Outside of soldering there isn’t much in the way of metal work unless you buy raw castings from the rifle shop.I'm not going to lie it all still seems a little intimidating. I'm confident I can solder but I can't accurately cut metal. I consider my wood working less than mediocre. I'm willing to learn and I really want to try my hand at it some day but money is tight (not hurting or anything just limited fun money), I don't have alot of the tools I think I'll need, but I love the idea of making my own gun. So I'll try to psych myself out.
Would it be better financially to have them do all the barrel work or do it myself? (I have access to a torch but no soldering materials)
Like I said my wood working may be abysmal. Unfortunately I'm not a good judge because I've done so little and what little I have done isn't very great, obviously I guess for a beginner. But how hard is it really to shape the stock if I got a half stalk as they call it? Would that be more worth it to get the full stock? (Got files and sandpaper but no chisels or planer or anything more advance than hand saws etc.)
Staining and finishing wouldn't be an issue. I'm sure I can drill and tap but I only have access to hand drills and a tiny jewelers vice. Might be able to find an old vice in my dads scrap pile.
Anyway sorry about the long post but for anyone who feels like giving advice feel free to be brutally honest and opinionated. Thanks!
Even if you get cast brass it’s just a matter of smoothing. Ramrod pipes, but plates on trade guns and side plate are ready as is.
Barrel needs buffing a bit of draw file and sanding
The side plate needs to be smoked then wiped to make detail pop.
Screw holes need be drilled and taped but that’s amazingly easy, just buy the tap set with drill.