Original AR-15 Router Jig by 5D Tactical | Universal 80% Lower Jig - Page 4

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Original AR-15 Router Jig by 5D Tactical | Universal 80% Lower Jig (Page 4 of 5)

Posted: 4/2/2017 7:40:27 PM EDT

[#1]

Here's a few pics of my first lower using the 5DT jig. I trial fitted this Anderson lower with its mate upper and it was a perfect fit with pivot/takedown pins aligning exactly as expected. Trigger pin and safety holes were also dead on.

Attached File

Attached File

A few "learnings" of note are as follows:

1. Double and triple check all bolts and screws on the jig before commencing milling. I realized the two screws holding the buffer adapter weren't fully tightened halfway through the first milling level which caused the lower to move sideways resulting in the slight overmilling at the top of the trigger pocket as seen in pic 3.

2. Tight fitment of the end mill in the 5/16" trigger hole when getting to the last pass on the medium pin series might cause the router to stall when turned on. DO NOT try to start the router outside of the hole and lower it in as it may jump and hit the side of your pocket causing a gouge on your otherwise near-perfect lower...(see pic 4) Instead, use your 5/16" drill bit and "wallow out" the hole slightly until the end mill fits inside with enough tolerance to turn freely. Then, and only then, turn on your router and proceed with the final pass.

3. The 3/8" starter hole in the drill guide was tight for my drill bit to the point that it couldnt seat to full depth before starting the drill, so I had to be very careful starting that hole. I tried several bits, but all were too snug to seat fully. No problem was noted with the 5/16 bit fitting the drill guide.

Overall, I'm very happy with the jig and the results.

Posted: 4/2/2017 7:48:21 PM EDT

[#2]

OST

Vulcan94

Posted: 4/3/2017 5:23:20 PM EDT

[#3]

I just read the instructions and watched the video. The question I have is why after drilling the two trigger holes could I not rout them with the router all the way down? This would negate the need to
be so careful as when you have a thin bottom and try to cut/rout the trigger hole. In fact this is the way my original Modulus Jig worked. Is it that the end mill is too large for the larger hole?

Posted: 4/3/2017 5:55:17 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just read the instructions and watched the video. The question I have is why after drilling the two trigger holes could I not rout them with the router all the way down? This would negate the need to
be so careful as when you have a thin bottom and try to cut/rout the trigger hole. In fact this is the way my original Modulus Jig worked. Is it that the end mill is too large for the larger hole?

View Quote

Are you referring to the ONE 5/16" hole?

That is the hole you use to cut the slot for the trigger in the bottom of the receiver. When you install the longest guide pins the router will only cut the trigger slot.

Posted: 4/3/2017 8:50:08 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

Are you referring to the ONE 5/16" hole?

That is the hole you use to cut the slot for the trigger in the bottom of the receiver. When you install the longest guide pins the router will only cut the trigger slot.

View Quote

Watched it again and now I see why. Too small. But the question I ask is why not arrange that so that the pilot hole all the way through can accommodate the mill to allow you to rout an oval (the size of the trigger opening) all the way down before you level layers? What I mean is you use the router to create an oval tunnel with the dimensions of the trigger opening all the way down through thick aluminum before you begin to rout layers? This would eliminate the need to be so careful with that fragile trigger opening in 1/10" aluminum?

Posted: 4/3/2017 9:41:50 PM EDT

[#6]

To date I have not had an issue cutting the trigger slot.

Just closely follow the instructions.

Posted: 4/4/2017 12:42:08 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Here's a few pics of my first lower using the 5DT jig. I trial fitted this Anderson lower with its mate upper and it was a perfect fit with pivot/takedown pins aligning exactly as expected. Trigger pin and safety holes were also dead on.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6068-179664.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6069-179665.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6074-179674.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6071-179668.JPG

A few "learnings" of note are as follows:

1. Double and triple check all bolts and screws on the jig before commencing milling. I realized the two screws holding the buffer adapter weren't fully tightened halfway through the first milling level which caused the lower to move sideways resulting in the slight overmilling at the top of the trigger pocket as seen in pic 3.

2. Tight fitment of the end mill in the 5/16" trigger hole when getting to the last pass on the medium pin series might cause the router to stall when turned on. DO NOT try to start the router outside of the hole and lower it in as it may jump and hit the side of your pocket causing a gouge on your otherwise near-perfect lower...(see pic 4) Instead, use your 5/16" drill bit and "wallow out" the hole slightly until the end mill fits inside with enough tolerance to turn freely. Then, and only then, turn on your router and proceed with the final pass.

3. The 3/8" starter hole in the drill guide was tight for my drill bit to the point that it couldnt seat to full depth before starting the drill, so I had to be very careful starting that hole. I tried several bits, but all were too snug to seat fully. No problem was noted with the 5/16 bit fitting the drill guide.

Overall, I'm very happy with the jig and the results.

View Quote

Well done!!

Posted: 4/4/2017 10:23:34 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
Here's a few pics of my first lower using the 5DT jig. I trial fitted this Anderson lower with its mate upper and it was a perfect fit with pivot/takedown pins aligning exactly as expected. Trigger pin and safety holes were also dead on.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6068-179664.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6069-179665.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6074-179674.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/440344/IMG-6071-179668.JPG

A few "learnings" of note are as follows:

1. Double and triple check all bolts and screws on the jig before commencing milling. I realized the two screws holding the buffer adapter weren't fully tightened halfway through the first milling level which caused the lower to move sideways resulting in the slight overmilling at the top of the trigger pocket as seen in pic 3.

2. Tight fitment of the end mill in the 5/16" trigger hole when getting to the last pass on the medium pin series might cause the router to stall when turned on. DO NOT try to start the router outside of the hole and lower it in as it may jump and hit the side of your pocket causing a gouge on your otherwise near-perfect lower...(see pic 4) Instead, use your 5/16" drill bit and "wallow out" the hole slightly until the end mill fits inside with enough tolerance to turn freely. Then, and only then, turn on your router and proceed with the final pass.

3. The 3/8" starter hole in the drill guide was tight for my drill bit to the point that it couldnt seat to full depth before starting the drill, so I had to be very careful starting that hole. I tried several bits, but all were too snug to seat fully. No problem was noted with the 5/16 bit fitting the drill guide.

Overall, I'm very happy with the jig and the results.

View Quote

Great work, thanks for sharing!

Posted: 4/4/2017 7:57:11 PM EDT

[#9]

I've been considering one of these for awhile, best jig I have seen.

Question... if one has a manufactured lower, but it has a high shelf, or just a little too much material there and it won't accept your RDIAS, can this jig be presumably used with that 100% lower to drop that shelf area down to low shelf material and fit the RDIAS?

Really, I only have 3/64ths of an inch to remove from a tiny tiny shelf in a V7 lower. No idea why V7 would design it that way, but they did.

I will buy the jig for that reason alone if this sounds doable.

Posted: 4/4/2017 9:55:48 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've been considering one of these for awhile, best jig I have seen.

Question... if one has a manufactured lower, but it has a high shelf, or just a little too much material there and it won't accept your RDIAS, can this jig be presumably used with that 100% lower to drop that shelf area down to low shelf material and fit the RDIAS?

Really, I only have 3/64ths of an inch to remove from a tiny tiny shelf in a V7 lower. No idea why V7 would design it that way, but they did.

I will buy the jig for that reason alone if this sounds doable.

View Quote

Sounds doable to me. My 80% lower had a pre-milled rear shelf pocket and the milling process with the 5DT jig removed a slight amount of the rear shelf material; though I can't say exactly how much. They way this system works, you can follow the outline of the pocket at whatever depth you desire; even to the point of screwing the pooch and making it a useless paperweight...

Posted: 4/7/2017 4:46:06 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

Watched it again and now I see why. Too small. But the question I ask is why not arrange that so that the pilot hole all the way through can accommodate the mill to allow you to rout an oval (the size of the trigger opening) all the way down before you level layers? What I mean is you use the router to create an oval tunnel with the dimensions of the trigger opening all the way down through thick aluminum before you begin to rout layers? This would eliminate the need to be so careful with that fragile trigger opening in 1/10" aluminum?

View Quote

Looks like it could be done my way. After drilling the two holes I could remove one layer or part of a layer just enough to create a trigger plunge cavity. Then start with the long guides in the trigger slot and go all the
way down leaving a long oval trigger sized cavity all the way through. Then switch back to the shortest pins and run though the first range and then the medium pins through the second and it's done.

Posted: 4/8/2017 11:15:08 PM EDT

[#12]

I just got my "notice of shipment" today for my order (3 weeks on the button from when I ordered). Built a new work table just for this. Just need to order my router and a new shop vac now. The first few 80%s I plan to try will be basic mil-spec lowers, but then I plan to make a polymer and try out an Iconic Industries Inc lower. Anyone out there used a 5D Tactical Jig with an Iconic Industries Inc lower yet? I am thinking that a polymer lower will have zero problems with the jig. Im looking forward to cutting my first lower within the next week or so (depending on how much time I have).

Posted: 4/11/2017 10:06:53 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just got my "notice of shipment" today for my order (3 weeks on the button from when I ordered). Built a new work table just for this. Just need to order my router and a new shop vac now. The first few 80%s I plan to try will be basic mil-spec lowers, but then I plan to make a polymer and try out an Iconic Industries Inc lower. Anyone out there used a 5D Tactical Jig with an Iconic Industries Inc lower yet? I am thinking that a polymer lower will have zero problems with the jig. Im looking forward to cutting my first lower within the next week or so (depending on how much time I have).

View Quote

Some polymers may have fitment issues, our Universal Fitment Guarantee only extends to metal lowers (i.e. any billet, forged). The Iconic lower should not be a problem. Enjoy!

Posted: 4/15/2017 5:27:11 PM EDT

[#14]

Bump for the weekend warriors. Lead times for jigs are currently at 2 weeks or less!

Posted: 4/15/2017 6:35:33 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Bump for the weekend warriors. Lead times for jigs are currently at 2 weeks or less!

View Quote

Got my shipment notification today.

I am not even building an 80 lower right now, just creating a low shelf in a V7 lower.

Wish me luck, hope I have a working firearm when it's done...

Posted: 4/18/2017 12:39:12 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

Got my shipment notification today.

I am not even building an 80 lower right now, just creating a low shelf in a V7 lower.

Wish me luck, hope I have a working firearm when it's done...

View Quote

You don't need luck, you have a 5D Jig. :D

Posted: 4/20/2017 7:49:31 PM EDT

[#17]

Lead times have been averaging 5-7 days this week. No more waiting!

Posted: 4/23/2017 12:45:31 AM EDT

[#18]

I successfully used a 5d Tactical 80% jig to convert a high shelf V7 Lower to a low shelf configuration.

Posted: 4/23/2017 8:19:11 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I successfully used a 5d Tactical 80% jig to convert a high shelf V7 Lower to a low shelf configuration.

http://i.imgur.com/et18MoF.jpg

View Quote

Excellent! Looks great!

Posted: 4/23/2017 5:52:43 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I successfully used a 5d Tactical 80% jig to convert a high shelf V7 Lower to a low shelf configuration.

http://i.imgur.com/et18MoF.jpg

View Quote

Well done

The 5D jig does it all!!

Posted: 4/24/2017 2:52:10 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
I successfully used a 5d Tactical 80% jig to convert a high shelf V7 Lower to a low shelf configuration.

http://i.imgur.com/et18MoF.jpg

View Quote

Not a bad idea!

Posted: 4/24/2017 10:02:10 PM EDT

[#22]

Just waiting on a shipment notice. So it'll be watching videos and taking notes for a lil bit

Also ordered a PCE6435 tonight.

Posted: 4/26/2017 1:50:29 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just waiting on a shipment notice. So it'll be watching videos and taking notes for a lil bit

Also ordered a PCE6435 tonight.

View Quote

We are running at or around a 5 day lead time, so if you haven't gotten a tracking number yet, you will very soon! Also, good move on the Porter Cable PC#6435. Do make sure the depth lock is tight when you get the router.

Posted: 5/1/2017 2:52:39 PM EDT

[#24]

Jigs are IN STOCK!

Posted: 5/1/2017 4:54:40 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
Jigs are IN STOCK!

View Quote

Hmmm, next day shipping, 3 days priority snail - jig 'em up this weekend......

Posted: 5/4/2017 11:32:39 AM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:

Hmmm, next day shipping, 3 days priority snail - jig 'em up this weekend......

View Quote

You got it!

Posted: 5/4/2017 11:05:47 PM EDT

[#27]

Just finished # 3 and 4 yesterday. Great jig but I think I need a new mill bit and possibly top drill guides. How did you do low shelf?

Posted: 5/8/2017 3:06:07 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just finished # 3 and 4 yesterday. Great jig but I think I need a new mill bit and possibly top drill guides. How did you do low shelf?

View Quote

We have replacement parts available here: http://www.5dtactical.com/jig-replacement-parts-s/108.htm

And end mills: http://www.5dtactical.com/jig-tools-s/102.htm

Posted: 5/10/2017 7:03:37 PM EDT

[#29]

JIGS ARE IN STOCK !! :)

Posted: 5/17/2017 12:00:44 PM EDT

[#30]

bump

Posted: 5/17/2017 1:12:11 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
We have replacement parts available here: http://www.5dtactical.com/jig-replacement-parts-s/108.htm

And end mills: http://www.5dtactical.com/jig-tools-s/102.htm

View Quote

my replacement parts came in monday. about how many lowers do you normally get out of the end mill bit?

Posted: 5/17/2017 2:44:11 PM EDT

[#32]

I'm looking @ casting plastic 80% lowers for my friends using the AR15Mold.com mold - after I finish my chocolate lower. Unfortunately, due to the mold design, the safety hole will be cast - in order to keep it an 80% (and not be producing firearms I give away) I'll be leaving the rear takedown pin hole and pocket unmolded. Using your jig, would someone be able to drill the rear takedown pin hole and cut the rear takedown lug pocket?

Any issues w/ your endmill getting plugged up w/ melted plastic? Do you have a recommended rpm for plastic lowers?

Posted: 5/19/2017 1:38:03 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:

my replacement parts came in monday. about how many lowers do you normally get out of the end mill bit?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

my replacement parts came in monday. about how many lowers do you normally get out of the end mill bit?

End mills last 4-6 lowers on average. We do have customers with 10+ under their belts. As long as nothing goes wrong, breakage should be rare and they will not wear out quickly if you're using cutting fluid or even WD-40

Quoted:
I'm looking @ casting plastic 80% lowers for my friends using the AR15Mold.com mold - after I finish my chocolate lower. Unfortunately, due to the mold design, the safety hole will be cast - in order to keep it an 80% (and not be producing firearms I give away) I'll be leaving the rear takedown pin hole and pocket unmolded. Using your jig, would someone be able to drill the rear takedown pin hole and cut the rear takedown lug pocket?

Any issues w/ your endmill getting plugged up w/ melted plastic? Do you have a recommended rpm for plastic lowers?

I think if you're careful, you could utilize the rear takedown pin hole in our jig as a guide to drilling the rear takedown hole in the lower using a 1/4" drill bit. From there the process would be the same and the end mill will have no problem with plastic or polymer!

Posted: 5/25/2017 9:29:10 AM EDT

[#34]

if i kept the smallest guide pins in for the second depth gauge is it become a low shelf lower ? for a light weight build or if i can ever buy a rdias?

Posted: 5/26/2017 12:39:48 PM EDT

[#35]

Any sales this weekend?

Posted: 5/26/2017 6:40:51 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
Any sales this weekend?

View Quote

No sales planned, but we did just release the all-aluminum version of our AR-15 Router Jig which is $149.99, saving $50 over the original version with steel components. See here:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_124/713887_NEW--5D-Tactical-All-Aluminum-AR-15-Router-Jig----149-99.html

Have a safe weekend everyone...

Posted: 6/14/2017 12:23:05 AM EDT

[#37]

Hi,

Any reports on the Iconic Industries Gen 2 fitment? I saw someone posting above regarding the 308 platform, but never confirmed that it actually fit.

https://msrarms.com/collections/80-lowers-jigs/products/iconic-industries-gen2-instigator-billet-ar-15-80-lower-receiver-options?variant=22346705089

Posted: 6/15/2017 12:13:13 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hi,

Any reports on the Iconic Industries Gen 2 fitment? I saw someone posting above regarding the 308 platform, but never confirmed that it actually fit.

https://msrarms.com/collections/80-lowers-jigs/products/iconic-industries-gen2-instigator-billet-ar-15-80-lower-receiver-options?variant=22346705089

View Quote

It will fit. If you encounter any interference with the trigger guard, simply do not install the screw in the bottom of the side plates and clamp the jig in your vise the "long way". For added rigidity when drilling your final holes, you can reinstall the drill guide.

Posted: 6/16/2017 3:38:33 PM EDT

[#39]

Hey 5DT....What's the recommended procedure to replace the guide bearing in the new style base? After removing the two screws, the bearing is still solidly fixed in the base so I wanted to check with the designers before applying the hammer....(metaphorically speaking)

Edit: NVM. A few hours in the freezer and a light tap with a socket did the trick.

Posted: 6/17/2017 10:24:45 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hey 5DT....What's the recommended procedure to replace the guide bearing in the new style base? After removing the two screws, the bearing is still solidly fixed in the base so I wanted to check with the designers before applying the hammer....(metaphorically speaking)

Edit: NVM. A few hours in the freezer and a light tap with a socket did the trick.

View Quote

A light hammer tap should be all it takes. Use a 3/8" drive 13mm socket (or around there) to put against the outer race when tapping in the new one.

Posted: 6/20/2017 9:32:50 PM EDT

[#41]

Well, I've never completed an 80% receiver before but I guess I'm gonna learn! Lol! Bought the 5D jig last night!

Posted: 6/20/2017 9:46:52 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well, I've never completed an 80% receiver before but I guess I'm gonna learn! Lol! Bought the 5D jig last night!

View Quote

Congrats! You made a wise choice. Be warned, milling 80% lowers is like eating Lays potato chips..."no one can eat just one"

Posted: 6/22/2017 12:45:56 AM EDT

[#43]

Haha! Thanks! Just need to figure out a good engraver and anodizer. I'm hearing US Anodizing doesn't take finished 80 receivers anymore. If true, that's a real shame.

Posted: 6/25/2017 11:44:14 AM EDT

[#44]

So a few weeks back I found a deal on some AR-308 polymer lowers (DPMS pattern). Yesterday I ordered my 5D Tactical 308 conversion kit (with some other spare parts). So in the next week or two (or whenever I find the time), I will try to cut a (Polymer80) 308 lower on the 5D Tactical 308 jig and give you guys (and ladies) a report on how it works out. I know its been stated before that the jig may not work on a polymer lower, but Im going to give it a try. So far all four of the AR-15 (non-polymer) lowers I have done came out perfectly (shared pics in this post of my first one).

Posted: 6/27/2017 3:05:54 PM EDT

[#45]

Shill.

Posted: 7/4/2017 1:39:59 PM EDT

[#46]

Can we use this jig with a typical 5/16" mill bit as long as it fits in our mini router?

Posted: 7/6/2017 12:56:13 PM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
Can we use this jig with a typical 5/16" mill bit as long as it fits in our mini router?

View Quote

You can, however a 5/16" x 4" end mill will be required and none of the commercially available end mills in this size will have a short enough length of cut. Therefore, the cutting surface will interfere with the bearing for the first several passes. To use an off-the-shelf 5/16" end mill you will need to remove the support bearing after centering the plate. The bearing does 2 things - it obviously supports the end mill to reduce deflection, but it also guarantees the position of the end mill in relation to the guide pins. Extra care must be taken to ensure the router adapter plate is perfectly centered, or else your finished milling job will be off-center.

Posted: 7/6/2017 1:43:35 PM EDT

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:

You can, however a 5/16" x 4" end mill will be required and none of the commercially available end mills in this size will have a short enough length of cut. Therefore, the cutting surface will interfere with the bearing for the first several passes. To use an off-the-shelf 5/16" end mill you will need to remove the support bearing after centering the plate. The bearing does 2 things - it obviously supports the end mill to reduce deflection, but it also guarantees the position of the end mill in relation to the guide pins. Extra care must be taken to ensure the router adapter plate is perfectly centered, or else your finished milling job will be off-center.

View Quote

Great! Missed the 4th sale so I'll probably get one on the next sale.

Posted: 7/11/2017 11:34:43 AM EDT

[#49]

bump it up!

Posted: 7/11/2017 10:11:59 PM EDT

[#50]

UPDATE on Polymer80 308 LOWER in the 5D Tactical!

So I did get the Polymer80 308 to fit, but it did require me to slightly dremel down both of the upper sides of the lower so the side plates would fit. Once I got that done the lower fit perfectly and milling polymer was a snap. I did find that a lower router speed helped to keep it from getting 2 warm (was trying to avoid any melting). My cut came out super nice (sry no pics till I find a replacement for PhotoBucket). I have yet to put parts into it or get an upper (other projects ahead of it), but I will get around to that sometime soon. The bottom line is that with a minor "mod" it works just fine on a 5D Tactical 308 Jig! Thanks again to everyone at 5D Tactical! You have made making 80% lowers fun and practical.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Original AR-15 Router Jig by 5D Tactical | Universal 80% Lower Jig (Page 4 of 5)

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