Advise on Gunsmithing Tools

[Intheshop]

We have,2 horizontal BS's and one vert for metal. 3 for wood(small,med,large).

BUT,it is amazing how often I throw a portaband up in a big swivel vise. You only need to weld a little baby 2x2,or 2x3" table to the lower guide assembly. Don't need any aftermarket stands..... throw it in a bench vise.


The reason is blade cost, cutting "mystery metal" and hardened pcs. Tooling cost,as in consumables, is an extremely important aspect choosing processes.

 

[DaveTooley]

Not a tool, just a thought,,,,,I don't think I'd like to have my home as my "licensed premises".

In the 44 years I've had a license I've never heard of anyone's home being searched. One agent did bring that up one time as she was sitting in my office on the first floor of my home. It was mentioned just as a point of information. I don't sell handguns and don't sell retail. My last inspection was a phone interview. BATF is in the compliance business. Comply with the law and you have nothing to worry about.

 

[hoz53]

We have,2 horizontal BS's and one vert for metal. 3 for wood(small,med,large).

BUT,it is amazing how often I throw a portaband up in a big swivel vise. You only need to weld a little baby 2x2,or 2x3" table to the lower guide assembly. Don't need any aftermarket stands..... throw it in a bench vise.


The reason is blade cost, cutting "mystery metal" and hardened pcs. Tooling cost,as in consumables, is an extremely important aspect choosing processes.

For years I’ve been using portabands in chain style pipe vises. For a long time my portaband was my only bandsaw. Sure would like one of those battery ones but they aren’t quite worth the $ to me so far.

 

[tobnpr]

Not a tool, just a thought,,,,,I don't think I'd like to have my home as my "licensed premises".

Mine has been for going on 6 years.
Haven't seen an agent since my initial inspection; I do get phone calls occasionally, and invitations to Q&A seminars at the local BATFE field office (last one cancelled due to Covid...).
I've found the local Field Agents to be very friendly, courteous, and helpful. Last call I got was when the unrest started in Tampa a couple of months ago, just checking in and making sure additional precautions were being taken. He said, "You've got my number, please feel free to call me directly with any questions that might come up".

No tin hat for me, I've had nothing but very positive experiences with the Tampa Field Office- kudos to them.

All that said, I'm not sure the OP was asking a licensee, or a hobbyist "gunsmith".

 

[shortgrass]

I figured a shop press might be a good idea, i seen some fellas using them, especially for remington 700, which is the platform i want to specialize in. Fot not much more i can have a press to fulfill a varitey of tasks including being a barrel vise.

If he's going to "specialize", I took it he intends upon a business. Never in my 30yrs of being licensed have I had a problem with ATF.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I have been inspected twice in 20 years. They go through the paperwork to make sure you are filling it out correctly, and do a complete inventory. I do a personal audit and inventory at least twice a year. They have been very professional and it has been no big deal.

 

[Shooting in the wind...]

Yes i will be opening up my own business hopefully in the fall, i just need to go through and get all my ducks in a row ( checked twice) before i apply for ffl, not including my local and state requirements. Ive been in touch with my local ATF and so far they have been helpful.

 

[DaveTooley]

Not sure where you're going to locate your business but if the local zoning doesn't prohibit a business of this type then you're GTG wit BATF. Just dot all the i's and cross all the t's on the local side of this. Then there will be no surprises with BATF. As crazy as it sounds in this day and time but if your local government allows it you can get a FFl and sell off your kitchen table.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Save your money and buy things as you need them. You will need to be good at saving money If your not sure what you need, wait until you are. Thats just my opinion.

 

[hoz53]

We have,2 horizontal BS's and one vert for metal. 3 for wood(small,med,large).

BUT,it is amazing how often I throw a portaband up in a big swivel vise. You only need to weld a little baby 2x2,or 2x3" table to the lower guide assembly. Don't need any aftermarket stands..... throw it in a bench vise.


The reason is blade cost, cutting "mystery metal" and hardened pcs. Tooling cost,as in consumables, is an extremely important aspect choosing processes.

Do you have/ use an abrasive cutoff saw? I don’t have one of them but should as they are cheap and handy.

 

[Danny1788]

I use a slow cut carbide saw almost every day in the garage. Cutting barrels to length & cutting tubing for welding fabrication. The blades are expensive but they do last a long time if you are easy on them and don’t force the cuts.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/LC1230

 

[Intheshop]

No on the abrasive saw Hoz.

 

[tobnpr]

No on the abrasive saw Hoz.

X 1 BILLION

I used to use one, along with abrasive cutoff wheels on a grinder for cutting small parts.
Before not-too-long there's a black dust coating everything in the shop- including precision sliding surfaces (WAYS) on the machines if you don't keep them covered. The magnetic security sensors in the shop covered with it, it's BAD stuff...

There didn't use to be a good alternative (as in fast/easy) but a few years ago there were diamond-coated cutoff wheels introduced that still cut by abrasion, but the blades themselves don't dissolve into dust and pollute the shop. Still messy with fine shards of metal flying everywhere but no abrasive dust.

I don't like using my blast cabinets either, even with dust vacuums/filtration. Abrasive dust and machine shops don't get along well.

 

[Shooting in the wind...]

Not sure where you're going to locate your business but if the local zoning doesn't prohibit a business of this type then you're GTG wit BATF. Just dot all the i's and cross all the t's on the local side of this. Then there will be no surprises with BATF. As crazy as it sounds in this day and time but if your local government allows it you can get a FFl and sell off your kitchen table.

Yes, i already contacted my local zoning commission and have the green light to get licensed in my area.

 

[skeetlee]

perhaps already mentioned but a good belt sander will be a need if your gonna chamber barrels a way to hold those barrels is another need. I made my own belt sander and holder making tooling is a big plus save money where you can and like Alex said, dont buy shit to to buy shit! there is always a need for a savings account!! Dont spend everything you make!

 

[Shooting in the wind...]

perhaps already mentioned but a good belt sander will be a need if your gonna chamber barrels a way to hold those barrels is another need. I made my own belt sander and holder making tooling is a big plus save money where you can and like Alex said, dont buy shit to to buy shit! there is always a need for a savings account!! Dont spend everything you make!

I agree, escpecially since i am just starting my business. I have already invested alot of money into in. My shop for the moment is in my basment, so i have limited room and also am limited to what i can do down there. Hopefully next year i can move into a actually workshop, fingers crossed.