Must-Have Gunsmithing Tools
This week, I’ve compiled a list of my must-have gunsmithing tools. I wish I had known about these sooner! Not only do these tools save me money, but they are the right ones for my job.
1. Fret Guitar Vise
I use this guitar vise for all kinds of projects. It has built in soft jaws and keeps my machinist vise free. And, the jaws pivot so they can hold any shape.
2. Knipex Pliers
These things have changed my life. I’ve started carrying them everywhere.
The Knipex pliers have a parallel jaw that is narrow enough to do anything. I use them to grab hard-to-reach muzzle device flats, bolts on machines, and for removing stuck silencers.
If I could only have one Knipex, I’d choose my eight inch pliers.
3. Starret Punch Set
I’ve talked about these on this blog before so I won’t belabor the point. But I’ve tried fifteen of the top punch sets, and this one has out performed each. I will never buy another brand.
4. Prototrak CNC
For a gunsmith, these are the best machines. They might be from the 90s, but they are perfect for gunsmithing.
The Prototrak CNC mill will do everything you need for both a CNC and manual mill. It’s a complete replacement.
While the Prototrak lathe is fantastic, it isn’t a complete replacement for a gunsmith. I still have to keep a manual lathe in the shop.
Getting a used Prototrak CNC costs about $8,000. Compared to a brand new $35,000 CNC, that’s a great deal.
5. Stubby 1/8 inch End Mills
I have broken so many 1 inch long 1/8th diameter end mills. If I had known about 1/4 length end mills, I could have saved thousands of dollars.
Not only are they more rigid, but they are also way cheaper.
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