I am contemplating getting a lower from Tactical Machining and getting a jig to accomplish the task of machining an 80% lower. But there is a small draw back and that is I have never done something like this before. I do have a good old Milwaukee table top drill press and a Craftsman Router.

And if anyone has done something like this and is in or near San Antonio,TEXAS that I could bend there ear that would be even better.

Thank You for any help on the subject. :)

80% Arms jig is good to go. Have used it to cut several Tactical Machining lowers with excellent results. Take your time and it will turn out great.




Modulus Arms is also an excellent jig. A friend has one and he has not had any complaints.
This thread is important: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/653446_.html
And this one: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/653446_.html
And don't forget about this one: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/659211_80__Arms_review_log__Images_.html
There is another thread that I cannot find that was very photo heavy that did a full review of the 80% Arms Jig.



Any help from another member would be appreciated.



[edited to add links]
 

I'm a moron and I've finished 3 lowers on the 80% arms jig using a $100 trim router and a drill press.  Good to go!

You can not be a Moron as you picked an AR to build lol.

Thank you for the report on the 80% Arms jig.

Thank You for all of the information.

And it is good to know that the 80% Easy Jig will work on Tactical Machine lowers. Or is there a special set up needed?

A small update. I jumped into the Volcano lol. I just purchased some of the Tactical Machine Lowers. Now as mentioned looking into Jigs.  

I would also like to ask about the drill bits and end mill as the right at $45.00 seems a bit steep for only 3 Drill bits and one end mill and a stop collar?

No special setup is required for using Tac machining lowers in the 80% Arms jig. I have also used lowers from Daytona Tactical. I suppose that almost any standard config. forged lower will work in the 80% Arms jig. I don't want to make a blanket statement though, there could be exceptions.



That price is not too bad and the kit they provide will work fine if you only plan on doing one or two lowers. If you plan on doing more than that, I would invest a bit more money in some better cutting tools. Their end mill is fine but it is specially made for them with only 3/4" of fluting. The commercially available ones with 1" of fluting will work just fine without cutting into the jig, if you follow 80% Arms Instructions/precautions. I use these:  http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/60056785?rItem=60056785


It does not hurt to have an extra end mill on hand. I have chipped the flutes on a few of mine.





Their twist drills are average at best. I use this one to replace the 3/8" bit, which is used to remove the bulk of the material from the fire control group pocket and drill out the selector holes-


http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-drill-bits/=zc7led


This chip clearing bit saves a lot of time and headache.


W.L. Fuller drill stops (with two set screws that grip into the land of the drill bit) are far better than the single set screw ones from 80% Arms. http://wlfuller.com/html/drill_stops.html





The 5/32" is only used for drilling the hammer and trigger pin holes, so there is not much demand on this bit. (a good sharp bit will make a truer hole though)


And lastly, the 19/64" bit is used to drill the pilot hole for the trigger cutout so that one is the lease critical of all.
 

A small update. I jumped into the Volcano lol. I just purchased some of the Tactical Machine Lowers. Now as mentioned looking into Jigs.

So one would be better off to purchase the bits and end mill from a separate source such as McMaster?

As I said, it depends on how many lowers you plan on milling. One or two- just use the 80% Arms kit IMHO

'plan on doing more? It will cost you more but I would upgrade the tooling- again, IMHO





 

The reason I mentioned the Modulus Arms jig is because of the way the jig mounts to the lower- any 80% lower- forged or billet can be used.

So one would be better off to purchase the bits and end mill from a separate source such as McMaster?

As I said, it depends on how many lowers you plan on milling. One or two- just use the 80% Arms kit IMHO
'plan on doing more? It will cost you more but I would upgrade the tooling- again, IMHO



I may do 3 lowers as that is what I have on the way. I know I fell on my head but to get the $29.00 price the minimum order is 3.