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Posted: 2/22/2010 9:14:37 AM
wow. very cool.
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Posted: 2/22/2010 11:18:38 AM
Originally Posted By 2t0ner:
VaderSpade- Wow...that's really awesome! I have a couple questions about the etching process. You mention 'weeding' the stencil. What does that mean? What kind of tape are you using for adhering the stencil and masking off areas? Do you set the charger to the full 12 V when you do this? And finally, do you have a rough measurement ratio on salt to vinegar? Again...cool stuff. Thanks! The stencil is placed on the receiver with the letters in place. The letters or graphics are then “weeded out”, this makes the stencil easier to place, and gives a solid surface to work against. You will need a magnifying glass (I double up reading glasses) and a long needle to carefully remove (weed) the parts you want etched. The stencils are cut from vinyl designed for sign making; http://www.uscutter.com/GreenStar-Intermediate-Calendered-Vinyl-24quot-x-10-Yard-Roll_p_1020.html My charger is set to the full 12 volts @ 10 amps. The amps that trickle through are determined by how much surface area is contacted by the Q-tip. I should say large open areas do not work as well as smaller outlines. I use about ½ cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of salt. |
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BadassWeakling
I am Walter Mitty
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Joined: Mar 2008  WA, USA
 Posts: 4558 Feedback: 100% (60) Link To This Post |
Posted: 2/22/2010 12:46:36 PM
Wow, this is really an amazing project! Thanks so much for the photos and information!!!
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45FMJoe
Vote Barry Goldwater in 2012!
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Joined: Mar 2003 FL, USA
Posts: 12967 Feedback: 100% (47) Link To This Post |
Posted: 2/22/2010 1:01:48 PM
That is really, really cool. Thanks for sharing.
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wheelchairman
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Joined: Dec 2007 MO, USA
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Posted: 2/23/2010 11:15:23 AM
So other than the complete badass factor of doing your own are there any other advantages
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Posted: 2/23/2010 11:45:14 AM
Originally Posted By wheelchairman:
So other than the complete badass factor of doing your own are there any other advantages Some people like the idea of no paperwork (but I wouldn't be posting here if that were my goal), and here in California it's one of the very few ways to get an AR pistol. Knowing your rifle inside out, and having your name on it is the best advantage. I was changing a buffer tube with one of my grandfathers (gone 30 years now) wrenches today. One he had put his name on, and I felt he was with me. I hope my grandchildren will feel the same thing when I'm gone and they are shooting one of my old guns. |
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Losing_Streak
Welcome to the Madness!
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Joined: Mar 2008 TX, USA
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Posted: 2/23/2010 10:54:44 PM
Slasher, thanks for the tack!
 And OP great info. |
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Posted: 2/24/2010 4:46:02 AM
Good job brah! This is too awesome and unique!
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Posted: 2/25/2010 10:43:53 AM
Excellent DIY, these are hard to find
Sticky Status!! |
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Wangstang
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Joined: Jan 2007 NC, USA
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Posted: 2/25/2010 3:03:18 PM
VaderSpade
Any chance you could get pretty detailed with the how to on the etching either by making a video and hosting it on Youtube or slightly more detailed step by step photos or both? Thanks Wes |
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Posted: 2/25/2010 3:18:03 PM
Originally Posted By Wangstang:
VaderSpade Any chance you could get pretty detailed with the how to on the etching either by making a video and hosting it on Youtube or slightly more detailed step by step photos or both? Thanks Wes I do plan on refining, editing, and adding to this thread as I find the time. With the questions I’ve received I can tell showing the weeding of the stencils and other steps are in order. I will have my camera nearby the next time I do some etching. |
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Posted: 2/26/2010 11:42:16 AM
Does the etching work through a hard anodized lower?
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Posted: 2/26/2010 12:18:36 PM
Originally Posted By clayvt:
Does the etching work through a hard anodized lower? No,  unfortunately the anodizing acts as an insulator and will not allow electricity to pass. |
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Posted: 2/26/2010 6:27:54 PM
Very cool! How did you cut the letters and graphics? a vinal cutter?
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Posted: 2/26/2010 6:55:05 PM
Originally Posted By Silverado2500HD:
Very cool! How did you cut the letters and graphics? a vinyl cutter? Yes, with a vinyl cutter. |
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Posted: 3/2/2010 10:55:01 AM
I have been getting a lot of questions on etching, so I just revised, and added more photos to the etching part of this thread.
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Posted: 3/5/2010 11:12:54 AM
I have been looking for different sources for the 80% lowers, and I am surpised no one has come up with a list of links to vendors that sell them and some of perks with each one. For example, where can you find a 80% lower that has no engravings on them especially around the selector?
Also where can you find unfinished/unanodized upper receivers? |
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Posted: 3/5/2010 11:43:52 AM
[Last Edit: 3/5/2010 11:44:58 AM by VaderSpade]
Originally Posted By Shermantor-AR15:
I have been looking for different sources for the 80% lowers, and I am surpised no one has come up with a list of links to vendors that sell them and some of perks with each one. For example, where can you find a 80% lower that has no engravings on them especially around the selector? Also where can you find unfinished/unanodized upper receivers? CNCGUNS.com is a good resource. Tactical Machining has made un-marked lowers for others, they may make more when they get caught up, and you ask for them. Yellow Logic uppers and lowers are a little more money, but for that one of a kind build I think they are worth it. The Blue gun in last picture ia a Yellow Logic. http://www.yellowlogic.net/marine-electronics/BILLET/15ALT080.html Different sources for the 80% lowers; http://www.cncguns.com/forum/index.php?topic=608.0 http://www.cncguns.com/forum/index.php?topic=1548.0 |
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Posted: 3/6/2010 11:36:44 PM
Alright, I think what you've got on the etching section is adequate for getting the gist of things, but what is the solution you're using? Just salt and vinegar?
It seems like you just mix salt/vinegar, dip q-tip, attach negative end of charger to wet side of q tip you're using, attach positive side to wet q tip you're not using, go over what needs etching until q tip is black, etc... can you go too deep with the etching? thanks |
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Posted: 3/7/2010 12:25:58 AM
Originally Posted By reddeth:
Alright, I think what you've got on the etching section is adequate for getting the gist of things, but what is the solution you're using? Just salt and vinegar? It seems like you just mix salt/vinegar, dip q-tip, attach negative end of charger to wet side of q tip you're using, attach positive side to wet q tip you're not using, go over what needs etching until q tip is black, etc... can you go too deep with the etching? thanks 1/2 cup vinegar, and a teaspoon of salt that's it. Positive side needs to be connected to the Lower and the negative side to the Q-Tip You can go too deep but it's hard, you lose detail if you go too deep. I suggest practicing on some scrap. |
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Posted: 3/7/2010 6:31:15 AM
Cool, this may be easier than I thought! Well this thread has saved me from a trip to the engraver's for a few things
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Posted: 3/21/2010 8:59:17 PM
Vaderspade,
How well does the yellow logic lower fit in the Tactical Machining jig? I like the Tactical Maching jig, but already have an AR10 and AR15 lower from a different place. When I called them, they said they could only guarantee that their lowers would fit and align properly. I would still consider the TM jigs if I can gather enough info to support them fitting other lowers. My AR10 lower is a cnc armalite style. The AR15 lower is an Utratech (very nice by the way) Thanks in advance, Maddawg |
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Posted: 3/21/2010 9:47:30 PM
[Last Edit: 3/21/2010 9:49:30 PM by VaderSpade]
Unfortunately neither Yellow Logic nor Quentin Defense billet lowers will fit into the Tactical Machining jig.
The magazine flare is just too wide, I don’t know about the one’s you have. I would love to see and know where you got the AR15 lower by Utratech. I believe any lower from a mil spec forging will work in the Tactical Machining jig, but some need more work than the jig is made for. |
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Posted: 3/21/2010 9:56:02 PM
I got the Utratech lower on gunbroker.com. You can also buy direct at www.ultratech.com. They sell complete lowers and 80% lowers as well.
They are very complete and very well machined. Highly recommended. Thanks for the info. Maddawg |
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Posted: 3/21/2010 9:58:07 PM
Correction. www.utarms.com
Maddawg |
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