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What are some helpful tools that make your builds easier?

1K views 20 replies 9 participants last post by  GuyD  
#1 ·
I'm always searching for the perfect tool to help with some aspect of the craft. I'll spend hours making a jig or some specific tool to fill a need. Then find a better one on Amazon. I've been fighting finding something perfect for detail sanding in small crevices when I safety clearance a Macro grip. I've tried a number of things like wrapping sand paper over a jewelers file. I figured I'd start a thread of helpful tools and invite others to do the same on this thread.
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#6 ·
I don't own a dedicated milling machine (can't afford one), but I do own a bench mounted Drill Press (12") on center reach. I mounted a 5" vice that has X-Y axis adjustments that I can mimic milling procedures. It's not perfect, but its h3lla better milling 80% AR lower receivers', than using a handheld router, don't ask how I found that out.... :confused1: :hide:
 
#7 ·
So I would never even try to sand that shape I would use a triangular pointed scraper. The inside corners would stay sharp and square, the little recessed ledge would stay flat.
Just the nature of sandpaper you are going to create radiuses and round flat surfaces. Also create lots of scratches that you will have to go finer and finer to remove.
 
#8 ·
Please post a few photos of the scraper you are talking about. I've been using a wood chisel to clean things up before I sand. Just can't seem to get things smooth without a little sanding.
 
#9 ·
this is my go to 90% of the time, it started life as a 6"' triangular chisel that I ground flat removing the teeth. Nice hard tool steel that holds a sharp edge.

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When you use the chisel are you trying to cut like a chisel or scraping the cutting edge flat to the
surface ?
I also use sharp knives dragging the edge to knock off ridges. It doesn't remove much but it also prevents you from over cutting.
Once you get the feel you can cut chamfers, curves etc and leave a very smooth surface, the pictures I posted of the flare and such have no sanding
 

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#11 ·
Dang, if I could fit a sheet metal Brake as well as other tools in my 800 sqft attached Garage, besides all the other tools I have, I would. Room is a commodity I'm limited to, even with the generous size of my garage.
 
#12 ·
I have a 9" South Bend lathe, a South Bend shaper, a Clausing milling machine a drill press bench grinder in the cellar along with a bunch of wood working machines, if that is not enough I have full run of anything I want to use at work including CNC equipment.:cool:
 
#16 ·
Honestly wooden Chopsticks. Every time I go out with the wife to a Asian restaurant I grab some of the disposable wooden chopsticks. They come in handy when holding detents in and holding springs in place without marring up your gun. I also have some nylon punches but the chopsticks are nice cause you can whittle them down to different sizes.
 
#17 ·
I got this nice soft jaw vise from Brownells on sale. Rotates in a bunch of crazy angles and holds firm. Came with 3 sets of soft jaws too.
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Great for holding slides or whole guns, plenty heavy with a big enough base that it doesn't tip over easily. The base even has a little built in tray to hold small parts.
 
#20 ·
Orange Area 419 precision bench vise. Rotates and swings, I have several sets of vise jaws, all quickly replaceable. I have two bases located to the bench. The vise is quickly detachable to be moved to either base. I couldn't be without it.
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