dexter said:
Where does one obtain quality parts (complete kit) and how do you know they are quality? I'm mechanically inclined, but how many "specialized" tools are required to do this??? My apprehension is in the arena of "function and reliability" of the end product. I have patience when it comes to assembly and such, but will I wish that someone more "qualified" had assembled it?? I do not have welding experience, nor have I parkerized anything on this scale.
So, Arisaka San, how simple is "pretty simple". I'm pondering whether I want to venture into this. Maybe you can help me decide.
I recently finished my first build (ever), and test fired it yesterday. Ran GREAT. After acquiring my kit I did my build slowly, getting a thingie or widget here and there (Izzy A6 stuff, rivets, side plate, machining of internals, etc...) due to a limited budget. The whole time I was gathering stuff, I read and re-read the tutorials here and on other boards. To be honest, once I drilled the first hole and started riveting, it was almost anti-climatic. I was expecting it to be more difficult than it was. As to tools, you'll need some drill bits (spend the extra bucks for cobalt bits), a couple of countersinks, a rivet setting tool (you could make your own), and a few other little tools. Nothing really major. Most of my holes were drilled with a hand drill. I had a piece of 1/2" scrap steel to use as an anvil, and made a rivet bucking bar out of a piece of 1/2" key stock cut to fit between the sideplates. I could only do one rivet at a time, but I was in no hurry. I bought a cheap air hammer to set my rivets, but found I could do a better job with a regular ol' hammer (I can always use the air hammer to chip up tile when we remodel the bathrooms).
The only problems I really had were cosmetic Even after practcing on some scrap, some of the rivet heads on my build were not the cleanest. I redid some of them. Take your time riveting, as I had a couple of rings around one or two from using the air hammer. See above.
What I am trying to say, is that if I can do it, anybody can. Read, ask questions, and enjoy. It was an awesome feeling when I pulled the trigger for the first time and the weapon fired, knowing that I put it together. My 1919 may not be the prettiest, but it is MINE!!
