Figured I would give it a try with an 80% receiver.  So far the only discouraging part has been the heat treating process of the lower receiver.  Doesn't look impossible, I just don't wanna screw it up.
 
Wonder if that type of build thread would be against the ToS? I am sure there would be a few here that wouldn't mind a few pictures of what goes on in my basement while the CNC is busy.
 
*UPDATE* 
Completed!  Took me over a month to do in some spare time at lunch, while kids were sleeping, and while my machine was running.  Threw it on my machine for maybe 15 minutes of machining (which is not even required)
 
Since I didn't post this incrementally but as one big photo dump, I will just pick out some pics to talk about, but feel free to ask about any of them.
 
I will start with a blank receiver and a box of parts:

 
Pressing the barrel into the front trunnion:

 
Aligning the gas port perpendicular:

 
Test fitting front and rear trunnions:

 
Head space check:

NO-GO
 

GO!
 

 
Testing the rails:

 
Drilled and reamed the virgin barrel for the front trunnion, and installed oversized barrel pin:


 
More test fitting stuff:



 
hardening and annealing of the rails & receiver:

 

 
JB Weld as "body filler"

 



 
Now more cosmetic stuff:




 
Baking the finish:


 


 
Pat myself on the back for this one:



 




 




 
All in all a MOST satisfying accomplishment.

nateman_doo
Figured I would give it a try with an 80% receiver.  So far the only discouraging part has been the heat treating process of the lower receiver.  Doesn't look impossible, I just don't wanna screw it up.

 
I would definitely read through this article: Soup to Nuts Building an AK Receiver
Part II which specifically deals with heat treating: Soup to Nuts Building an AK Receiver Part II Heat Treating
 
HERE is the PDF version of the article which is from start to finish or Soup to Nuts as they call it.
 
Here is a link for a thread that has loads of resources and links to articles that you may also find helpful and useful

I have the soup to nuts thing but I haven't read to deep into it.  So far I have just drilled the front barrel trunnion, and the rear trunnion.  I am marking out the rest of the holes.  Just absolute cake on a drill press. 
 
I found a local gunsmith who will set the headspace on the virgin barrel for about $50ish.  To me its well worth it, simply because the go/no-go gauge set costs about that much anyway. 

It's never even crossed my mind to build an AK.  My brother has built ARs before, but never an AK.

PM EVGAtech_DaveB.  He's into AK's.

Hint hint, please build me a CNC.

All it requires is calipers, a drill press, and grinding capabilities (so far).  A press looks like something that would be helpful. 

You could get ones that are already pre-bent, and drill the holes yourself.

If you only knew ;)
 
Gimme some time and I can post pics

My machine barely touched it.  This was something i just used a drill press mostly for, and hand "skillz".  Something I did while my machine was running working on other projects..  Just utilized down time really.  The personal satisfaction is absolutely off the charts.

I saw a post on another forum that a guy made a AK out of a shovel. I know he had to buy a barrel blank and a few of the receiver parts. Let me see if I can find the post.
 
   http://www.northeastshoot...-photo-tsunami-warning

mrblond

I saw a post on another forum that a guy made a AK out of a shovel. I know he had to buy a barrel blank and a few of the receiver parts. Let me see if I can find the post.

  http://www.northeastshoot...-photo-tsunami-warning

 

I just held in my hands... a fully automatic AK-47.  none of that 922r stuff going on.  Too bad I was in a place that I couldn't take a picture.  God I just have to post some pics soon.

oooo a real auto one  :)  Nice!

If only you guys knew how easy it was to make one.  It will seem daunting at first, but I figured if I could build a CNC, I can build an AK.  I really don't like tooting my horn, but I think its the sexiest AK on the planet, and I have seen ton's of them. 
 

Nex_Lupus

just remember the rules of NJ though nate
http://wiki.answers.com/Q...an_ak_47_in_new_jersey

 
Trust me.. I am well aware of how illegal a full auto AK is, but it was on federal property where I have access to many unique weapons most civilians don't.  Plus mine is 922r compliant by FAR.
 
Btw, if you never watch another Youtube video, watch this one:

 
HILARIOUS (and sooo sad at the same time) interpretation of NJ gun laws. 
 
While I am afraid to link a petition to fix NJ right to carry (since the current one is non-existent) for political ToS violations, PM me if you want a link to it.