https://info.5dtactical.com/2016/08/03/router-guide-for-finishing-80-lower-receivers/

Hi Y'All - if this was a call-in radio show I reckon I would introduce myself as "longtime listener, first time caller". Glad to be here.

I'm fixing to do a DIY AR15 build project despite the fact that I got a D-minus in high school metal shop. I saw the link above, rating various routers for milling 80% lowers. I have some bonus points on my Sears/Kmart loyalty card so why not put 'em to use buying a router?

Here's my problem. I don't know jack-s**t about routers so I would appreciate your opinions on the following three routers available from Craftsman:

Craftsman Routers:
http://www.kmart.com/craftsman-9.5-amp-1-3-4-hp-fixed-base/p-00902767000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2   $59.99 Fixed Base , 1-3/4 hp, ? amps?, 25k rpm fixed speed?, vacuum attachment

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10.0-amp-vs-1-3-4-hp-plunge-base/p-00927666000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=38&blockNo=38&blockType=G38  $89.99 Plunge Base Router (wtf is that mean?), 1-3/4 hp, 10 amp,  variable rpm 10k-25k

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-28212-6.5-amp-corded-fixed-base/p-00928212000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1  $89.99 Fixed Base router, 1-1/4 hp, 6.5 amp, variable rpm 18k-28k, LED lights

Thanks,

A-Aargh15 *


*why "A-Aargh15"? for my handle? That's easy - it's a Pirate Gun, an A-Aargh!

Ah--never mind.

I suspect the middle one is best.  Plunge probably means you can set it over the spot you want and plunge down past the base to your preset max depth setting......
Start shallow and add.

Porter cable or Dewalt are better than those IMHO

there are even Ryobi models that are better. Craftsman has become a joke of a label. Nothing more than someone else's seconds with the Craftsman name applied to it.

I can't comment on the Craftsman models you linked because I have no experience with them. I did look at them at Sears and noticed some models have bushings at the bottom of the shaft instead of ball bearing. That would probably be ok for light duty small projects, but I would personally avoid those models. I would do some research on receiver machining and see what the guys that have done a few are using.
I have somewhere in the neighborhood of ten routers, mostly porter cable and a couple DeWalt. So far only one failure on a PC botttom bearing.
I find them used in the 45 to 65 range on eBay, Craigslist, garage sale etc.

None of the above.

2767 has fixed speed.

28212 depth adjustment in 1/16". not fine enough

27666 weighs 12 freakin pounds.

The two highest rated routers for doing these lowers are the Ridgid R24012 (weighs 3.8 LBS) and the Dewalt DWP611 weighs 4.6 LBS

thanks folks for all the replies! Very helpful.

I am a cheap rat basstard so I went with the next cheapest, slightly-better-rated router - the Makita #RTO701C, $99 at Home Despot.

Here's what I have so far.....
Tools:
Makita Router
vise to hold jig
drill bits and 1/4" milling bits and stop collars
Juggernaut Tactical Ultimate Jig so I can mill both AR10 lowers and AR15 lowers - I'm settling in for the 3-4 week backorder wait. Maybe I'll go fishin'....

Gun Parts:
Anderson 80% forged lower, black anodized
*haven't bought a complete upper yet - looking hard at the Hardened Arms uppers
*haven't bought a lower parts kit yet - looking at PSA or maybe CDNN. I've bought other stuff from both places and was happy with the pricing & service, especially CDNN.

As I get closer to actually building my Frankenstein Gun I'll post pics and progress reports.

I have the #27666 and I have used it with both the 80% arms jig and the Modulus Arms jig.  Done about 10 lowers with it.  It doesn't weigh 12 lbs, but it is heavier than a trim router.  The plunge is a nice feature along with the work light.  I didn't really use the 1/16" adjustment since both of these jigs already have adjustment jigs for measurement.  Only issue I had was the router bit became loose once and I went too deep into the trigger pocket, but I may not have tightened it properly.

Bottom line, it works fine but if I had to do it again, I would buy a trim router.

The Ridgid R24012 (one of the two very best for this purpose) is also available from home depot for $99. The Ridgid has more horsepower along with LED lighting and a clear base for better visibility

I just quoted from the Craftsman website

Specifications

Product Specifications
Dimensions:
Overall Dimensions:12" H x 6.5" D
Product Overview:
Item Weight (lbs.):12
Voltage (V):110
Color:
Color/Finish:Black/silver
Handles:
Number of Handles:2
Handle Type

Here's a summation of the review thread linked above....
Cons-
Ridgid - depth-locking clasp is not the greatest, the review lists the price as $129, not $99?
Makita - lacks LED light

Pros-
Ridgid - LED light
Makita - "While it lacks an LED work light, the collet is oversized and remained tight through our testing. The gear type depth adjustment was easy to maneuver and lock, which we liked."

Choices, choice. Dammit, looks like I might have to flip a coin here. Only trouble is, I bounced a quarter off my fiancee's butt and got back two dimes and a nickel....

Since I'm new here, I don't have a solid foundation on the Rules Of the Road. I know if I have a firearms-related business, I can't mention it on here unless I'm an advertiser. It's a good policy.

But what if as a civilian I want to discuss a product whose manufacturer isn't a paid advertiser? Can I still run a thread on using XYZ Equipment's Thingmajig XL2000?

double post, sorry

I don't know where that $129 price came from. When I bought mine about two years ago, I paid $99 and according to the HD website, they are still $99 Today.

ridgid R24012

Agreed.

Yep buy once cry once