Shop-made Barrels
A quick introduction to the final frontier of making firearms from scratch: ECM barrel making.
Topic
Tools & Fixtures
Portable Bandsaw Upgrade
I built an adjustable fence for my low cost bandsaw.
KBC Shop Tools
KBC Tools & Machinery has been providing a variety of metalworking tools and accessories since 1965. Originally started as Kabaco Tools by Karel Bass in Detroit, KBC began as a catalog house selling surplus and English tools to the metalworking industry from…
The Editor’s File
Real Avid is a leader in firearm tools and continually develops new options for gun building and repair. One of their top options is the Master Gun Vise, a multi-axis bench-mounted position-locking vise, a design specifically for gun work. The workpiece can…
Reader Forum
Ballistol I am a satisfied subscriber, former mechanic, and journeyman tool maker. Brian Smith’s “Corrosion Basics for Gunsmiths” (February 2023) was very informative and comes across as authoritative. I feel I learned a lot from it but have a question about his…
AMT Hardballer 1911
What’s old is new. An overview of working vintage handguns such as the Arcadia Machine & Tool Hardballer 1911.
Glock Ultimate Tool Kit
Review of the Nc STAR/VISM Ultimate Tool Kit for Glock handguns.
Reader Forum
Glock Safety Installation I was disappointed to find that the Learn Gunsmithing, The Troubleshooting Method book I received with my subscription did not include information on the P35 Hi Power, Glock, or CZ Witness pistols. I’m particularly interested in installing a safety…
Midwest Industries
Founded in 2003 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Midwest Industries makes a variety gunsmith tools and accessories for firearms. The majority of their products are designed and manufactured in their Wisconsin facility and are backed by a lifetime guarantee Among their newest is the…
Automatic Tool Changer
Located in Madison, Wisconsin, Tormach Inc. makes CNC equipment ideal for small shops. Their goal is to make top-line CNC automation more affordable. The new Automatic Tool Changer for the Tormach 24R CNC Router is an example. The Tormach 24R CNC Router…
Shop-made Lapping Tool
A bright new look at making your own inexpensive tool for lapping bolt lugs.
KBC Tools & Machinery
KBC (KBCtools.com, has a line of metal cutting power and hand tools of use for your shop. The KBC Metal Chop Saw comes in 7.25, 14, and 15-inch models and features a no-load speed of 1550 RPM, a high torque motor, a…
New Bantam CNC
Bantam Tools (BantamTools.com, now has several tools in its accessory line that are beginner-friendly and empower users to expand the abilities of the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine to include 4th axis machining. The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory…
Bantam CNC Tools
Bantam Tools builds desktop computer numerical control machines with professional reliability and precision. These machines are easy to set up and ready to use right out of the box. The Bantam Tools base machine is a three-axis desktop CNC milling machine ideal…
Mini Bench Mill for Gunsmithing
A large floor mill is nice but not necessary for many gunsmithing projects. Here’s how I make optimum use of a bench top machine.
Gun Part Sources
Some useful sources for gun parts and gunsmithing tools.
Custom Action Wrench
Making your own gunsmithing tools allows customization, can save time by creating a needed tool in a pinch instead of waiting, and can save money. Here’s how I made a custom action wrench.
Midwest Industries
Midwest Industries makes a variety of accessories and parts for firearms, including the AR, AK, FN, Henry, Kel-Tec, HK, Marlin, SIG, Remington, Steyr, Benelli, and others. They also makes tools for gunsmiths. Their newest tool is a multi-use block for working on…
Daniel Defense MK18 Replacement Parts Schedule
Daniel Defense shares their parts replacement schedule to ensure that your AR-15 is being maintained to the point of zero failures due to part wear. Here is what you need to know to work on them.
Reader Forum
Thomson’s October Omnibus The people at Viceblox make a great item and I have since bought both their 1911 and AR-15 Lock & Hold tools. However, the owner quoted on page 21 of the October 2021 issue could be more knowledgeable about…
MillRight CNC
Mill Right CNC specializes in desktop CNC and tabletop CNC machines at affordable prices. Made in the United States, Mill Right CNC machines can mill wood, plastics, printed circuit boards, aluminum, brass, carbon fiber, and many other materials. With appropriate tooling, jobs…
VICEBLOX and Brass Markers
Reviewing some new tools: The VICEBLOX Lock & Hold and a how-to on marking precision rifle brass for easy identification.
Bantam Tools CNC
The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine is a desktop CNC machine optimized for machining aluminum parts. Intended to be an easy transition for users of 3D additive printers, this CNC machine features a 28,000 RPM spindle, 1/4" tooling, and a 7"…
New CNC Equipment
Tormach, Inc. (Tormach.com, has new shop items for both beginning and experienced Computer Numeric Control tool users. The xs TECH Router Mill with Path Pilot HUB is a ready-to-use tabletop unit ideal for students learning CNC fundamentals or for small jobs. Despite…