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Posted: 7/20/2004 10:01:59 AM EDT
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I've got a few extra bucks lying around and was wondering what I needed for a proper AK build using rivets? What size Arbor press do I want? Is 1 or 2 ton sufficient, or does it need to be bigger? Bear in mind, I'll be using a kit w/ the barrel installed in the trunnion, so I wont need it to press the barrel in. Do I have to have fabricated, or can I buy something to give the rivet the nice, rounded head on it. Also for a later project, would a sheet metal bender (or whatever you call it) be sufficient for bending receiver flats? About how much would a cheap one cost? I can always use the tools, so spending the money for them isnt a big deal if I can do it right without having to rig something up. Thanks... |
If you are doing a rivet build, You need to press the barrel out, rivet your trunnion in, then press the barrel back in. I've seen posts about using the barrel as a bucking bar, but I don't think much of the idea. |
| i used a 12 ton press from harbor freight, they are cheap from china but do the job on both rivets and barrel pressing. do a search on tools used, i used the rivet tool made by plinker762 and barrel press by Xebec , do a search on these names over at AK47.net or look here for pics, it was real easy , the big thing is money about $300 for tools and press alone and then headspace gauges and rivets. but i wouldnt do it any other way, i split the cost with my brother and had fun building the kits together. |
| Yeah, you'll need to remove the barrel first because the inside of the trunnion where the barrel is installed is milled out to allow bucking of the rivets. If you don't want to remove the barrel, then you'll need to use an alternate method of installing the receiver to the barrel/trunnion, such as screws or possiby plug welding... |
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