[m39fan]

I'm going to attempt my first build and was looking at using a ColdSteel blank since they seem to be extremely newbie friendly (dimples already present, magwell started, all holes center punched). I assume I should start with the 4130 steel? Then where do I go - .040 or .064? If I go with the .064 what problems, if any, will I have with the pivot pins and selector pin? Anything I should know using one for a screw build?

Thanks for your patience and assistance with the new guy.

Take Care,
Mike

 

[hcpookie]

The question to ask is what are you building?

All AKs use .040" EXCEPT for the RPK which uses .064".

I presume you're looking at this site:

http://www.coldsteelsolutionsincorporated.com/

hth,
- Jerry

 

[7.62x39]

Read this first.

http://www.gunco.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1771&highlight=cold+steel

 

[Thanatos]

Having already used coldsteel's blank for a build, I would go with the .040" the next time I use one of his blanks. The .064" caused me some problems, selector, axis pins etc. I just think the .040" blank would be more "newbie" friendly. Oh yeah, I totally ignore the centerpunched hole locations that were on the blank. Although they may very well have worked it was obvious that coldsteel used a different template than I had. Not knocking the hole locations, just saying my template was different.

 

[m39fan]

I REALLY appreciate the help. I was looking at their blank (Jerry has the right link) for a AMD-65. I think I'll keep looking for an .040. Ace blanks sound like they might be a little better for a first-timer. A friend wondered about getting an ACE blank and a Tapco flat. He thought was to build up the Ace blank using the Tapco flat for a complete, durable template. Seemed like overkill to me but perhaps it'd be easier to get the holes lined up correctly. Thoughts on this? We could share the cost of shipping the blanks and the cost of the flat...

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[7.62x39]

The flat will not make a very good template, the dimples will not allow it to lay flat against the bent blank.
Also the template really needs to wrap around the bent blank to locate the axis pin holes at the right height.

The Ace template works very well, and you can bond it right to the blank, then just drill.

 

[Thanatos]

Coldsteel does have a .040" blank that I am sure you would be very pleased with. He has unbeatable customer service, if you ever have a question just email him and he will email you bask asap. I wasn't saying that next time I will use somebody else's bent blank, I was saying next time I get a blank from coldsteel I will order his .040" blank. He does excellent work.

 

[ak'sr4me]

I bought a .064 blank from coldsteel to make an amd 63 and had no problems with the product and was quite impressed with it's quality. One of the punch marks for the fcg was off but I have had that happen to blanks that I put a template on myself. I always measure the fcg holes after I punch them just to make sure they are the same on both sides. The only problem with the .064 blank is that you have to make longer axis pins because of the extra thickness of the receiver. Easily done, or just buy the longer pins that robert ibee from BENT BLANKS makes. Very nice pins. I have used ace, bent blanks. ace weld paks, the laser cut flat, and receivers that I have welded together myself from scratch and all will make a workable firearm if you take your time, measure twice cut or drill once and use common sense and look to this board for the wealth of information that is available here by so many extrordinary builders. This is the most informative site on the web, IMOO. Ak'sr4me

 

[pigbutcherer]

So the only thing is we need longer axis pins? If this is all I need I am going for the .64 for AMD-65. The .64 says only needs heat treat at x,y and ejector tip. Please if anyone has anymore info on this post it. I am going to be building my first soon and could use all the info I can get. I have two amd65 and four yugos on the way. Thanks to all that add their two cents.

 

[Cumberland]

Having already used coldsteel's blank for a build, I would go with the .040" the next time I use one of his blanks. The .064" caused me some problems, selector, axis pins etc. I just think the .040" blank would be more "newbie" friendly. Oh yeah, I totally ignore the centerpunched hole locations that were on the blank. Although they may very well have worked it was obvious that coldsteel used a different template than I had. Not knocking the hole locations, just saying my template was different.

I had the exact experience with the .064 blank.
IMHO it cause more issues then it was worth.
Not knocking ColdSteel at all. The blank was well made.

 

[Preacher]

So the only thing is we need longer axis pins? If this is all I need I am going for the .64 for AMD-65. The .64 says only needs heat treat at x,y and ejector tip. Please if anyone has anymore info on this post it. I am going to be building my first soon and could use all the info I can get. I have two amd65 and four yugos on the way. Thanks to all that add their two cents.

If you want to use the same pins, you can dimple the holes slightly. It doesn't much. You really have to look to see them if you're concerned about looks.

But if I'm not mistaken, the Yugo's were .64 originally. Not certain, but I think so.

 

[Coldsteel]

Hey Guys-

Just wanted to let you know that my newly redesigned right side rail, which is made of .040 4130, (as opposed to the left which is made out of .064 4130 because of the ejector spur) now extends down so that the trigger and hammer axis pins now have this rail to extend through which gives the pins .040 more material for them to stab into, eliminating the need for the longer axis pins for your builds with the thicker material, the .064 4130. I will be posting a picture of it on our website this evening.

Coldsteel

 

[Thumb Clip Pull Pin]

Great News!

Yours,
Thumb Clip Pull Pin.

 

[mactrekr]

I can personally vouch for the quality of Coldsteel Blanks, & His service is first rate, but I really really really don't recommend the .064 blank for anyone but an experienced builder. The extra thickness is a bit difficult to work with. Next time I'll order the .040, but don't get me wrong, Coldsteel is great.

 

[OrdnanceGuy]

Newbies and Coldsteel

To any Newbie choosing to use a Coldsteel bent blank:

Get the .040" blank in 4130 steel for the first build. You will have fewer builders' challenges, such as the longer pins and thicker rails. Coldsteel gives fast replies, and he recently stated that he will no longer pin-punch-mark the hole positions. He supplies one template, but you may choose to use your own. They can be found on the web, and downloaded.
I'm a newbie and I'm going thru a Coldsteel build right now. I :lame: chose the .064" blank and I'm running into these extra challenges that I would rather face AFTER my first build. I found the ACE Arms template to be close to my (factory) MAK-90, so I am using it.