Hobbyist gunsmithing??

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  • chef larry

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Apr 27, 2010
    18,490
    113
    Hobart,In
    For a very precise, inch-pound tool to do small screws and scope mounts and the like, something like what 55Fairlane posted is the only way to be sure. I've looked at a lot of the consumer grade torque wrenches like the Wheeler and am just not impressed. Fix-it-sticks are well made, but by the time you pay for them you might as well get a legit machinist's tool.

    I'll be honest, since almost all the work I do is on my own stuff or free for buddies, my current in-lb wrench is just a cheap harbor-freight job. I couldn't bring myself to pay more for a consumer-grade "gunsmithing" tool that isn't really any better...I'm currently casually watching the used market for deals on a real professional grade tool.

    For AR barrel nuts and stuff of that nature, which allows for a broad range of relatively heavy torque, your typical Craftsman mechanic's click-type torque wrench will be fine, or even a cheap beam-type. I use the same wrenches for that stuff that I already had in my toolbox for working on cars.

    You're ultimately going to end up with both an inch-pound and foot-pound wrench, as neither will do the other's job.
    Thank you. Fix it sticks are expensive and you can't get an exact torque spec for the price. HF for the win.
     

    Wabatuckian

    Smith-Sights.com
    Industry Partner
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    May 9, 2008
    3,073
    83
    Wabash
    Some of what I use, albeit much older versions:





    Then there are needle files, a stirrup die, a couple sight pushers, a sear jig, 0.250" radius guide, punches, and several other goodies I know I'm forgetting right now.

    These are all for working mostly on 1911s and Mosins. Other firearms often require their own specialized tools.
     
    Last edited:

    Stengun

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Mar 28, 2024
    51
    18
    Horseheads
    Also a small lathe can do a lot of barrel work
    cylinder pins
    firing pins
    Muzzle threading
    Chambering
    Crowning

    I have had several different lathes that I have bought and rebuilt mechanical or electrically. And then upgraded over about 7 years. Had lots of fun taking apart and rebuilding the lathes. Learning functionality and improving my skills.

    All came from Craigslist

    1917 dalton flat bed 4x18”
    1939 south bend 9”x24” Junior
    1948 Logan 220 10x30”

    And now upgraded to my final lathe a

    1968 clausing Colchester 13x36 “ Big plus on this one is the large 1.5” spindle bore for full diameter barrel blanks

    General advice do not shy away from 220v 3phase machine Can be set up to run on rotary converters.
     
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