Does anyone have any experience with 80% lowers?

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12-23-2012, 11:52
Camperdavid

Does anyone have any experience with 80% lowers?

For a while now I've been considering a 80% lower machining kit so I could put away a few stripped lowers for a rainy day. As it is legal and moral, I see no problem. Well, its raining really hard now. It's probably too late to build an ark, but maybe I can still get a kit. Has anyone ever used one of these templates to machine a 80% lower? Am I just wasting my time? Also, I see where there have been machining "parties" for 80% lowers, where you use someone elses CNC to machine it for a small fee. It seems like in the current climate, this would be a huge opportunity for a knowledgeable machinist or gun shop with an AR lower machining CNC program. If there is one of these parties coming up, please let me know. Yes, I know that I can not sell or transfer this lower to anyone, and it has to be machined by my, for me to be legal per the ATF, and I intend to follow all laws regarding this.
12-23-2012, 12:45
wreave

I've been thinking the same thing. Would be great to have a machining party sometime.
12-23-2012, 14:05
sniper7

I think pretty much anyone out there with a CNC machine and an interest in making lowers is already doing so.

The cost to make just a few of them by borrowing a CNC machine would probably far exceed the cost you would pay for currently available ones. that is just a guess, maybe someone would be nice to let you use one and do it cheap...but there is set-up, the computer input for all the dimensions, the tooling, the time, the power used, the wear on the machine, and any extra materials all add up.
12-23-2012, 14:10
ChunkyMonkey

They are all out and backordered til the end of the Summer. I called a bunch of suppliers.

With the jig, you only need a drill press.
12-23-2012, 16:13
h8monday

For DIY'ers. You're welcome:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/outdo...unk-metal.html
12-04-2013, 21:46
Sharpienads

Bump.

Has anyone finished an 80% lower at home with a drill press or router? How did it turn out?
12-05-2013, 08:43
Great-Kazoo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpienads

Bump.

Has anyone finished an 80% lower at home with a drill press or router? How did it turn out?

Routers rpm's are too high for cutting metal. Unless you don't care about your hands, eyes, item you're working on. I'm also not a fan of using an end mill in a drill press / jacobs chuck. machine bits like end and ball mills should be secured in a collet.
02-13-2014, 12:16
funkymonkey1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpienads

Bump.

Has anyone finished an 80% lower at home with a drill press or router? How did it turn out?

did you ever find an answer outside the thread? i'm interested in this as well
02-13-2014, 14:09
Hound

I would be also. Myself and a guy down the street have kicking around this idea for awhile.
02-14-2014, 10:02
wreave

I picked up a couple of blem 80% lowers for $40 each. Anyone else have some 80%ers to get together and finish them?
02-16-2014, 13:36
Sharpienads

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkymonkey1111

did you ever find an answer outside the thread? i'm interested in this as well

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hound

I would be also. Myself and a guy down the street have kicking around this idea for awhile.

Just a couple videos on youtube. I thought about giving it a try, but I'm not that confident in my skills or my drill press.
02-16-2014, 15:19
funkymonkey1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpienads

Just a couple videos on youtube. I thought about giving it a try, but I'm not that confident in my skills or my drill press.

i've thought about taking the plunge on that one from Watkins tool in Denver--it comes with the jig and is $109. if it screws up, it's not the end of the world
02-16-2014, 16:11
henpecked

If any are interested I could rent my mill out to use and some instructions. Located Highway 52 and I 25
02-16-2014, 16:27
funkymonkey1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by henpecked

If any are interested I could rent my mill out to use and some instructions. Located Highway 52 and I 25

cost? have you completed 80% uppers?
02-16-2014, 16:35
henpecked

20.00 per hour, no I have not built any AR receivers but Im pretty qualified.
Omicron has been out here, and a few others.
I can not and will not build it for you. I will be here and show you how to run the equipment safely and competently.
02-21-2014, 22:25
turbo99miata

High Plains CNC, $68, 30 min., done.
02-24-2014, 08:24
Omicron

Quote:

Originally Posted by henpecked

20.00 per hour, no I have not built any AR receivers but Im pretty qualified.
Omicron has been out here, and a few others.
I can not and will not build it for you. I will be here and show you how to run the equipment safely and competently.

He has a nice shop too.

henpecked, have you taken one of these 80% lowers and finished it up? In other words, would you be able to show people how to finish one using your machines? If so, I suspect - based on the responses above - you'll have a line out the door.
02-24-2014, 08:40
Great-Kazoo

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbo99miata

High Plains CNC, $68, 30 min., done.

+ $35 to $70 for an 80% and i can walk out with a factory unit. Yes i know the build your own is nice, in many ways. Myself, it comes down to cost.
03-04-2014, 10:38
turbo99miata

Add in potential FFL transfer fee, BGC, etc...price comes out about the same. I prefer the benefits of DIY over the couple bucks saved buying a factory unit. The beauty of the platform is exactly what we are discussing in this forum! [Beer]