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Posted: 2/15/2008 10:22:11 AM EDT
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I am on my 4th build now (an AMD 65). The other 3 were Romanians. I'm doing pretty well but having some problems. Could use some advice. 1-For the front trunnion rivets I am using the bolt cutter method. I am using a small square piece of metal with a divet drilled on one side to back up the rivet head. Works good BUT I keep getting those annoying little "dents" in the side of my receiver due to the square piece of metal getting pushed against the side when I am setting a rivet. Now if I am REAL careful its not too bad, but I really dislike those dents. What can I do to prevent this from happening? 2-Also related to the above, I was using swell neck rivets for the 2 on the front trunnions. I made an indention with a ball bearing. Looked great and the swell neck sit in there perfect when I test fitted it. But when I riveted them in I noticed the rivets were pushed up from the receiver slightly and did not sit flat like I wanted. What could have caused this? Anyway to fix it? I am using akbuilder rivets, seem a little harder than the tapcos I was using. 3-Last question does the AMD folding stock come off the rear trunnion easily? If its not too difficult I would like to take it off for refinishing. Any help/advice would be appreciated. |
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I've only built 1 ak, but have avoided the problems you mentioned. Let me try to answer them. 1. I use the same tool as you, but instead of having the rivet-head support cut (5/16'ths ball end mill) on one of the jaws, I built a seperate and replaceable piece that rides one of the jaws. But regarding the question, the reason you are having problems is PROBABLY because your 5/16'ths cut is too deep! I imagine you're using mild steel? With soft un-heat treated stell, the rivet head will press in further the 5/16ths cut you made. So what I'm saying is that the rivet head support jaw is touching your receiver, and it shouldn't be! It should NOT touch the receiver, period, because you are placing so much tension on the tool that if it does touch, it's almost gauranteed to create some sort of mark. Your second problem is that the area around your 5/16ths cut is perhaps pointy. You should have a good flat area around it, so that in case the jaw ends up touching the receiver, the flatness of that area will prevent any serious scaring. 2. With the swell neck type rivets, I honestly didn't pre-punch the receiver in before installing. That goes for the front 2 rivets, and the rear two rivets. The rivets themselves seemed to have done all the work, and they look good. I can't say I recommend this since I've only done 1 rifle, but... it worked, for this one. As to your problem, I bet it relates to the first problem you had. Your 5/16ths cut is too deep, preventing you from being able to press the rivet in all the way. You should have like a .050 gat between the jaw and the receiver wall when pressing, for safety of the receiver. |
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