Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Page AR-15 » Build It Yourself
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
80% Jigs Summary (Page 1 of 5)
Arrow Left Previous Page
Page / 5
Posted: 8/4/2014 12:19:22 AM EDT
[Last Edit: medicmandan]
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 1:22:07 AM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 8:44:26 AM EDT
[#2]
I'll comment on the two I own and have used.

TR-Enabling 80% Jig
No drill bushings.but seems very well made.  

On the Ares, mine only had drill bushings on one side.  

The only problem I have, (same problem with both) is when clamped in a vise, they do not hold together at the top.  Maybe the type that bolt together through the pivot and takedown pin holes would not have the same issues.  But then the locators may not be as accurate.  I get around it with clamps, but it's more "stuff" in the way and a bandaid at best.   Either will get the job done.  On a mill, a jig is convenient, but certainly not required.    
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 8:56:25 AM EDT
[#3]
DIY Armory here.  Bushings on both sides.
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 10:15:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: PursuitSS] [#4]
80% Arms "EasyJig" $149.99
Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.80percentarms.com/products/80-ar-15-easy-jig

Elite Tactical $100.00
Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.elitetacticalweapons.com/80-lowers-80-jigs/

Elite Force $100.00
Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.ar15jigs.com/drilljigs.html

Colfax Tactical $99.00
Material: Unknown
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://www.colfaxtactical.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15&zenid=36379a277883e37fe9f5215c68a5ae3b

Wine Country Weapons $150.00
Material: Unknown
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://winecountryweapons.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/1775280

Tactical Machining $90.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: One Side
http://www.tacticalmachining.com/80-ar-15-jig-gen-2.html

AR-Parts $129.95
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.ar-parts.net/ar-15/ar-15-80-lower-jig-entry-level/

.223 Targets $89.95
Material: Aluminum (Steel Top Plates)
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.223targets.com/80_percent_AR15_Lower_receiver_jig_AR15_p/ar-jig.htm

Datum Gear $169.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: One Side?
http://datumgear.com/ar-15-products/

Hell Fire Armory $64.46
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.hellfirearmory.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=65_67&product_id=53

80 Percentar (ACT Tactical) $99.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://www.80percentar.com/#!product/prd1/964128084/ar-15-mill-fixture
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 11:03:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: PursuitSS] [#5]
This Thread is a PERFECT example of why we need an 80% Forum

Also, we could use a list of who offers 80% Lowers

In addition, objective ratings of 80% Lowers and Jigs would be damn nice!

The Jig that really interests me at this point is the Roseville.

It has .154 holes for the trigger and hammer pins whereas every other Jig I can find is .156, I want to drill them at .154 and then ream them to .155 considering that the trigger pins are .154 diameter.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have Drill Bushings and is only Type II anodizing.

I'm thinking if I'm going to do several lowers, I might just get at least two jigs with different specs to finish them.
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 12:48:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Guido1] [#6]
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 1:02:20 PM EDT
[#7]
I have the Roseville jig. It is a nice jig. Just make sure to keep the shank of the mill against the top plates or it will gouge the plate. I reckon that would be true of any of them tho. The .154 holes work out great. Nice snug fit for the pins, and so far, there have been no issues with installing the LPK. I am getting ready to start #4, it should be in the mailbox today. One thing to watch for on any jig is the slab thickness at the FCG pocket. I believe the spec is .906, but most forged lowers are less. I shimmed the last one .012 on each side to center the pocket. I discovered 2 layers of black electric tape meausre about .012 as well. I used steel shim stock last time, but am going to check out the tape as it won't leave any marks. Oh- I also reamed the selector hole to .376 for smoothness of operation.
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PursuitSS:
This Thread is a PERFECT example of why we need an 80% Forum

Also, we could use a list of who offers 80% Lowers

In addition, objective ratings of 80% Lowers and Jigs would be damn nice!

The Jig that really interests me at this point is the Roseville.

It has .154 holes for the trigger and hammer pins whereas every other Jig I can find is .156, I want to drill them at .154 and then ream them to .155 considering that the trigger pins are .154 diameter.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have Drill Bushings and is only Type II anodizing.

I'm thinking if I'm going to do several lowers, I might just get at least two jigs with different specs to finish them.
View Quote

Link Posted: 8/4/2014 2:06:57 PM EDT
[#8]
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 2:10:10 PM EDT
[#9]
Your DIY Armory description is incorrect.  The one I have sitting next to my mill has bushings on both sides.
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 2:49:20 PM EDT
[#10]
Link Posted: 8/4/2014 7:34:31 PM EDT
[#11]
One thing that should be noted is that although most forged 80%ers are all close to the same, not all billet lowers are the same. Some fixtures are proprietary to their manufacturers own billet lower so be sure the fixture you chose will work with the 80 you chose. I built my own fixture which I modeled from the standard forged lower drawing that is out there. I then only buy forged lowers with the Cerro Forge keyhole forge mark on it because I know it will match and Cerro Forge lowers are available in several places.


Link Posted: 8/5/2014 8:26:03 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AFCarbon15] [#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By mirion:
One thing that should be noted is that although most forged 80%ers are all close to the same, not all billet lowers are the same. Some fixtures are proprietary to their manufacturers own billet lower so be sure the fixture you chose will work with the 80 you chose. I built my own fixture which I modeled from the standard forged lower drawing that is out there. I then only buy forged lowers with the Cerro Forge keyhole forge mark on it because I know it will match and Cerro Forge lowers are available in several places.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg212/mirion/AR/Fixture1_zps3533f591.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg212/mirion/AR/8ed6e3bd-6998-406b-8f0d-c65faa9b28f8_zpse7c54dc8.jpg
View Quote


Nice, KISS.  From my experiences, what I like about your jig (or others or dis-likes of others) is the low overall height.  I don't need the jig extending past the lower, top or bottom.  Being too tall, at either end causes issues.  Too high, you can't see what you're doing.  Important while you're learning.  The more I do, the more I have moved past that being an issue.  Too far past the receiver at the bottom pushes the receiver too high in smaller mills, too far out of smaller vises, and they won't fit in smaller vises when drilling the FCG and safety holes.  

I could go on, but when we have a dedicated 80% forum, it may have more purpose.


ETA:
I'll go on...
--I'm not a machinist, but these are notes from my experiences with 80% receivers and jigs on a small milling machine:

--If the jig extends too far below the receiver, the top of the jig tries to spread as the vise applies pressure at the bottom.  

--If the jig extends too far above the receiver, not only is it harder to see what you're cutting, but it requires longer end mills, which cost more, flex more and are more prone to breaking and trashing your receiver.  

--The jigs that have pins machined into them for locating on the takedown and pivot pins lack the built in clamping provided by the type that have bolts in those locations.

--I've read a lot of concerns over compatability between lowers and jigs, so far I've had no such issues, however, I wouldn't be concerned with any such issues either.  It's not hard to locate where the issues are and to remove material from the jig to allow for any variations in lowers.  

--With a mill, a jig is not required.  But I still use them.  Sort of a peace of mind for locating, measuring or marking cutting locations.  Also, they are a very convenient way of squaring everything up.  Provided the jig itself is square at the bottom specifically.  Maybe the guys that do this stuff for a living are much faster, but it takes me 10x as long to square up a receiver not using a jig than it does using a jig.  Even with a jig, I'd guess 90% of my time is leveling and squaring and measuring, not making chips.  It all gets faster with practice though.

--If you do more than 1 or 2 lowers, having replacement top plates could be an advantage.  With a mill, they aren't required.  Personally, by the time you destroy or wear out a template, you probably won't need one anymore.  

--Drill bushings are nice, I have one jig with none, and one jig with only one side.  I use prints to locate the holes, but still leave the jig in place as a double check.  

My 80% Milling Thread

Sorry if I rambled too much, but when I started my first 80, I scoured the webs for all the info I could find.  The regurgitated info isn't helpful.  First hand experiences, good and bad help A LOT !!!  Read all you can, try to sort the good from the bad and don't get discouraged when you screw up.  Learn from it.  Remember 80% receivers have never been about saving $$, but the reward of leaning a skill, putting it to use, and having pride in the rifle you built.  I get a lot out of it, that's why I spend the time to help others.
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 9:04:40 AM EDT
[#13]
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 4:42:41 PM EDT
[Last Edit: PursuitSS] [#14]
Custom Built Arms $89.99
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://custombuiltarms.com/80/clr004.html

Northwest Custom Precision $85.00
Material Aluminum
Drill Bushings: One side?
http://www.nwprecision.org/products/10103.html

Viper Defense $80.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: No
http://www.tacticalriflesar15.com/80-lower-receiver-drill-jig.html

Elemental Arms $85.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.elementalarms.com/products/blue-jig

AR-15 Lower Receivers $114.99
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://www.ar-15lowerreceivers.com/ar-15/entry-level-ar-15-80-lower-jig/

JL Billet $140.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Yes (one side?)
http://www.cnc80.com/AR-15-Lower-Receiver-Jig-Set-JLB-AR15JIG.htm

FPS Products (BTR Jig) $74.99
Material: Steel?
Drill Bushings: None
http://fpsproducts.com/BTR-80-AR-15-JIG-SET-BTR-DP23.htm

CB Arms $89.99
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: None
http://cbarms.com/80/clr004.html

I'll add more later, DAMN there must be dozens if not hundreds of companies selling these.

Now, I'll comment in what I'd LIKE to see in a jig...
3/4" to 1" thick plates (to make sure your bit is going in straight
If Aluminum, Drill bushings on both sides, BUT, I'd prefer hardened Steel plates
.154 trigger and Hammer pin holes (so I can ream it to .155, the pins are .154)
.368 for the safety (so I can ream it to 3/8" which is .375)
DEFINITELY hardened Steel Plates for the top plates
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 6:34:48 PM EDT
[#15]
thanks for researching and compiling all this reference material
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 6:45:44 PM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By hrt4me:
thanks for researching and compiling all this reference material
View Quote

Link Posted: 8/5/2014 6:54:47 PM EDT
[#17]
Good idea.  I've been buying 80% lowers with the intent on future attempts.  This compilation is just what I needed.
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 8:26:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: PursuitSS] [#18]
M-16 Parts $90.00
Material: Unknown
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://www.m-16parts.com/contents/en-us/d68_lowerreceiverjigset.html

Daytona Tactical $74.95
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Yes
http://daytonatactical.com/collections/80-lowers/products/80-ar-15-lower-jig

AR's Unlimited $95.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: No
http://arsunlimited.com/product/ar-15-jig/

IE Tactical $54.99
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: No
http://www.ietactical.com/catalog/product.asp?ret_id=1345919&pid=1033122

Broken Armory $149.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Yes
http://www.brokenarmory.com/AR15-80-Lower-Receiver-Jig-JIG-00.htm

AR-15 Kits $90.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://www.ar15-kits.com/contents/en-us/d253_jigsets.html

Best Quality Lowers $75.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: No
http://bestqualitylowers.com/AR-15-80-Finishing-Jig-AR15FJ.htm

AR15 Arms $89.99
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://ar15arms.com/product/80-ar-15-universal-jig/

Sierra Gun Exchange (Bear Arms Customs) $125.00
Material: Aluminum
Drill Bushings: Unknown
http://www.sierragunexchange.com/80_AR15_Jig_p/ba80-ar15-jig.htm
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 10:32:09 PM EDT
[#19]
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 11:06:42 PM EDT
[#20]
I went cheap and got the one from IE Tactical
It is in fact actually from BTR Innovations

It worked fine
Directions are weak
I locates off the rear take done pin holes and the bolt catch plunger hole
The trigger - hammer - selector holes are only drilled on one side as it comes.
No problem
I bolter the side plates together and drilled threw

Not having bushed holes is a non issue for me .. I always start the motor after dropping the bit in the guide / jig hole and hand spinning it.
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 11:27:14 PM EDT
[#21]
80% Arms's Easy Jig is another good one to add to this list. Having used both their old jig that you have listed on here and the CNC Guns jig, the easy jig is by far a better approach. It took less than half as long to complete. They have a very nice instructional video and set of instructions on their website. Video review on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_nkAxoNHuY&list=UU2ZgSMNpwp_6CQ5Pmt_3D_Q
Link Posted: 8/5/2014 11:40:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 908ssp] [#22]
If you have a milling machining to finish your 80% lower you really don't need a jig. You can find prints on the internet for free. Just thought I'd mention it I have done three 80% lowers and only used the jig on the first one more trouble than it is worth. I have since built two lowers entirely from scratch using just the prints and a sample finished lower. Can save you a good piece of change not buying jigs.
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 12:37:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AFCarbon15] [#23]
This thread had me thinking and while digging, came across this one for the 100th time This is why we put all that time and effort into an 80%'er when a 100% receiver is $50
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 12:54:40 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Kyoami] [#24]
One comment on the KE Arms jig (and others that use the takedown pin hole): this sucks. If you're doing a lower, you either have to remove the pin while getting the rear pocket, or you have to do what I did, which is forget the pin is in there and just cut right through it.

The Billet 80 jig is harder to assemble (those little screws are finicky) but you can run it without the top plate and it holds the 80% lower just fine.

Honestly, by my fifth lower, I didn't need the top plate any more and it was faster to work without it.

Also, the bushings seem like a boon, but they aren't. I found it hard to get centered because you can't see the contact point. If the bushing face was flat, I think it would be easier to use.
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 2:03:11 AM EDT
[#25]
Where could this gentleman find an old school jig to bore out the mag well?
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 9:41:38 AM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Where could this gentleman find an old school jig to bore out the mag well?
View Quote


There are no magwell jigs.
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 2:54:33 PM EDT
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PursuitSS:


There are no magwell jigs.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By PursuitSS:
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Where could this gentleman find an old school jig to bore out the mag well?


There are no magwell jigs.


So buy a blem Anderson & cut it down as a jig?  In fact, for some of these jigs, you could buy 2 blem Andersons - cut one in half to serve as the right & left guides, and cut the top off the other for the top jig?    
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 5:55:43 PM EDT
[#28]
Link Posted: 8/6/2014 6:20:26 PM EDT
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By medicmandan:
The list is getting long!

Thanks PursuitSS
View Quote


No problem, you were the one who started this thread.

Hopefully, we can get it made a "Sticky".
Link Posted: 8/12/2014 1:44:07 AM EDT
[Last Edit: 4nik8r] [#30]
I found one that didn't make the list yet



Aimsmall Arms







http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=12529807



 
Link Posted: 8/16/2014 1:47:55 AM EDT
[#31]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By ArmedFerret:


Your DIY Armory description is incorrect.  The one I have sitting next to my mill has bushings on both sides.
View Quote
The DIY Armory anodized jig I got in the mail today only has the bushings on one side.  



 
Link Posted: 8/21/2014 10:36:23 AM EDT
[#32]
Bump
Link Posted: 8/30/2014 7:09:23 PM EDT
[#33]
I'll add one to the database:
















$149.99







One of the more expensive ones but looks like it will fit any lower and the design looks much less likely to have a user accidentally cut into the jig during milling process.

 
 
Link Posted: 8/30/2014 9:16:48 PM EDT
[#34]
I like the looks of that one
Link Posted: 9/1/2014 12:05:56 AM EDT
[#35]
Link Posted: 9/2/2014 10:55:54 AM EDT
[#36]
The 80% Arms EZ Jig should also be listed. It uses a router instead of a drill to finish lowers very quickly. It's a premium jig at $149.99 but by far the sturdiest router based jig on the market and available for both AR-15 and AR-10 platform.

http://www.80percentarms.com/collections/lower-jigs/products/80-ar-15-easy-jig

I believe Paul is staff at AR15.com and did a comprehensive review.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/642434_80_Percent_Arms_308_Lower_and_Jig_Review.html
Link Posted: 9/20/2014 8:47:39 PM EDT
[#37]
Link Posted: 10/7/2014 10:25:30 AM EDT
[#38]
Link Posted: 10/7/2014 2:49:37 PM EDT
[#39]
Stealth arms from sportsmans guide.
Link Posted: 11/10/2014 2:14:20 PM EDT
[#40]
Link Posted: 11/10/2014 3:56:25 PM EDT
[#41]
Anyone have a favorite budget jig?  Going to have a build party soon.  Two or three of the same jig would be nice.  But not if they are $100+
Link Posted: 11/10/2014 3:58:02 PM EDT
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AASG:
Stealth arms from sportsmans guide.
View Quote


A workable but very basic jig.
Link Posted: 11/10/2014 4:16:27 PM EDT
[#43]
Tag, I've got three jigs and ought to review them.        
 
Link Posted: 11/10/2014 4:20:07 PM EDT
[Last Edit: KYGun] [#44]
While back http://shop.tacticalshit.com had em for 39.95. I've never given over 65.00 for an 80. Give 60 for three and 39.95 for my last one. Stealth arms is where I've bought a couple. Buy the 95s if you can find them. The back pin pocket is already milled.
Link Posted: 11/23/2014 2:58:51 AM EDT
[#45]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By 4nik8r:



The DIY Armory anodized jig I got in the mail today only has the bushings on one side.  

 
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By 4nik8r:



Originally Posted By ArmedFerret:

Your DIY Armory description is incorrect.  The one I have sitting next to my mill has bushings on both sides.
The DIY Armory anodized jig I got in the mail today only has the bushings on one side.  

 
I started milling a lower today with this jig.  The mill vise pinched the fixture together and actually broke the top plate.  I ended up shimming the bottom of the fixture with sockets on the inside of the plates to keep the mill vice from bending it.  No i didn't over tighten the mill vice.  Has anyone had this happen with other jigs?



 
Link Posted: 11/26/2014 11:59:15 PM EDT
[#46]
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 11:54:59 AM EDT
[#47]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By medicmandan:


Added.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By medicmandan:
Originally Posted By Mute:
I'll add one to the database:

http://www.modulusarms.com/limited-time-offer-modulus-arms-universal-ar-15-jig-black-anodized-lower-receiver-package/


$149.99

One of the more expensive ones but looks like it will fit any lower and the design looks much less likely to have a user accidentally cut into the jig during milling process.
   


Added.


I bought this Jig... Almost finished with my first lower. Top down design is so easy to use and it prevents marring the lower finish with a few pieces of blue tape.
I'm using a mini mill. I'm thoroughly impressed with this jig.
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 12:42:23 PM EDT
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Realtor:


I bought this Jig... Almost finished with my first lower. Top down design is so easy to use and it prevents marring the lower finish with a few pieces of blue tape.
I'm using a mini mill. I'm thoroughly impressed with this jig.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Realtor:
Originally Posted By medicmandan:
Originally Posted By Mute:
I'll add one to the database:

http://www.modulusarms.com/limited-time-offer-modulus-arms-universal-ar-15-jig-black-anodized-lower-receiver-package/


$149.99

One of the more expensive ones but looks like it will fit any lower and the design looks much less likely to have a user accidentally cut into the jig during milling process.
   


Added.


I bought this Jig... Almost finished with my first lower. Top down design is so easy to use and it prevents marring the lower finish with a few pieces of blue tape.
I'm using a mini mill. I'm thoroughly impressed with this jig.


And they have some BF deals going on. cant wait to start my lowers when it shows up!
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 1:10:43 PM EDT
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AFCarbon15:
Anyone have a favorite budget jig?  Going to have a build party soon.  Two or three of the same jig would be nice.  But not if they are $100+
View Quote

I saw a budget jig but have to look for it. It was so "budget", that the instructions told you to set it on a couple of pieces of wood 2x4 so the bottom of the receiver didn't hit the table.  
Link Posted: 11/27/2014 1:33:23 PM EDT
[#50]
Anyone used this one yet:
http://www.eparmory.com/product-p/metal80jig.htm

All steel plates, $75.00

Wes
Arrow Left Previous Page
Page / 5
80% Jigs Summary (Page 1 of 5)
Page AR-15 » Build It Yourself
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top