Just curious if there was any interest in a flat building party at some point.

I don't have the tools, as such, but, I would certainly be willing to split the costs.

If I could build the rest of an AK from parts, this would interest me greatly. I'm sure I could figure it out, I'm handy in the garage. I'll be checking back on this thread. Doesn't Element sell flat AK receivers?

You can get a hydraulic press rack from Harbor Freight for $200 bucks. It wouldn't be difficult to adapt it for folding AK receivers and is a damn handy tool to have in the garage for general purpose.

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

Turning it into a press break:























You can also buy a kit to convert your press into a break:
http://www.swagoffroad.com/20-TON-Press-Brake-DIY-Builder-Kit_p_40.html

You can't really bend an ak flat with a break because of the U shape. You need to bend both sides at the same time. The ak guys can point you in the right direction, and probably loan out the correct bending fixture.

if it was a full build party, with folks who knew what they were doing I'd be in

How are you guys heat treating the flats/rails? Just spot heating the holes, or...?

Well, that is one method. The other idea was to heat treat the unit as a whole. I have an oven for this purpose but I don't know if its deep enough. I need to double check.

Could do 2 at a time in it, most likely.

I might have a line on some custom contacts for a Harbor Freight spot welder... Just not willing to pay $100 each for them.

We would need 10 guys go in on this and spread the costs across, otherwise, It would be cheaper to buy a plane ticket to a local where they already have this setup!!!

I have a 90% completed bending jig and a HF spot welder.  My press sucks, but might be adequate.

I have a MIG welder and plasma cutter, if needed.

Its the points on the HF spot welder that are the hold up.... I might have to just order some brass rod and narrow it down on my metal lathe and see if I can get it to fit.


The flat bending jig I am looking at is NOT a press based unit, but, a BRAKE but requires the TAPCO style flats that have the alignment pins. $175 but there is a 60 day lead time.

Would save ALOT of work for folks and corners would come out nice and sharp.

For those that are interested, please IM me your contact info.

We'll shoot for August/September for this event and you will HAVE to have your parts kit all cleaned up by then. Front and rear trunions will need to be all set to go.

I am not sure about a rivetting tool. We might have to hold up on that until a bit later.

The goal would be to get everything but the tempering done. I have a "superquench" (google it) setup/method that has worked well in the past.

Plan on a 4-5 hours to get this done. My one rule for this is, no booze at these events. I've seen too many problems with guns and booze at the same time.