Saw this and bought the same bench block on Amazon. I didn't realize how it would make punching pins and other small tasks so much easier. I really appreciate the sharing of your experience.
Working in the machine shop we deal with these tools on a daily basis. Often times I will see "gunsmithing" videos from "gunsmiths" who really don't know what the proper tool for the job is or how to use it. Its good to see that ray does indeed know just what he is talking about with his tools. Its refreshing to see after hearing far to many gunsmithing horror stories from joe shmo gunsmith who had no idea what he was doing.
Certainly not the most entertaining video host but the man explains thing in a clear, concise manner that's easy to understand with a wonderful southern drawl. I love the video and will be adding these to my tool list!
This was definitely one of your better videos. Damn Ray really knows his stuff. I sincerely hope you do more of these. And possibly show Ray doing a job/task. It's cool seeing how a gunsmith does with a gun or repairing it. I wish this vid was longer. We need a feature length gunsmith vid with Ray. Good Stuff Ray.
Props to Ray. it does seem like he's a little shy, if that's the word... maybe just less experienced in youtube videos... but he's doing a great service for us. and i wouldn't be able to do it... i can't speak after about 2 minutes in front of a crowd of 10. so keep it up, he's obviously very knowledgeable and professional.
I have always wanted to be a Gunsmith. I recently enrolled in MGS Modern Gun School Advance Gunsmith program. I figured it is a great starting point!!! Great video very informative
New student (just started Feb 29th) with SDI and this is a video for the FAT 105 course. Great info and I'm sure I'll see more of your videos later. Thanks.
Here we have a clear evidence of a real pro: the more the presentation advances uninterrupted, the more relaxed and buzzing-past-your-head informative the presentation becomes. Which is Great! This guy is not only a pro but right there where he really belongs to.
I really agree that the drill press with a machine vice is one of those tools that you just have to have once you start to get serious about doing this sort of work. Very nice job overall, Ray. Thanks!
Great video Ray and Eric, thanks for all the tips. A couple more cheap items to have are: Green Loc-Tite for scope mounting screws and Never Seize for installing shotgun chokes, so they don't get stuck in the bore.
Rusty, I have one of those magnetic cups (looks like a steel ashtray), that is perfect for what you describe. Just chuck all the screws, springs and small pins in it and you're good to go.
Thanks for the video! Most of my work is done with a keyboard. This was really helpful to point me towards things I should be buying. I'm kinda tired of buying tools for every single project. One of these days I'll finish a project without buying any tools.
Good work, guys!!! Ya GOTTA HAVE that AR upper vise...I bought mine from the couple that originally made 'em - from Peace River Arms at a gun show here in FL in the mid 90s or so...when Peace River went into bankruptcy Brownells bought all their tools...now it's sold by Brownells - but I have the original....I also have a Peace River AR - one of the few they actually delivered before going belly up...got it at an estate sale... CB in FL
Very good work Ray. This is a vid that I will have watch over again, don't worry too much about the length, especially when we're getting quality info. LLTR
I've been watching your videos for quite a while and I must say you guys are informative, thorough, and awesome! I've been studying and practicing for a quite a while and plan on being a gunsmith myself. This video pointed out a few items didn't know I needed! Thanks!
This video may be a few years old, but it's very good, very thorough, and covers a large array of topics in a short period of time. I would recommend this half hour clip for anyone interested in beginning their tool collection. You'll probably discover you already own many of the tools discussed, but you'll definitely discover some you'll need. Excellent job!
Yeah I own a lot of these tools already from doing other hobbies. I am interested in getting into gunsmithing, just to be more self-reliant at home. The gun-specific tools will be my main purchases it looks like, but really I think most of the rest of the stuff is worth having for anyone even remotely interested in being handy around the house, doing projects, etc.
Very well done Ray. I currently do light to medium work on my firearms and some for others so I very much appreciate this information to help me acquire tools for my gunsmithing.
It is original, in-depth content like this that keeps me coming back to this channel. I really enjoyed the video, keep up the good work, I look forward to future videos.
Great video guys! I know it's hard to cover all the tools because many are weapon specific but you did a great job covering all of the necessities and a few really good specifics. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Mick!
Good work guys, keep up these kinds of videos, the how-to's, gunsmithing, reloading, lost arts, gun torture! Your bread and butter! I subscribed and became a member for these reasons! How about some heavy gunsmithing, rebarreling or threading a muzzle? Rechambering? Blueing (other than cold), Cerakote? Custom parts? Theres a few ideas anyways. As always, keep up the good work, i'll keep refreshing the page for your uploads!
Once again Ray shows his stuff on gunsmithing. Even if it is basic, his expertise bleeds through. You're looking more comfortable on camera, Ray. I suspect you may find celebrity one day... whether you like it or not. :-)
I'd appreciate it if you could do a video on your thoughts on 80% AR lowers, as well as maybe like a DIY series on how to finish an 80% lower. What tools you need, what to do and what not to do, etc.
very basic and comprehensive. great topic for a reintroduction to gunsmithing and a fantastic production quality. the cutaways were easy to pick up and (kind of a given when you watch tv) very professionally done. good job iv8888 team!
Wow I never even thought about owning many of the items you talked about but you certainly seem to know absolutely everything you're talking about. Thanks for the video and keep up the good work :)
I thought that was a very informative tutorial. You gave some great tips for a person who wants to start a good work bench. If you could, I'd love to see your best, most successful method for smoothing up the cycling action on a pump shotgun (Mossberg or Remington). I have a 590 project gun I'd love to make slicker than chicken guts on a Kentucky highway in July. Thanks for your time. Happy trails, tight groups and safety first.
Great video guy's! I think it's a great thing that you guys are willing to take your personal time to teach others about all aspects of firearms. I am eager to see some of your more in depth videos regarding general repairs. Thanks Again
wow thats pretty Crazy :) Im Carmodeller and a got alomst all of those tools on my bench to its realy nice to see in what diffrent kind of needings tools can come in handy. Very intresting video Thanks guys.
I would love to see a how to on checking a externally pitted mosin (type 53) barrel for pitting depth, and how to repair it if the pits aren't to bad. I spoke with Ray about it, but a video would be even better! Thanks.
Not sure if you guys noticed the sticker on the bottom left of the shot on the front face of the work bench.... It doesn't bother me a bit but I know you guys maintain a pretty clean channel.
two very important tools left out. a Numrich gun parts book to see what parts you dropped on the floor . a magnet on a pole to sweep the floor for the dropped parts.
I would like to see a cost effective method of improving the factory trigger on a Tavor while not compromising reliability or replacing an entire trigger group with an aftermarket one. AR trigger work is easily found information, and they typically need less help than the Tavor's does. Love the channel. Make more vids. I can't watch them slow enough.
Dang Ray! You knocked the ball out of the park. GREAT video, well planned and presented. Thank you very much for this one, I learned a lot. Thanks again!
The Foredom type tools with the foot pedal are great. The hand-held Dremel multi-speed tools are okay for some things, but sometimes even the lowest speed is way too damn fast.
Wheeler and Tipton are both part of American Outdoor Brands, the company that technically is Smith and Wesson and used to be Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. I use those cheap wrap around safety glasses that wrap around my prescription glasses and a full face shield for grinding, hot salt bluing, quenching, working with nasty chemicals, etc. I build guitars, so I use and arbor press for pressing in frets.. Many of the tools cross over between either art. LPS & Boeshield are both bigtime aviation lubes, preservative, and cleaning solvents.
Nice video as usual Eric and Ray! I love your Mosin videos. I used your re-bluing video to redo my Mosin as well as the stock. Thanks for all your help guys and keep up the awesome work!
Awesome video. I love these how to videos. These are the kind of vids that made me love your channel to begin with! I would love to see more vids of various gunsmithing topics. Great work.
Fantastic info just what I was looking for since I want to learn both trades of the gun and blade smith. Do more on the hand tools used in checking and engraving.
Fantastic video guys! I started gunsmithing as a hobby when I retired from ordained ministry. Who would have thunk it?! I wanted to work on my own collection of firearms and was not afraid to seek a speciality tool when needed. I would also like to know how to retemper a spring. I have an M40 that has a weak spring and would rather learn to do it myself than take it to my gunsmith guru and pay him some of my WDK (Wife Doesn't Know) money that i could be spending on the next tool or firearm. I can't wait to see the video on home parkerizing! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Grace & Peace, Rev. Steven Taylor
My pet peeve is cheap and, especially, soft allen bits & wrenches. I'd like to know the brands that are hard enough not to round off and that will stand up and last. Thanks a million and love your videos.
Interested in Polisher's you would recommend as well....again Top quality Professional, Best Value for New Gunsmith , and one for occasional hobby gunsmith.
Excellent video, thank you very much for all of the information, as a newcomer to the firearms world, and being a veteran of the army, I really want to learn to take care of my own problems and gunsmithing is a must for me. Great work guys, be safe and be blessed.
Great video Ray! I live in England and have had almost no experience with firearms, so it's all very new and interesting to me. Lets have some footage of you at work.
Every time I hear Eric say "Welcome back" I see Barry standing there for a moment. We miss you Barry. So long, dear friend.
God speed Barry, God speed
I miss Barry too.
I saw Ray standing there.... Nobody else...
Six years later this comment still punches me in the feels
You know how we are
Ray has a no nonsense, no frills matter of fact style that I find very informative and easy to absorb.
yeah and in person its the same- but he is by far the friendly one
Yes, Nothing but information. Perfect for this type of channel, and what Eric was trying to convey.
One of the best 30 minutes I have spent watching a video. Ray is much appreciated for sharing his knowledge and experience.
Saw this and bought the same bench block on Amazon. I didn't realize how it would make punching pins and other small tasks so much easier. I really appreciate the sharing of your experience.
Working in the machine shop we deal with these tools on a daily basis. Often times I will see "gunsmithing" videos from "gunsmiths" who really don't know what the proper tool for the job is or how to use it. Its good to see that ray does indeed know just what he is talking about with his tools. Its refreshing to see after hearing far to many gunsmithing horror stories from joe shmo gunsmith who had no idea what he was doing.
Certainly not the most entertaining video host but the man explains thing in a clear, concise manner that's easy to understand with a wonderful southern drawl. I love the video and will be adding these to my tool list!
This was definitely one of your better videos. Damn Ray really knows his stuff. I sincerely hope you do more of these. And possibly show Ray doing a job/task. It's cool seeing how a gunsmith does with a gun or repairing it. I wish this vid was longer. We need a feature length gunsmith vid with Ray. Good Stuff Ray.
Props to Ray. it does seem like he's a little shy, if that's the word... maybe just less experienced in youtube videos... but he's doing a great service for us. and i wouldn't be able to do it... i can't speak after about 2 minutes in front of a crowd of 10. so keep it up, he's obviously very knowledgeable and professional.
Ray much appreciated, very informative. BTW You speak more eloquently than most college professors.
No-problem-Ray... you should be a college professor.
I have always wanted to be a Gunsmith. I recently enrolled in MGS Modern Gun School Advance Gunsmith program. I figured it is a great starting point!!! Great video very informative
I like how calm Ray is and how he can explain stuff just right. Say hello from me Eric :)
I like the sticker in the bottom left
I love how Ray just has this calm patient tone in his voice. I'll bet he's an excellent gunsmith!
New student (just started Feb 29th) with SDI and this is a video for the FAT 105 course. Great info and I'm sure I'll see more of your videos later. Thanks.
+Joe Kuhlman We are in the same class. I started the same day. Love these videos.
Im a student with SDI, great video!
That sign on the left-front of the desk is brilliant.
Aaron Cabrer
Love to watch all gunsmithing and tooling work.... Been doing shop work and collecting all these tools over the years myself
Here we have a clear evidence of a real pro: the more the presentation advances uninterrupted, the more relaxed and buzzing-past-your-head informative the presentation becomes. Which is Great!
This guy is not only a pro but right there where he really belongs to.
2:35 love the sticker on the bottom right.
I really agree that the drill press with a machine vice is one of those tools that you just have to have once you start to get serious about doing this sort of work. Very nice job overall, Ray. Thanks!
"Not too comprehensive..." at 22:07 my eyes fell out of my head...great info...now we just need videos telling us how to apply all those tools LOL
Video couldn't have come at a better time. Having a new shed delivered just to make into a gunsmithing man cave. Thanks.
He would make a great show host!! His voice the way he talks and the smoothness of his demeanor if that makes sense!!!
Great video Ray and Eric, thanks for all the tips. A couple more cheap items to have are:
Green Loc-Tite for scope mounting screws and Never Seize for installing shotgun chokes, so they don't get stuck in the bore.
Instead of Loctite i use my wifes nail polish. Works just as good and is free.
Rusty, I have one of those magnetic cups (looks like a steel ashtray), that is perfect for what you describe. Just chuck all the screws, springs and small pins in it and you're good to go.
MrBlewvane
Ask her how much her nail polish costs, you might be better off buying the Loctite.
Thanks for the video! Most of my work is done with a keyboard. This was really helpful to point me towards things I should be buying. I'm kinda tired of buying tools for every single project. One of these days I'll finish a project without buying any tools.
Good work, guys!!! Ya GOTTA HAVE that AR upper vise...I bought mine from the couple that originally made 'em - from Peace River Arms at a gun show here in FL in the mid 90s or so...when Peace River went into bankruptcy Brownells bought all their tools...now it's sold by Brownells - but I have the original....I also have a Peace River AR - one of the few they actually delivered before going belly up...got it at an estate sale...
CB in FL
Very good work Ray. This is a vid that I will have watch over again, don't worry too much about the length, especially when we're getting quality info. LLTR
I've been watching your videos for quite a while and I must say you guys are informative, thorough, and awesome! I've been studying and practicing for a quite a while and plan on being a gunsmith myself. This video pointed out a few items didn't know I needed! Thanks!
This video may be a few years old, but it's very good, very thorough, and covers a large array of topics in a short period of time. I would recommend this half hour clip for anyone interested in beginning their tool collection. You'll probably discover you already own many of the tools discussed, but you'll definitely discover some you'll need.
Excellent job!
Yeah I own a lot of these tools already from doing other hobbies. I am interested in getting into gunsmithing, just to be more self-reliant at home. The gun-specific tools will be my main purchases it looks like, but really I think most of the rest of the stuff is worth having for anyone even remotely interested in being handy around the house, doing projects, etc.
Very well done Ray. I currently do light to medium work on my firearms and some for others so I very much appreciate this information to help me acquire tools for my gunsmithing.
It is original, in-depth content like this that keeps me coming back to this channel. I really enjoyed the video, keep up the good work, I look forward to future videos.
A lifesaver workshop for every self-respected man 💪🇺🇲
Great video guys! I know it's hard to cover all the tools because many are weapon specific but you did a great job covering all of the necessities and a few really good specifics. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Mick!
Great video and a GREAT topic! Keep rollin' with the series. Can not wait to see them.
Good work guys, keep up these kinds of videos, the how-to's, gunsmithing, reloading, lost arts, gun torture! Your bread and butter! I subscribed and became a member for these reasons!
How about some heavy gunsmithing, rebarreling or threading a muzzle? Rechambering? Blueing (other than cold), Cerakote? Custom parts? Theres a few ideas anyways. As always, keep up the good work, i'll keep refreshing the page for your uploads!
Once again Ray shows his stuff on gunsmithing. Even if it is basic, his expertise bleeds through. You're looking more comfortable on camera, Ray. I suspect you may find celebrity one day... whether you like it or not. :-)
I'd appreciate it if you could do a video on your thoughts on 80% AR lowers, as well as maybe like a DIY series on how to finish an 80% lower. What tools you need, what to do and what not to do, etc.
very basic and comprehensive. great topic for a reintroduction to gunsmithing
and a fantastic production quality. the cutaways were easy to pick up and (kind of a given when you watch tv) very professionally done.
good job iv8888 team!
What a pro, making my wish list as he speaks.
That round synthetic mallet looks like a great find. I have to find one of those, as a tool nut.
Great series. I love the Gunsmithing episodes. Keep 'em coming.
Im a machinist so i have alot of the tools you use or access to the tools great video you guys are the best!
Wow I never even thought about owning many of the items you talked about but you certainly seem to know absolutely everything you're talking about. Thanks for the video and keep up the good work :)
As someone who wants to do this as a hobby and something to do to earn a little extra cash after retirement, this video is amazing.
I thought that was a very informative tutorial. You gave some great tips for a person who wants to start a good work bench. If you could, I'd love to see your best, most successful method for smoothing up the cycling action on a pump shotgun (Mossberg or Remington). I have a 590 project gun I'd love to make slicker than chicken guts on a Kentucky highway in July. Thanks for your time. Happy trails, tight groups and safety first.
More Ray! He's a good presenter.
More Ray. More Ray. MORE RAY!!!!!
Great video Ray, as a part time gun smith I picked up a couple great ideas for tools from this vid. Thanks!
Thanks.. Ray rattles off knowledge.. not a wasted word. : )
Excellent video. Is some.thing that I am starting to want to do more of myself. Working on guns is a blast
A great educational video that is loaded with lots of information for everyone. Thank you.
Lord knows we need more gunsmiths. There are none anywhere near me.
Great video guy's! I think it's a great thing that you guys are willing to take your personal time to teach others about all aspects of firearms. I am eager to see some of your more in depth videos regarding general repairs.
Thanks Again
wow thats pretty Crazy :) Im Carmodeller and a got alomst all of those tools on my bench to its realy nice to see in what diffrent kind of needings tools can come in handy. Very intresting video Thanks guys.
I can sit here all day...learning about tools.
Love these How-To vids!
I would love to see a how to on checking a externally pitted mosin (type 53) barrel for pitting depth, and how to repair it if the pits aren't to bad. I spoke with Ray about it, but a video would be even better! Thanks.
Keep up the how to n gunsmithing videos. We already see a lot of gun show vids from all other subscribers. Thanks
I am still waiting and looking forward to the follow up gunsmithing video with the comprehensive list of tools and fixtures. Love these type vids.
Not sure if you guys noticed the sticker on the bottom left of the shot on the front face of the work bench.... It doesn't bother me a bit but I know you guys maintain a pretty clean channel.
Hi, thank very much for videos! I wish you all the best, regards from Russia
Thanks Ray and Eric, awesome video. More gunsmithing and combloc surplus please! RIP Barry, and much respect from Ohio.
Excellent video. Always great to hear and watch someone who really knows their craft. Lots of helpful information. Thanks!
two very important tools left out. a Numrich gun parts book to see what parts you dropped on the floor . a magnet on a pole to sweep the floor for the dropped parts.
Thanks just ordered field headspace gauge from Brownells.
I would like to see a cost effective method of improving the factory trigger on a Tavor while not compromising reliability or replacing an entire trigger group with an aftermarket one. AR trigger work is easily found information, and they typically need less help than the Tavor's does. Love the channel. Make more vids. I can't watch them slow enough.
Thanks for the advice and source.
Thank you so much Ray!..
Soft spoken and just easy to follow!
Dang Ray! You knocked the ball out of the park. GREAT video, well planned and presented. Thank you very much for this one, I learned a lot.
Thanks again!
The Foredom type tools with the foot pedal are great. The hand-held Dremel multi-speed tools are okay for some things, but sometimes even the lowest speed is way too damn fast.
Wheeler and Tipton are both part of American Outdoor Brands, the company that technically is Smith and Wesson and used to be Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. I use those cheap wrap around safety glasses that wrap around my prescription glasses and a full face shield for grinding, hot salt bluing, quenching, working with nasty chemicals, etc. I build guitars, so I use and arbor press for pressing in frets.. Many of the tools cross over between either art. LPS & Boeshield are both bigtime aviation lubes, preservative, and cleaning solvents.
You forgot the Bridgeport milling machine.
Excellent tool setup.
Look forward to future gunsmith projects,
Thanks
I really like the gunsmithing videos for tools, applications, etc.
I think I might need that bumper sticker on the left side of the work bench!
Great info.....
LPS is mostly made of Mineral oil...check the MSDS
Kroil is one of the best rust eaters.
Nice video as usual Eric and Ray! I love your Mosin videos. I used your re-bluing video to redo my Mosin as well as the stock. Thanks for all your help guys and keep up the awesome work!
Timeless advice. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Awesome video. I love these how to videos. These are the kind of vids that made me love your channel to begin with! I would love to see more vids of various gunsmithing topics. Great work.
Thanks Ray, an awesome and intelligent presentation!
Fantastic info just what I was looking for since I want to learn both trades of the gun and blade smith. Do more on the hand tools used in checking and engraving.
excellent job Ray ! very relaxed approach (I hope you feel that way too :-), keep at it guys.
Way to go Ray Jay... Professional done.
Awesome video, thanks for going into most of the detailed uses. Lots of stuff I hadn't thought of here. Thanks guys and keep up the good work.
Fantastic video guys! I started gunsmithing as a hobby when I retired from ordained ministry. Who would have thunk it?! I wanted to work on my own collection of firearms and was not afraid to seek a speciality tool when needed. I would also like to know how to retemper a spring. I have an M40 that has a weak spring and would rather learn to do it myself than take it to my gunsmith guru and pay him some of my WDK (Wife Doesn't Know) money that i could be spending on the next tool or firearm. I can't wait to see the video on home parkerizing! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and expertise.
Grace & Peace,
Rev. Steven Taylor
Nicely done Ray, I appreciate your time & effort to do this for us.
Thanks & Best Regards,
Jon
My pet peeve is cheap and, especially, soft allen bits & wrenches. I'd like to know the brands that are hard enough not to round off and that will stand up and last. Thanks a million and love your videos.
That was well briefed.
My mind put "Barry" in right before he said Ray at the start. I cried a little
We all miss him, man. ):
Thanks Ray very helpful I just like to keep my guns in good condition.
Interested in Polisher's you would recommend as well....again Top quality Professional, Best Value for New Gunsmith , and one for occasional hobby gunsmith.
Awesome, must see more of this guy!
Great video Ray! Thanks.
As far as high end pliers and the fordom dremmel a jewelers supply co like Rio Grande is a good source. I use Euro tool pliers
Excellent video, thank you very much for all of the information, as a newcomer to the firearms world, and being a veteran of the army, I really want to learn to take care of my own problems and gunsmithing is a must for me. Great work guys, be safe and be blessed.
Awesome video. Ray explained things very well.
Great Video, this will help me with my Christmas list for Santa.
Nice vid. Forgot the "measure it with a piece or string or old yardstick, mark it with a grease pencil and then cut it with a chain saw."
Thank you for putting in the time and effort, and all the information. Keep up the great videos.
We need more Ray!
Id love to see more gunsmithing vids. Keep up the good work guys
Eric you should do episodes about military stories you may have, that would be interesting to listen to!
Great video Ray! I live in England and have had almost no experience with firearms, so it's all very new and interesting to me. Lets have some footage of you at work.