail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yas Posted April 26, 2012 at 04:13 PM Share Posted April 26, 2012 at 04:13 PM If you heat treat and quench with oil. Be prepared for some flames. Thats garage stuff, not hobby room or basement. The Miss's would be properly p*****. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 1, 2012 at 12:50 AM Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 at 12:50 AM Here is the new jig from ak-builder. It worked and was much easier to use than the old jig. Here is the finished result...perfect bend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyre400 Posted May 1, 2012 at 01:37 AM Share Posted May 1, 2012 at 01:37 AM I can save some used diesel oil, if you want it. Will 6 gallons do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 1, 2012 at 02:11 AM Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 at 02:11 AM I can save some used diesel oil, if you want it. Will 6 gallons do? Thanks, but I have motor oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyre400 Posted May 1, 2012 at 02:19 AM Share Posted May 1, 2012 at 02:19 AM Thanks, but I have motor oil. That's cool. The truck takes 3 gallons each change, so I usually have 6 at any given point. It just ends up getting recycled. I'm enjoying your build thread BTW, thanks - good stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 1, 2012 at 02:22 AM Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 at 02:22 AM Thanks, but I have motor oil. That's cool. The truck takes 3 gallons each change, so I usually have 6 at any given point. It just ends up getting recycled. I'm enjoying your build thread BTW, thanks - good stuff. Thanks! I've been posting them on Facebook as well to scare my friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 8, 2012 at 05:11 AM Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 at 05:11 AM No photos yet, but I made my first attempt to heat treat my AK receiver this weekend. I got one of the FC holes red hot and quenched. All seemed to go well. However, it was very windy out and I couldn't maintain a steady flame so I put it on hold for better weather. The good news is I didn't set myself or anything else on fire! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchet Posted May 8, 2012 at 11:55 AM Share Posted May 8, 2012 at 11:55 AM The good news is I didn't set myself or anything else on fire! Well that always makes the day better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarandFan Posted May 8, 2012 at 12:01 PM Share Posted May 8, 2012 at 12:01 PM I am very happy for you David! Your determination is inspiring. Keep at it!! Yeah, wind can play heck with a flame. How long does it take your Bic to heat that metal adequately? ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 8, 2012 at 09:43 PM Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 at 09:43 PM I am very happy for you David! Your determination is inspiring. Keep at it!! Yeah, wind can play heck with a flame. How long does it take your Bic to heat that metal adequately? ;-) Zippo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR1987 Posted May 8, 2012 at 09:55 PM Share Posted May 8, 2012 at 09:55 PM I've been reading up on this because a friend of mine wants an AK. So I was reading on building them. It seems much harder than building an AR. What sorts of tools do you need (so far) and will need for the future? Will you be riveting yourself? How about barrel installation? Is this something worth doing (break even or save money) or is it better to find a built rifle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 8, 2012 at 10:04 PM Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 at 10:04 PM I've been reading up on this because a friend of mine wants an AK. So I was reading on building them. It seems much harder than building an AR. What sorts of tools do you need (so far) and will need for the future? Will you be riveting yourself? How about barrel installation? Is this something worth doing (break even or save money) or is it better to find a built rifle? If you buy the tools and build just one, it is not even break even. However, if you can borrow the tools (and mine are borrowable) you can save a few bucks if you don't count your time. For me, it isn't about saving money. My day job results in virtual results and I enjoy the sensation of building something tangible with my hands. I'll get pics of my AK-specific tools soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR1987 Posted May 9, 2012 at 01:59 AM Share Posted May 9, 2012 at 01:59 AM That would be very helpful. The "step by steps" I've been finding are pretty bare bones. And I feel like if I post on ar15.com someone will snap my neck and nag at me for not using the search bar; or will snap at me for reseructing an old topic... I know some people who have more advanced tools like presses and such. I'd essentially buy a parts kit and a pre formed receiver and build from there. I am not a welder by any means. Great info; please keep us up to date. I too enjoy the sensation of building something myself. If I can break even on the build for my buddy; I'd be happy. Even if it only costs a little more it'd still be fun. But I don't want to get in over my head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Hate Gunlaws Posted May 9, 2012 at 05:03 PM Share Posted May 9, 2012 at 05:03 PM That would be very helpful. The "step by steps" I've been finding are pretty bare bones. And I feel like if I post on ar15.com someone will snap my neck and nag at me for not using the search bar; or will snap at me for reseructing an old topic... I know some people who have more advanced tools like presses and such. I'd essentially buy a parts kit and a pre formed receiver and build from there. I am not a welder by any means. Great info; please keep us up to date. I too enjoy the sensation of building something myself. If I can break even on the build for my buddy; I'd be happy. Even if it only costs a little more it'd still be fun. But I don't want to get in over my head. You should take a look at www.akfiles.com Lots of info on that forum for nearly anything AK related. I've been able to learn a lot about "rust bluing", and I may use that process for my next project's finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 10, 2012 at 07:23 PM Author Share Posted May 10, 2012 at 07:23 PM These are the tools I've purchased (I think I haven't left anything out) not counting the usual set of tools a man must have . Press ($129)http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-shop-press-33497.html Flat Bending Jig ($170)http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30083 Barrel Press Kit ($95)http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29978 Trunnion Rivet Hole Drilling Fixture ($65)http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30060 AK Front Trunnion Fixture ($28)Support Plate for removing and installing barrel pin ($20)Long Rivet Jig ($??)Short Rivet jig ($170)Trigger Guard Riveting Jig ($71)http://www.gunthings.com/galil.htm BernzOmatic OX2550KC OxyMap Torch Kit ($60)http://www.lowes.com/pd_98894-13877-2880538_0__?productId=3513550&Ntt=torch&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dtorch&facetInfo= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 19, 2012 at 02:51 AM Author Share Posted May 19, 2012 at 02:51 AM Did the rest of the heat treating on the receiver. I managed to get pretty good at getting the torch to the correct type of flame for heat treating. After the last quench the oil on the receive caught fire, which I quickly put out with a rag, but otherwise it was pretty easy to do and fun. Pics soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Federal Farmer Posted May 19, 2012 at 11:33 PM Author Share Posted May 19, 2012 at 11:33 PM Here is my heat-treating gear: Here is the treated reciever: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ccspinner Posted May 20, 2012 at 03:27 AM Share Posted May 20, 2012 at 03:27 AM How do you check your temps, it makes a big difference if you get to hot or not hot enough. There was a big problem with early make 1903 springfield recievers as they were not heattreated proper adn were week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyre400 Posted May 20, 2012 at 03:36 AM Share Posted May 20, 2012 at 03:36 AM How do you check your temps, it makes a big difference if you get to hot or not hot enough. There was a big problem with early make 1903 springfield recievers as they were not heattreated proper adn were week. You probably heat it up to the "curie point". You can use a magnet to determine once the metal loses its magnetic properties. There's probably a better way - i.e. with a no contact thermometer, but I only know about the magnet method. A buddy of mine uses color - but I have no clue or trust in that method. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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