Falcon73 0 Posted July 26, 2006 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 A couple of guys have taken a liking to the venting jobs I've done on synthetic handguards, so I thought I'd share my method for anyone looking to tackle it. First, I can't take credit for the pattern. It is copied from the actual Russian slotted handguard. I have never seen one in person, but the pic from the Russian Saiga page was all I needed. Take that image, blow it up to full size, then trace a template with masking tape. Flip the image a make a mirror image template for the other side. Line up the tape template on your handguard, make sure it's straight, then dremel out the slots. Did I mention make sure it's straight? Oh yea, and make sure it's straight. I left my slots a bit undersized then handfinished with a round rat-tail file and a flat file. Tweek em longer, shorter, wider, whatever to taste. As always, go slow. You can take more off but you can't put any back. Sorry I don't have any step-by-step pics. I'm always in too much of a hurry to get them done Hope that helps you guys. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jedgemon 0 Posted July 26, 2006 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 I have a few questions 1) What dremel tool did u use? 2.) Got any pics of ur vent jobs? 3.) Does/Can it weaken it enough to break? 4.) How Did u get it smooth? (like 400 grit sand paper) 5.) What do you guys think about Vents that are round? Or do you think it would defeat the purpose? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AK-308 2 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Falcon73 0 Posted July 29, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 (edited) 1) What dremel tool did u use? Standard hobby-type dremel using the saw-style bit to drill in and remove material horizontally. 2.) Got any pics of ur vent jobs? http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?act=At...ost&id=7988 3.) Does/Can it weaken it enough to break? In theory, sure. Any hole weakens it slightly. In practice, you would have to beat it pretty hard to do any harm. The handguard material is quite tough. Don't get excessively close to an edge with your vents and you shouldn't have a problem. If you drill it out like the one pictured then I doubt you would ever break it. Still, leave it alone if you want absolute maximum durability. 4.) How Did u get it smooth? (like 400 grit sand paper) The hand filing was adequate. 5.) What do you guys think about Vents that are round? The only vents I've liked were the factory-style ones. I've seen many that look like total hatchet jobs. I think slots cut cleanly and located between the barrel and gas tube are the most cosmetically pleasing and serve a legitimate purpose to increase cooling. Or do you think it would defeat the purpose? If your purpose is to make it look nice, that's subject to opinion. If the purpose is cooling, then sure round vents will work. It's just a matter of taste. It's your baby. Make it the way you like it. I plan to do proper AK handguards on my next one, or maybe an AMD65 handguard. To each their own. Edited July 29, 2006 by Falcon73 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tomb_lin 0 Posted August 5, 2006 Report Share Posted August 5, 2006 Id love to do this MOD but is there an idiot proof way ? hate to ruin one trying and not be able to find a replacement...picture doesnt want to enlarge to any scale.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jedgemon 0 Posted August 5, 2006 Report Share Posted August 5, 2006 i did it it was easy just messure 10 times cut once Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted August 6, 2006 Report Share Posted August 6, 2006 Good job on your vents. They look nice and straight. I've done several with the drill, dremel saw, and file method but the way to go is using an endmill. It saves lots of time and effort and the cuts will be perfect instead of hopefully straight and symetrical. Milling machines are expensive but if you have a bit there is another way. I have my endmill chucked in an ancient craftsman drill press with a cross slide bolted to the table. Once you get it lined up right you just have to slowly turn the handles and it feeds in a perfect straight line. Of course first you have to measure and mark the ends of the slots correctly on your HG but the rest is like clockwork. I will never again spend over two hours doing one by hand with a dremel and all that filing and sanding. How bout this old bitch. You want to go over each cut a few times taking away a small amount so you don't slow the mill down too much. Thanks Equinox You are the man! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve in Allentown, PA 5 Posted August 14, 2006 Report Share Posted August 14, 2006 While we're on the subject of venting the handguard, here are a couple of links to web pages I just this minute ran into that may be of interest. http://www.parabelluminc.com/handguard_cooling_slots.htm http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&...=80&t=80686 I'm not sure if the ar15.com link will come up unless you're registered on that forum. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
O.S.O.K. 0 Posted August 14, 2006 Report Share Posted August 14, 2006 Dang Cobra - I've got a Craftsman drill press and a milling vice (my wife got me a nice one for Christmas after I bitched about the cheap chicom one that I was using) So I can get an end mill bit and... hmmm that could be useful for a lot of applications. Like cleaning up my rommie kits for building among other things. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted August 14, 2006 Report Share Posted August 14, 2006 Man those are some sweet Veprs Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wally 2 Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 you can use a drill press with mill bit for the plastic I would try to cut metal with it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thunderchild 0 Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 (edited) Template for the 12. This is full size, just print it to assist in hole location. I'm kinda late to the show...this is my first post. Edited March 11, 2009 by Thunderchild Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bayoupiper 738 Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 I vented my handguard and it came out perfect. It was fast, simple and easy! And I didn't fool around with taking measurements and all that crap. I sent mine to Cobra! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mitch'SS 2 Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Template for the 12. This is full size, just print it to assist in hole location. I'm kinda late to the show...this is my first post. Thats perfect! I was wanting to vent my S12. Now to find a rail to bolt to the bottom.......... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thunderchild 0 Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Template for the 12. This is full size, just print it to assist in hole location. I'm kinda late to the show...this is my first post. Thats perfect! I was wanting to vent my S12. Now to find a rail to bolt to the bottom.......... This is the rail I used. Mounts solid as a rock but requires a little more care in locating and drilling the holes. You will need to dremel the inside center spine around the hole locations but like I said, this thing will mount really solid. http://www.parts4ar15.com/ar-15_accessorie...ct/CAA-PRA.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oxyehho 8 Posted March 11, 2009 Report Share Posted March 11, 2009 Template for the 12. This is full size, just print it to assist in hole location. I'm kinda late to the show...this is my first post. Thats perfect! I was wanting to vent my S12. Now to find a rail to bolt to the bottom.......... This is the rail I used. Mounts solid as a rock but requires a little more care in locating and drilling the holes. You will need to dremel the inside center spine around the hole locations but like I said, this thing will mount really solid. http://www.parts4ar15.com/ar-15_accessorie...ct/CAA-PRA.html +1 on the rail install. I used this one though - it has a slight angle, so it's perfect for S308 with the upswept HG and it's aluminum. M4 Barska rail Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WA-Tom 0 Posted May 24, 2010 Report Share Posted May 24, 2010 I think the poster was trying to say milling plastic with a mill vise might work, but won't work with metal. Frankly I would be suprised that it even worked on plastic. Just not enough rigidity in a drill press to do milling ops. Despite my pessimism I would like to know if it work though! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
elia.jon1 1 Posted May 24, 2010 Report Share Posted May 24, 2010 i did a writeup a long time ago in the x39 section probably mid 04....using a drill bit and a dremel cutoff wheel..... besides the conversions its probably the best mod i've done to the saiga.... ....that bitch gets hot with no room to vent Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AdamTA1 0 Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 I was reading somewhere on the forum that while the guy was venting the handguard he also placed a piece of tin or aluminum (i think) inside the handguard to help with cooling. If I recall it was from a a/c vent pipe or something. He also did just holes like I dunno 3/8 holes instead of oblong/elliptical shaped slots like what I've seen on here granted I think the pictures on here look cooler I would think just drilling 5 or 6 holes would be far simpler work. If I find that post again I'll make a link here. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
IPvFletch 2 Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) I was reading somewhere on the forum that while the guy was venting the handguard he also placed a piece of tin or aluminum (i think) inside the handguard to help with cooling. If I recall it was from a a/c vent pipe or something. He also did just holes like I dunno 3/8 holes instead of oblong/elliptical shaped slots like what I've seen on here granted I think the pictures on here look cooler I would think just drilling 5 or 6 holes would be far simpler work. If I find that post again I'll make a link here. My AR-15 aftermarket handguard came with something like this lined on the inside. Great tip! Edited May 11, 2012 by IPvFletch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
megawatt 4 Posted May 18, 2012 Report Share Posted May 18, 2012 I have greater spacing between my slots so it still has strong supports between the cuts. Works great for cooling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
philrab 57 Posted February 23, 2015 Report Share Posted February 23, 2015 This will be my next mod soon. Brought my x39 to the range this past weekend, burned my 75 round drum and two 30 round mags and that handguard was not comfortable to hold. Gun wasn't rapid fired either, all aimed shots couple seconds between, but over 130 rounds through the barrel and it's obvious it needs some vents. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
philrab 57 Posted February 28, 2015 Report Share Posted February 28, 2015 Done with the rough work. Probably pull it and get on it with a flat file tomorrow to straighten and smooth things out but I think it looks decent. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mrwiggles2004 15 Posted April 15, 2015 Report Share Posted April 15, 2015 This is the first one I have done, and the vents aren't the smoothest, but I like the way it turned out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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