Now that we have the two halves ready to spot weld together we first have to install the strengthen plates to both sides. The major purpose is to add material for the magazine release assembly. These plates add extra material to make a sturdy mounting area for the magazine release.
Historical note – we are making the second version of the the magazine catch, which is a pretty typical push-button type. The very first examples of the VG1-5 used a long piece of spring steel riveted to the rear side of the receiver and bent to protrude through a hole in the receiver and hold the magazine up. Those didn’t work very well, and the design was changed to the more expensive but much more functional button. Mid-production receivers are not uncommon with the rivet holes for that type of mag catch punched and left unused, presumably done untilt he original receiver stamping tool was worn out and needed to be replaced.
And another view.
This is the tool that was design and made to produce this strengthening plate. It is designed so that every side is a different angle.
The tool is designed to attach to the fly press.
You will see the fly press used in numerous operations as we continue with the project…
Now on to spot welding. The first picture is of a 110 spot welder that was first used. The major problem is the depth of the spot weld. It could just not do the task at hand (although it is just fine for AK lower rails).
The second spot welder is a 220 unit. It also was not up to the task. With the number of spot welds and the cool off time between welds it would take forever to complete the project. So the answer was a water cooled unit. I found this one on Craigslist in Phoenix for a couple of hundred dollars.
Now on to the spot welding. The first thing to do is position the support plates in the proper location.
Next it is time to spot weld.
Then spot weld some more.
Once we have completed this task it is time to clamp the pieces together and spot weld the two halves together. With both supports spot welded on.
It is now time to set up and spot weld the two halves together. First the set up tool (which is the same mandrel used to ensure good bends and angles earlier on).
And a different view.
Now on to the welding.
Now the completed spot welded receiver.
So what you have now is a part that is ready for the first machining step. I will leave you here and with the next post we will start the machining process.
That looks like a great deal of spot welding. How long did it take for each receiver to do all the spots? Than goodness for craigslist. looks like you got a good deal on the equipment as usual. Great job. Guys
With the new water cooled spot welder it takes just a couple of minutes per receiver. The first few took a while but with the procedure in place it goes quick.
Thank is a great piece of work you are performing. Recreating this weapon is a work in going back in history and seeing how they did it in 1944/45. Super job. Harry
From the pictures I’ve seen of original VG1-5’s, the reinforcements look smaller on the WW2 ones. Did they make them in more than one way during WW2? Or did you do it this way for some other reason? For example, to overcome a known weakness in the original.
Will you sell parts kits of these?
Once again, top quality engineering and an ability to make things work.