So I would like to build my own AK  buy keep it cheap. However I would really like one with the triangle side folding stock but kits with that stock are a bit more expensive. How hard would it be to put that side folding stock on one meant for a fixed stock?

Also have no clue how to build an AK.

Any ideas for cheap kits?

You're pretty late to the game for wanting to build cheap. Since you're planning on building from a kit it wouldn't be really any harder to put on a sidefolder as opposed to a fixed stock so long as you get a receiver already cut for a sidefolder. If you want to modify a fixed stock receiver to sidefolder, then that's going to be considerably more difficult to cut correctly.

You need to spend a week or two researching building an AK before you buy anything. Depending on the direction you go, the tooling alone will run you well over $200 (more than likely more). As far as kits, not everything is compatible with each other depending on country, model, version, year, etc. Describe exactly what you want and then go from there.

Well I guess I'll start doing some reading, is there any I should specifically stay away from?
Also guy at work already has a bend fixture and all that. Hopefully it won't pose a challenge for me since I'm a tool maker.

If the information that you're looking at mentions any of the following in a form that it should be followed then immediately stop reading:

-Using screws instead of rivets
-Using U-drive rivets instead of regular rivets
-Using the barrel as a bucking bar for rivets
-Using tape on live rounds as headspace gauges

Other than that, you should be good. Look at videos by TheDarkKnightBuilds:

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDarkKnightBuilds

Lol tape on a live round that sounds ghetto as fuck even if it is an AK. So no matter what use the regular rivets the factory would use?


Also found this kit. Would it be a good start?
http://whatacountry.com/Combo-AK63D-Hungarian-AMMS-Underfolder-Parts-Kit-and-Barrel.aspx

Yes, use regular rivets; there's a reason they're still used today. Hungarian parts are nice, but again it depends on what you're wanting to accomplish. Maybe if you can post a picture of what you want your finished product to be then I can help narrow down exactly what you'd need.

I found almost exactly what I want to build. Except I want to keep everything non-nfa, I don't want that headache right now.

That shouldn't be too hard to build but you will have to go with a longer barrel or have a extended muzzle brake permanently installed. The barrel has to be 16" or it will be a SBR.
And as AEB said doing things cheap has long passed, you could build it for around $700 to $800 for a first build.
If you want to do it cheaper build your own tools, you said you are a machinist.  If you have access to your shop after hours and such. I found it to be a challenge with great rewards when I built my own tools.
Don't wait too long, the prices on kits are going up all the time & with the supply of parts drying up they will only go higher.
Here is the kit I think you should start with.
http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30345

Looks like a great kit, how would it cost for the receiver flat and rails and that center support...also guy at work already made a bend fixture for the reciever. Or would I be better off just buying a reciever from a gun sho