CNC Router 80% lower

[porterdavid98]

Can anyone point me in a direction to talk to someone who has successfully used a CNC Router to machine a 80% lower? I ruined one end mill and one lower so far.


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[Blowby]

What brand router are you using? Manually writing G code? Any CAM software or controller capabilities for simple pocketing?

[Ronin13]

If you're using a jig from somewhere like 80% Lowers, or similar, and using your standard router, you have to go slow and be patient. Having done one this way (which is extremely cost effective compared to an actual professional machine) it takes some time, but in the end pays off if you aren't willing to spend the serious coin to get a CNC machine. Also, from a legal standpoint, if you do not personally machine the lower yourself, you have to have the person doing it serialize the lower and do the proper transfer.

[Wulf202]

Check your feeds and speeds vs the metal your cutting. If you have 70 series you need to go very slowly and make very small cuts.

[henpecked]

Light cuts with wd-40.
Take your time.....

[Squeeze]

I would also look into the 5D Tactical jig. That thing is pretty amazing, but certainly not cheap. They have a video on their YouTube channel and they knock out a lower in about 30 minutes - with a router.

[00tec]

I would also look into the 5D Tactical jig. That thing is pretty amazing, but certainly not cheap. They have a video on their YouTube channel and they knock out a lower in about 30 minutes - with a router.

80percentarms just 1 upped everyone. New universal jig that does ar15 and ar10

[Squeeze]

That's where it's at! I like the 5D Tactical jig, but I don't like the price tag.

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[Grant H.]

80percentarms just 1 upped everyone. New universal jig that does ar15 and ar10

Holy copy of the 5D, but better.

That's funny.

[Buff]

I finally got around to making a machining fixture to use on a DMG 5 axis mill, one set up and 18 minutes to complete.

70986

[Danimal]

Deleted

[porterdavid98]

What brand router are you using? Manually writing G code? Any CAM software or controller capabilities for simple pocketing?

Sorry I missed your post. I have a Laguna IQ which came with Vcarve Pro software. I am kind of embarrassed to admit to how many 80% lowers I have completed. The point to be made here is I have done very well using a Jet vertical Mill with manual feed. Even have experience using the so called universal jig. I am not using a drill press for any milling operations. I am most impressed with the 5D jig but how the heck does anyone justify that price?

Still, apparently my biggest problem so far using the CNC Router to do an 80% lower involves understanding the difference between feed rate of the head motion and the surface feed speed of a rotating tool. I need to slow down even more. That is where the guidance that I need probably is located.




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[porterdavid98]

80percentarms just 1 upped everyone. New universal jig that does ar15 and ar10

New universal jig better than the 5D?

I did do some research looking at 80% arms jig but the biggest key point regarding the 5D jig and what separates it from everybody else is the trace outline of the guide. Everybody else uses the exact cut out shape and dimensions from a AR15 blueprint. The 5D made a pattern outline allowing for a guide pin that does not make the jig touch the end mill itself. Clearly a superior design for a handheld router. However, my original post asked for help using a CNC Router.


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[00tec]

New universal jig better than the 5D?

I did do some research looking at 80% arms jig but the biggest key point regarding the 5D jig and what separates it from everybody else is the trace outline of the guide. Everybody else uses the exact cut out shape and dimensions from a AR15 blueprint. The 5D made a pattern outline allowing for a guide pin that does not make the jig touch the end mill itself. Clearly a superior design for a handheld router. However, my original post asked for help using a CNC Router.


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The new 80percentarms jig is advertised as no jig/mill contact and does ar15 and ar10. That alone makes it better for me.

https://www.80percentarms.com/products/easy-jig-gen-2-combined-ar-15-and-308-jig

I realize you were hunting CNC advice, but we get sidetracked easily. SQUIRREL!

[henpecked]

A cnc router with a spindle of 30,000 rpm feeding at 120 inches per minute produces a .001 tooth load on a 4 fluted 1/4 end mill. You really should be using a 2 flute so the coolant can get in there. You should do light passes at that speed. No more than .01 depth of cut and you do need to spray it with wd-40. Your cutter passes should be at 55 to 75% of the width of the cutter. You can always PM me with your router specs and the cutter you will be using and I can give you the feed rate of the cutter.