Reddit mentions of Build Your Own AK (Vol. I): Headspacing & Virgin Barrel Population

Off the top of my head (might be missing a few things), you will need:

• Flat bending jig
  
• Spot welder
  
• Heat treating arrangement
  
• 12 ton press
  
• Drill press
  
• Riveting jig
  
• Barrel pressing/populating tools
  
• Hammer
  
• Punches
  
• 3mm drill bits
  
• 4mm drill bits
  
• 1/4" end mill
  
• 7mm reamer
  
• Gas port drill bit (there are several sizes you could use)
  
• Vise
  
• Bench grinder
  
• Rivets
  
• 922r compliance parts (trigger, furniture, etc.)
  
• Go/No Go headspace gauges
  
• Dremel
  
  I'm probably missing one or two things. Similarly, you could also live without some of the stuff I mentioned, but you'll want most of that to do a decent job at it. You're looking at easily $500-$1000+ for the tools and jigs if you have to buy everything.
  
  As for a guide, get this and this
  
  Don't get into AK building because you want to do it on the cheap. Those days are gone. Get into AK building because you love AKs and want to build a lot of them.