Guy Montag — Nicoroshi chamber of the barrel.(Or even better, use a combination of all of the above to ensure the chamber is as absolutely as clean as possible before continuing.) STEP 5. Align, and press front trunnion onto chamber end of barrel This next step is where we will use the 12 Ton hydraulic shop press to mate the front trunnion and rear-most barrel journal. (NOTE - Toth Tool sells a barrel pressing tool that does not require a press. He also sells a tool to crush rivets without a press, See Appendix II) The 'Harbor Freight' model is what most builders have determined is the best value for the dollar and well suited to this job. The 20 ton model can generate too much pressure rather quickly, and while it can be used it requires more skill and care so as not to over force a bad fit or even bend a barrel. People have also tried using arbor presses but it is generally accepted that these do not have enough power to do the job required. IMPORTANT: Be sure you have read the manual and safety info for your shop press. Also be sure that it is both stable and secure on a flat floor surface before attempting any pressing. Only solid cast iron or steel pressing plates should be used to support the work pieces. Important note on metal lubrication: If it squeaks, you oil it. But if you want it to slide you grease it. A moderate coating of white lithium or Moly grease is recommended on all journals to help them to slide, without galling, when pressing any parts together. Use the lower handguard retainer top, which is flat, to align the front trunnion on the barrel. The top of the front trunnion is also flat. Sight from the chamber end, and rotate the front trunnion until the top is parallel with the top of the lower hand guard retainer. Now ensure your extractor cut on the chamber end of the barrel is aligned at the 11 o'clock, and 4 o'clock position. Set the rear of the trunnion on a hard surface, and use the rubber mallet to set the barrel into the front trunnion (just start it going in by hitting on the muzzle end). 18 BUILD YOUR OWN AK : VOLUME I Check the barrel/trunnion assembly for proper alignment; ensure barrel is entering the front trunnion straight. This can be done by looking at the barrel/ trunnion assembly from the side, and top. Tap on the connection with the rubber mallet until it's straight to the eye.(i.e. -the barrel looks to be entering the trunnion straight) IMPORTANT – Before pressing, verify your barrel alignment from the chamber end and verify your extractor cuts are oriented in the correct location. See image above of a 5.45 barrel. Set up the hydraulic press by placing the press work support bar high enough to clear the barrel assembly, and buffer on muzzle. NOTE - On the Harbor Freight 12 ton press the bottom pins should be in the third hole up from the bottom for a 16” barrel, but this dimension will vary depending on barrel length. Now set the front trunnion down on the 19