Essentials for gun workbench

A set of quality stones and files is a great way to get started. You may want to mention what type of guns you plan to work on because a lot of tools are gun specific tools.

 

Yes a good heavy vise would be first on the list. Files, a million screwdrivers, dremal tool, drill press, more files(hand milling machine to some), grinder, more files, more screwdrivers. Here is a pic of one of my benches.

 

Plenty of light and a sight magnifier.

If you can't see it, you can't fixit.

 

Hit pawn shops and buy screwdrivers, files and pin punches. Even if you have sets of these tools on hand I have found I use all of the above to make special tools for certain jobs. It may be as simple as bending a screwdriver tip and carving a notch to pull back a spring but if you have tools to use for this on hand you will find a use for them.

 

+1 to all the above.

-Get a good sturdy vice with rubber jaws..just makes it easier
-For ARs you can get a block that goes in the vice and it slips into the magwell...makes it easy to work on.
-Pin punches, Pliers, rubber mallets, screw drivers, screw drviers, dremmel, drill, files...oh...and screwdrivers...I always seem to be missing the right one.

I started with this set...But soon after I got many, many more smaller ones.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=...87_a_7c3466_a_7c319120000_d_319120000_d_11540

 

Looks pretty much covered above I can never get enough screwdrivers, punches, stones and files. For files I really like those needle files that jewelers use. A big vice is a must have. And I'd have the most heavy built bench you can get your hands on. Most people I know build the bench themselves. a light with a magnifier is never in the way.

 

Check out wood salvage yards.
I've pickup a counter top that already had formica on it. Formica does not absorb cleaning fluids or oils like wood.
Can be cut to length needed.
Got a couple of cheap cabinets and put the formica top on them.

 

Seems like most things are covered. I do a lot of hand fitting and making parts that can't be bought. I have a small vice that articulates with nylon jaws that is perfect for the small tasks like filing parts. Jewlers files. A 1" belt sanders, a small MIG or TIG welder.

 

tools have been covered pretty good short of mills and lathes
5" angle grinder and if you have an air compressor invest in a good die grinder and angle grinder.

you might want to think about getting a parkerizing outfit and a sand blasting cabinet for refinishing projects.
of course a barrel vise is always handy but not cheap.

 

A nice small but stout brass mallet. Good for punches and stuff, and as mentioned LIGHT and more LIGHT.. maybe a reloading press

I also like to keep cans of air around to blow things out and dry slovents off. The small cans for computers you can pick up at wally world for like 4 bucks. Unless you have shop air in there.

 

Those remnants from that fancy indoor/outdoor rug she had you put down.

Works great on laminate bench tops.

 

Sorry but from experience I must disagree with reloading equipment! If you have grinders and welders you have sparks, if you're reloading you have powder. If you have gun powder and sparks in the same location you have an unplanned home remodeling!

 

Dont do any reloading with a lit stogie sticking out the side of your mouth either!


Ya you definitely do not want to store gunpowder and reloading supplies and equipment any where near any welding and grinding
reloading needs to be done in a spare bedroom in a smoke free environment.

reloading can be very dangerous even with practicing utmost caution.