AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/30/2025 6:40:08 PM EDT
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Is there an armorer workbench pic thread anyone could direct me too? Maybe we could start one here if not. I'm looking for setup ideas. |
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR: I'm in to see @Combat_Diver own this thread.   I'll post some of mine. Just shut down my last after 3.5 yrs in Baghdad. Will be setting up another shortly. Space is always a priority. Also depends on what you are working on (type of guns). Minimum solid bench with bench mounted vise and tool box. My personal workshop at home is setup primary for reloading and casting as I do that more than working on building/repairing guns. |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Portable work shop in Iraq in 2016. Also I'll be working out of this again next month. 7.5'x7.5'x14' shopvan. 14' bench along one wall, screwed in screws to hold specific tools, armorers tool box far left with vise mounted. Shelves underneath, cabinet overhead. Right side storage for parts. Recharging minigun batteries. Attached File Attached File Same shopvan in Iraq currently Attached File Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Kuwait 2015 Had two benches in warehouse. One with drill press and other long bench with vise mounted. Tools in toolboxes. Attached File Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Afghanistan 2014 Green box under drill press is solvent tank. Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Afghanistan 2017 Borescoping M3 Carl G Attached File Toolbox Attached File Have used bare wood, rubber mats and steel for workbench tops. I like to have all three ie wood benchs, large section under vise steel plate and section of rubber mat I can move around if needed. Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Afganistan 2018-2021 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Abu Dhabi UAE 2021-22 Bench in office. Tools and guages in tool bags/boxes Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Iraq 2022-2025 Finally have room to mount tools to walls instead of toolboxes. Screwdriver/plier holder is a 2x4" with holes drilled in it and lag screwed to wall. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Note to self on 2x4". SF4P Bevel toward shoulder, A2 Crush washer bevel toward flash hinder Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Home Vise mounted between window and light. Armorers tools in wooden chest and plastic cases top shelf. Attached File Use this German folding table in center of room for most repairs. Attached File Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Have solvent tank outside last few years Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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When traveling around carry tools in this tool bag. Usually use vice at that location but have a screw on 3.5” vise I can also take. Gages carried in another hard case. Made some small carrying cases for allen wrenches, punches, cleaning kit, etc instead of having them loose in bag. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Lubes I carry CLP, TW25B and blue Locktite Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Attached File Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Shopvan I setup in Syria in 2023 Attached File |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Originally Posted By TGWLDR: Awesome CD! Thanks for humoring a guy! The hardware is always a plus for those of us on the other side of things, for sure. Welcome. Always adapting and changing things around as needs require. The more organized the faster repairs can be made. As tools and parts are accessible. Granted most are only working on their own guns and not whatever the Army and SOCOM has. |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver: add another @M4ger for his setup Originally Posted By Combat_Diver: Originally Posted By TGWLDR: I'm in to see @Combat_Diver own this thread. add another @M4ger for his setup honored and humbled to be a part of this discussion. |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
10' red oak top I bought last year for the new place. I needed to get it done so I could have a place to work before we moved in.     I still need to sandblast this Columbian D45-M4 vise and do a boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits finish.   You will notice that the static jaws are mounted far enough forward to allow for something to be held in place without interference from the bench top. When I was assembling the frame, I glued each leg and screwed them in with 3.5" torx head screws. The 4x4 legs are held to the concrete floor via angle bracket. This is my secondary bench top.  I had some oak pieces that I joined to make this benchtop. It's cobbled together but a 2" thick white oak surface is good for longevity sake. I doubt it will wear out in my lifetime.     This little vise is for my barrel dimpling operations. The fence and top were set up by my FIL when he and his wife lived up here in 2018 for a year before moving back to TX. I bought the drill press with a new chuck and the fence and stuff for $150. It has been one of my favorite purchases.  I have .625 and .750 jigs and multiple 5/32 bits. It even works on nitrided barrels. Once the tops were done and vises installed, I started looking at what kind of upper cabinets would be best for this. This maple cabinet followed me from our old place to this as it clearly has 30-something barrel nut wrenches on it.  The other benchtop got 2 cabinets above that hold solvents, adhesives, tapes, etc.   Last year, HF had a bunch of things on sale, including these magnetic strips that I paid $2 each for. I should have bought 20 and just mounted them everywhere   Anti-fatigue mat for the main bench.  This YHM picatinny jaw clamp is pretty good for when you want to align the rail and receiver while tightening things. I use it for KAC URX 2/3/3.1 handguards and ones like this Samson with external clamping measures.  I can't stress enough how important it is to have lighting lighting lighting This was the first thing I put in.  These were done a few months later.    I have them run to power strips so I can light up one bench or the other.   I added another to the end of the main benchtop.  Behold, a clean benchtop. Right now it is not because I have a project on it.  That will change soon as I'm about to order a new 8" woofer for a Daedalus Audio rackmount cabinet I've had a couple years. Once that is soldered into the cabinet, I will get that project off the bench. 
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Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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I think it might worthwhile to discuss the vise layout a little. For as much as I worked on guns for people, I found it extremely useful to have the ability to have multiple rifles on a magazine well block. Sometimes it would be for optic swaps. Handguard hardware. If someone brought their rifle to me before we were to do some training, I would ask to do an inspection on it looking for loose fasteners, proper orientation on FCG springs, things like that. So, with my 10' benchtop, I put my 2 best vises into service at both ends so that I could have a reaction rod or magazine block in opposite corners in case there were upper and lower operations that needed to be performed. |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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Originally Posted By M4ger: 10' red oak top I bought last year for the new place. I needed to get it done so I could have a place to work before we moved in. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241023_211225143_jpg-3357041.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241024_185852466_jpg-3357797.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241024_190049374_jpg-3357798.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241029_171901751_jpg-3362198.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241029_171911440_jpg-3362199.JPG I still need to sandblast this Columbian D45-M4 vise and do a boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits finish. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241030_180842442_jpg-3363425.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241031_193726499_jpg-3364343.JPG You will notice that the static jaws are mounted far enough forward to allow for something to be held in place without interference from the bench top. When I was assembling the frame, I glued each leg and screwed them in with 3.5" torx head screws. The 4x4 legs are held to the concrete floor via angle bracket. This is my secondary bench top. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241105_195248489_jpg-3369899.JPG I had some oak pieces that I joined to make this benchtop. It's cobbled together but a 2" thick white oak surface is good for longevity sake. I doubt it will wear out in my lifetime. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241104_201032371_jpg-3368451.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241105_152135063_jpg-3369415.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241105_195248489_jpg-3373269.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241110_164345859_jpg-3375826.JPG This little vise is for my barrel dimpling operations. The fence and top were set up by my FIL when he and his wife lived up here in 2018 for a year before moving back to TX. I bought the drill press with a new chuck and the fence and stuff for $150. It has been one of my favorite purchases. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241120_214802050_jpg-3384924.JPG I have .625 and .750 jigs and multiple 5/32 bits. It even works on nitrided barrels. Once the tops were done and vises installed, I started looking at what kind of upper cabinets would be best for this. This maple cabinet followed me from our old place to this as it clearly has 30-something barrel nut wrenches on it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241107_202122160_jpg-3376391.JPG The other benchtop got 2 cabinets above that hold solvents, adhesives, tapes, etc. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241228_202408787_jpg-3419453.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241228_202454978_jpg-3419455.JPG Last year, HF had a bunch of things on sale, including these magnetic strips that I paid $2 each for. I should have bought 20 and just mounted them everywhere https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/17-19_wrench_jpg-3424790.JPG Anti-fatigue mat for the main bench. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000182-3498450.jpg This YHM picatinny jaw clamp is pretty good for when you want to align the rail and receiver while tightening things. I use it for KAC URX 2/3/3.1 handguards and ones like this Samson with external clamping measures. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20250124_191934577_jpg-3444247.JPG I can't stress enough how important it is to have lighting lighting lighting This was the first thing I put in. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241013_155859375_HDR_jpg-3348719.JPG These were done a few months later. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000193-3501579.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000195-3501581.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000196-3501582.jpg I have them run to power strips so I can light up one bench or the other. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000197-3501583.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000203-3503267.jpg I added another to the end of the main benchtop. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000310-3532480.jpg Behold, a clean benchtop. Right now it is not because I have a project on it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000377-3552461.jpg That will change soon as I'm about to order a new 8" woofer for a Daedalus Audio rackmount cabinet I've had a couple years. Once that is soldered into the cabinet, I will get that project off the bench. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000823-3679503.jpg Well done. I agree on the lighting and mats! |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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The last thing I highly recommend is a set of soft jaws of some kind. One of the above pictures shows a piece of leather allowing something to be held without worry of marring the item with the teeth of the vise jaws. I also made some copper jaws for my Wilton C0.  
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Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver: Well done. I agree on the lighting and mats! Originally Posted By Combat_Diver: Originally Posted By M4ger: 10' red oak top I bought last year for the new place. I needed to get it done so I could have a place to work before we moved in. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241023_211225143_jpg-3357041.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241024_185852466_jpg-3357797.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241024_190049374_jpg-3357798.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241029_171901751_jpg-3362198.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241029_171911440_jpg-3362199.JPG I still need to sandblast this Columbian D45-M4 vise and do a boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits finish. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241030_180842442_jpg-3363425.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241031_193726499_jpg-3364343.JPG You will notice that the static jaws are mounted far enough forward to allow for something to be held in place without interference from the bench top. When I was assembling the frame, I glued each leg and screwed them in with 3.5" torx head screws. The 4x4 legs are held to the concrete floor via angle bracket. This is my secondary bench top. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241105_195248489_jpg-3369899.JPG I had some oak pieces that I joined to make this benchtop. It's cobbled together but a 2" thick white oak surface is good for longevity sake. I doubt it will wear out in my lifetime. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241104_201032371_jpg-3368451.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241105_152135063_jpg-3369415.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241105_195248489_jpg-3373269.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241110_164345859_jpg-3375826.JPG This little vise is for my barrel dimpling operations. The fence and top were set up by my FIL when he and his wife lived up here in 2018 for a year before moving back to TX. I bought the drill press with a new chuck and the fence and stuff for $150. It has been one of my favorite purchases. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241120_214802050_jpg-3384924.JPG I have .625 and .750 jigs and multiple 5/32 bits. It even works on nitrided barrels. Once the tops were done and vises installed, I started looking at what kind of upper cabinets would be best for this. This maple cabinet followed me from our old place to this as it clearly has 30-something barrel nut wrenches on it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241107_202122160_jpg-3376391.JPG The other benchtop got 2 cabinets above that hold solvents, adhesives, tapes, etc. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241228_202408787_jpg-3419453.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241228_202454978_jpg-3419455.JPG Last year, HF had a bunch of things on sale, including these magnetic strips that I paid $2 each for. I should have bought 20 and just mounted them everywhere https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/17-19_wrench_jpg-3424790.JPG Anti-fatigue mat for the main bench. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000182-3498450.jpg This YHM picatinny jaw clamp is pretty good for when you want to align the rail and receiver while tightening things. I use it for KAC URX 2/3/3.1 handguards and ones like this Samson with external clamping measures. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20250124_191934577_jpg-3444247.JPG I can't stress enough how important it is to have lighting lighting lighting This was the first thing I put in. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/IMG_20241013_155859375_HDR_jpg-3348719.JPG These were done a few months later. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000193-3501579.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000195-3501581.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000196-3501582.jpg I have them run to power strips so I can light up one bench or the other. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000197-3501583.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000203-3503267.jpg I added another to the end of the main benchtop. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000310-3532480.jpg Behold, a clean benchtop. Right now it is not because I have a project on it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000377-3552461.jpg That will change soon as I'm about to order a new 8" woofer for a Daedalus Audio rackmount cabinet I've had a couple years. Once that is soldered into the cabinet, I will get that project off the bench. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/1000000823-3679503.jpg Well done. I agree on the lighting and mats! Thank you CD. The things you're working on are PDC though! |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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The great mini toolbox craze of 2025 has subsided. My uncle got one for me for Christmas and I decided to put various drilling items in it.     I hadn't planned on getting one of these mini boxes because I didn't know where I would ultimately install it. |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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I should add that my budget of building the main bench was not extravagant. I had originally priced a maple butcherblock top that would have been $640 from Lowes. I discovered the red oak tops from Menards where half as much, and had a rebate attached. So, all in, I have invested about $500 with the cabinets, 2x and 4x lumber, and the top. The only miscalculation I made in the process was how heavy the top was and how creative I had to be to get it from my truck onto the frame. Doing that by yourself presented a clear explanation that I was no longer in my 20s Don't hesitate to look around marketplace or CL or lumber stores to see if they have off-falls they'd be willing to sell on the cheap. |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
I'll also recommend this gauge pin set from amazon when curiosity about gas port data enters the convo. I've seen variances between manufacturers where one barrel could be .100 and another might be .093 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCJCVXM8?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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Originally Posted By DirtDiver06: I hope this thread keeps going because all these pics are badass. I do have some plans and it depends on whether my neighbor will sell me an acre behind my property so I can put a shop up. Then I would be making a thread
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Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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Originally Posted By DirtDiver06: I hope this thread keeps going because all these pics are badass. There was a thread few months ago reference what armorer tools are needed. |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22,23,24&25'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,18,19,20&21'
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From the archives... https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Pic-thread-for-your-gun-benches-build-area/4-739826/ https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/Gunsmith-bench-thread/49-519199/ |
"All welchers should be removed from the EE".-Aimless
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Originally Posted By M4ger: good call. Originally Posted By M4ger: Originally Posted By DitchDr: I’ll be following g this thread for ideas. We are planning to build a house this year and one of the bedrooms is all mine for a dedicated gun room. good call. Very nice. All I have is the back wall in my garage now. My last house prior to moving was historic housing on Ft. Leavenworth. I had a whole room in the basement. I miss that setup. Best crappy pic I have left of it. Safe is just out of the shot to the left. The wall behind me where I’m taking the photo from was all pre-built shelves that was the ammo fort. I still have the workbenches. Attached File |
“Firearm springs sometimes are made to be air soluble.” CSM Woods
I'm not lazy, I just really enjoy doing nothing.
Joined:
Mar 2019
Posts:
14554
EE: 100% (17)
USA
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Originally Posted By M4ger: I should add that my budget of building the main bench was not extravagant. I had originally priced a maple butcherblock top that would have been $640 from Lowes. I discovered the red oak tops from Menards where half as much, and had a rebate attached. So, all in, I have invested about $500 with the cabinets, 2x and 4x lumber, and the top. The only miscalculation I made in the process was how heavy the top was and how creative I had to be to get it from my truck onto the frame. Doing that by yourself presented a clear explanation that I was no longer in my 20s Don't hesitate to look around marketplace or CL or lumber stores to see if they have off-falls they'd be willing to sell on the cheap. I picked up an 8' Maple butcher block countertop at one habitat for humanity for $75. I picked up some practically new base and wall cabinets at another habitat for humanity. It think they were around $40 and $20 each respectively. |
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
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Originally Posted By Cycolac: I picked up an 8' Maple butcher block countertop at one habitat for humanity for $75. I picked up some practically new base and wall cabinets at another habitat for humanity. It think they were around $40 and $20 each respectively. Originally Posted By Cycolac: Originally Posted By M4ger: I should add that my budget of building the main bench was not extravagant. I had originally priced a maple butcherblock top that would have been $640 from Lowes. I discovered the red oak tops from Menards where half as much, and had a rebate attached. So, all in, I have invested about $500 with the cabinets, 2x and 4x lumber, and the top. The only miscalculation I made in the process was how heavy the top was and how creative I had to be to get it from my truck onto the frame. Doing that by yourself presented a clear explanation that I was no longer in my 20s Don't hesitate to look around marketplace or CL or lumber stores to see if they have off-falls they'd be willing to sell on the cheap. I picked up an 8' Maple butcher block countertop at one habitat for humanity for $75. I picked up some practically new base and wall cabinets at another habitat for humanity. It think they were around $40 and $20 each respectively. 
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Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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I don't have a dedicated area for gunsmithing because I use my shop mainly for non-gun work, but here's a few pictures. My main interest is retro, which involves finishing 80%s, re-profiling modern lowers, cutting barrels and other machine work. I have a couple ovens for curing paint and a setup for Parkerizing. I have a lathe, mill and CNC mill among other machines. Blast cabinet for paint and Parkerizing prep. Many of the items in my toolbox are self-made. I have duplicates at a property in Idaho, which I'll be moving to soon...hopefully. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
  getting a little more organization in the shop done. glue sets up in 1 hour, however I plan on keeping it clamped until tomorrow afternoon. There'll be a 1x4 added to the back and left side that will get screwed in. Just waiting to do that until I cut to length and run my roundover bit across the front and right side. And finish sanding. |
Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
I'm not lazy, I just really enjoy doing nothing.
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Originally Posted By LawnDartGoalie: I don't have a dedicated area for gunsmithing because I use my shop mainly for non-gun work, but here's a few pictures. My main interest is retro, which involves finishing 80%s, re-profiling modern lowers, cutting barrels and other machine work. I have a couple ovens for curing paint and a setup for Parkerizing. I have a lathe, mill and CNC mill among other machines. Blast cabinet for paint and Parkerizing prep. Many of the items in my toolbox are self-made. I have duplicates at a property in Idaho, which I'll be moving to soon...hopefully. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548699/vise_jpg-3687905.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548699/toolbox_jpg-3687906.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548699/oven_jpg-3687907.JPG @LawnDartGoalie Can you point me to some information on reproducing lowers to be more retro correct? I know there is some info in the Retro forum on what needs done but I'm looking more for the how to. Thanks. Also, what's the scoop on the 607 stock? 
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I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
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Originally Posted By M4ger: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/maple_shelf-3728996.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/shelf_brackets-3728997.jpg getting a little more organization in the shop done. glue sets up in 1 hour, however I plan on keeping it clamped until tomorrow afternoon. There'll be a 1x4 added to the back and left side that will get screwed in. Just waiting to do that until I cut to length and run my roundover bit across the front and right side. And finish sanding. Getting it done! |
De Oppresso Liber
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22-26'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,-21'
Iraq: 91,03,04,05,06,08,09,15,16,22-26'
Afghanistan: 09,10,11,14,17,-21'
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Originally Posted By Combat_Diver: Getting it done! Originally Posted By Combat_Diver: Originally Posted By M4ger: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/maple_shelf-3728996.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/401845/shelf_brackets-3728997.jpg getting a little more organization in the shop done. glue sets up in 1 hour, however I plan on keeping it clamped until tomorrow afternoon. There'll be a 1x4 added to the back and left side that will get screwed in. Just waiting to do that until I cut to length and run my roundover bit across the front and right side. And finish sanding. Getting it done! Close 
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Be killing sin or sin will be killing you. -John Owen
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Originally Posted By Cycolac: @LawnDartGoalie Can you point me to some information on reproducing lowers to be more retro correct? I know there is some info in the Retro forum on what needs done but I'm looking more for the how to. Thanks. Also, what's the scoop on the 607 stock? I have CNC programs to modify the fence and buffer tube areas. I was still learing the finer details after I began, so my early work was not great. I have since reworked them and am mostly happy with the results. My lowers moving forward will be much better. I have completed my 607XL. I'm calling it that because it's a 16" mid-length with pin-and-welded faux moderator to make it non-NFA. I keep meaning to make a thread on it. Attached File |
I'm not lazy, I just really enjoy doing nothing.
Joined:
Mar 2019
Posts:
14761
EE: 100% (17)
USA
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Originally Posted By LawnDartGoalie: I have CNC programs to modify the fence and buffer tube areas. I was still learing the finer details after I began, so my early work was not great. I have since reworked them and am mostly happy with the results. My lowers moving forward will be much better. I have completed my 607XL. I'm calling it that because it's a 16" mid-length with pin-and-welded faux moderator to make it non-NFA. I keep meaning to make a thread on it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/548699/9527_jpg-3730353.JPG Attached File |
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
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