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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:07:34 PM EDT
I took some time this morning to make up a video showing the work I do to the Retro lowers.
Enjoy ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMkI6FdAQ14&feature=youtu.be 
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:15:24 PM EDT
[#1]
thats a lot of work. good job.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:17:30 PM EDT
[#2]
The video does make me appreciate all the work that goes into these
excellent products. Great job Mike |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:25:38 PM EDT
[#3]
This should be required watching for all retroheads.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:29:45 PM EDT
[#4]
Craftsmanship! Thanks for making this product and sharing the video.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:34:02 PM EDT
[#5]
Dedicated detail work. Thanks for the docu-vid.
More, more! |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:39:33 PM EDT
[#6]
Nice how your face is cut off in all images.
Remember I asked 6 years ago for footage of said NDS Headquarters, Whatever you guys are doing, Keep up the good work,,,,,,Mike. |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 7:49:08 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Nice how your face is cut off in all images. Remember I asked 6 years ago for footage of said NDS Headquarters, Whatever you guys are doing, Keep up the good work,,,,,,Mike. Six years ago I didn't have a camera. I'm not afraid to show my face. I just need a haircut, I'm starting to look like a dirty hippy. They'll be more videos coming out of NDS in the future. 
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:01:20 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Six years ago I didn't have a camera. I'm not afraid to show my face. I just need a haircut, I'm starting to look like a dirty hippy. They'll be more videos coming out of NDS in the future. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Nice how your face is cut off in all images. Remember I asked 6 years ago for footage of said NDS Headquarters, Whatever you guys are doing, Keep up the good work,,,,,,Mike. Six years ago I didn't have a camera. I'm not afraid to show my face. I just need a haircut, I'm starting to look like a dirty hippy. They'll be more videos coming out of NDS in the future. Frankly I am disappointed. I expected you and Harlan in doctors coats, wearing small jeweler eyepieces and working in a sterile white environment 
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:05:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Hey Mike you ever been to Northfield for Jessie James days. I used
To live in Northfield from 1969-1987 sorry off topic but I see your in MN. |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:11:10 PM EDT
[#10]
10-4
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:16:34 PM EDT
[#11]
Not that I ever doubted Mike when he said he hand polishes the lower receivers, but seeing is definitely believing
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:31:55 PM EDT
[#12]
Thanks Mike.I really enjoyed that.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:40:24 PM EDT
[#13]
Mike, I appreciate what you and Harlan do to bring us a great product. I never realized all the extensive work it took for each and every receiver. The high level of quality is the big payoff.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:44:45 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Hey Mike you ever been to Northfield for Jessie James days. I used To live in Northfield from 1969-1987 sorry off topic but I see your in MN. Been to Northfield but not for that. |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 8:48:25 PM EDT
[#15]
Thanks for sharing mike that's an insane amount of work and also the last time i complain about having to file, sand or buff anything on my ar's!
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:01:30 PM EDT
[#16]
Thanks for sharing! Ive seen you mention the polishing process a few times but I didnt know it was so extensive. With all the attention to detail and craftsmanship, its no wonder your lowers look so great!
Is this just to make the grey turn out the right color? Does black anodizing hide flaws? |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:04:35 PM EDT
[#17]
Nice work, thanks for your efforts.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:15:46 PM EDT
[#18]
Nice video, make one appreciate the quality of your products even more than before.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:20:36 PM EDT
[#19]
Damn that's pretty cool! I like my 3 lowers, Mike.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:21:43 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks for sharing! Ive seen you mention the polishing process a few times but I didnt know it was so extensive. With all the attention to detail and craftsmanship, its no wonder your lowers look so great! Is this just to make the grey turn out the right color? Does black anodizing hide flaws? i think that's why most shops only do black or clear. much more forgiving. |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:37:47 PM EDT
[#21]
You guys do beautiful work Mike.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 9:59:51 PM EDT
[#22]
...and THAT is why NoDak's lowers are superior to others!
...and why I own 11 NoDak lowers and a couple of uppers!!!!!! ...and a NoDak UZI receiver too. |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 10:02:02 PM EDT
[#23]
Old school retro tag.
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Posted: 7/13/2014 10:09:00 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks for sharing! Ive seen you mention the polishing process a few times but I didnt know it was so extensive. With all the attention to detail and craftsmanship, its no wonder your lowers look so great! Is this just to make the grey turn out the right color? Does black anodizing hide flaws? The black does hide some things, but not dimples or porosity. Those will transfer through the finish. |
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Posted: 7/13/2014 10:20:47 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
I took some time this morning to make up a video showing the work I do to the Retro lowers. Enjoy ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMkI6FdAQ14&feature=youtu.be  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMkI6FdAQ14&feature=youtu.beThank you for the 15 minute "How to prepare your NoDak 80% lower for anodizing" instructional video! A boy can dream, right? 
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Posted: 7/13/2014 11:12:37 PM EDT
[#26]
As already stated, I had no idea the work it took to get the parts prepped for anodizing. They look great though and I love all my NDS products!
Lowers, Uppers, charging handles etc. Thanks for supporting the Retro obsession!
EDIT - owning page 2
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Posted: 7/14/2014 12:22:29 AM EDT
[#27]
I stopped at 3 mins...you guys are crazy...no wonder it takes so long.
But I still want like 8 of them... 
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Posted: 7/14/2014 12:34:03 AM EDT
[#28]
Very cool, I really need to get on the list for one or five.
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Posted: 7/14/2014 1:50:51 AM EDT
[#29]
Nice work. Makes me even more grateful I got a 601 lower in the timeframe that I did.
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Posted: 7/14/2014 3:25:42 AM EDT
[#30]
I don't think I can ever bring myself to distress a Nodak lower again. I feel guilty now knowing how much work is put into making them perfect.
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Posted: 7/14/2014 7:40:32 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Six years ago I didn't have a camera. I'm not afraid to show my face. I just need a haircut, I'm starting to look like a dirty hippy. They'll be more videos coming out of NDS in the future. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Nice how your face is cut off in all images. Remember I asked 6 years ago for footage of said NDS Headquarters, Whatever you guys are doing, Keep up the good work,,,,,,Mike. Six years ago I didn't have a camera. I'm not afraid to show my face. I just need a haircut, I'm starting to look like a dirty hippy. They'll be more videos coming out of NDS in the future. Good to know, you looked like some kind of hipster. |
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Posted: 7/14/2014 9:20:14 AM EDT
[#32]
Seems like NDS needs a wet tumbler with stainless or ceramic media. |
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Posted: 7/14/2014 9:47:31 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seems like NDS needs a wet tumbler with stainless or ceramic media. Tumbling won't work, we tried it. We also did a chemical whitening process. And 4 other types of blasting media.
This is what works best. |
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Posted: 7/14/2014 10:24:40 AM EDT
[#34]
You guys at NDS do a great job. I've been pleased with every NDS Lower I've ever had had.
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Posted: 7/14/2014 3:11:02 PM EDT
[#35]
Wow! Incredible! I too am ASTONISHED that that much time goes into those receivers. Guess that is why I own 14 of them!
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Posted: 7/14/2014 3:17:31 PM EDT
[#36]
Superlative!
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Posted: 7/14/2014 4:48:54 PM EDT
[#37]
I just got done watching your 15 minute video. Then I decided to give NDS a call a see if any XM16E1 Receivers were close to being done and ready to go. Well after speaking to Mike, I ordered a XM16E1 in Black. Now starts the wait. This NDS XM16E1 Receiver, and an Essential Arms Aluminum CAR Stock Set, plus all the little Colt Retro parts that I've been hoarding. It's going to be a really neat Lower Half. |
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Posted: 7/14/2014 5:41:04 PM EDT
[#38]
I'm callin BS!
In the video you CLAIM to be only human but I heard you guys are some sort of devine human/cyborg hybrid. 
Comment? 
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Posted: 7/14/2014 8:00:28 PM EDT
[#39]
Everyone who bitches about NDS pricing being higher than a 'normal' lower should see this video. Not an easy way to make a living gents - I'm not sure how KAC finishes their stuff, but I doubt they even put so much effort into a lower. I'm sure billet lowers require less hand finishing, yet they cost more...something wrong about that. ANyway, It makes me feel good to have old school, hand-finished parts. Truly retro! I salute you Mike and Harlan!
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Posted: 7/15/2014 7:40:04 AM EDT
[#40]
Very eye opening. We're lucky to have a company like this feeding the addiction. I'm certain that was MY xm16e1 receiver that they were using in the videon!!!
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Posted: 7/15/2014 8:07:38 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm callin BS!
In the video you CLAIM to be only human but I heard you guys are some sort of devine human/cyborg hybrid.
Comment?
I doubt cyborgs get tendonitis.
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Posted: 7/15/2014 8:50:06 AM EDT
[#42]
I always thought of Mike as being a short squat Mr Potato Head looking guy. That video destroyed my mental image. |
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Posted: 7/15/2014 11:08:48 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I always thought of Mike as being a short squat Mr Potato Head looking guy. That video destroyed my mental image. Yeah, that's funny, me too. |
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Posted: 7/15/2014 11:35:02 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:I always thought of Mike as being a short squat Mr Potato Head looking guy. That video destroyed my mental image. First Morg and now Mike.
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Posted: 7/15/2014 11:53:23 AM EDT
[#45]
Just out of curiosity, and not to stir anything up, but does anyone know how Colt did their anodizing for all those years? Can't see them turning out all those rifles with hand finishing of the receivers. Or, maybe they did?
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Posted: 7/15/2014 1:35:51 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just out of curiosity, and not to stir anything up, but does anyone know how Colt did their anodizing for all those years? Can't see them turning out all those rifles with hand finishing of the receivers. Or, maybe they did? The forgings were 6061 up until 1967 or so. These were done (most likely) with a natural hardcoat. It comes out to a charcoal gray without dye on 6061. When they switched (back) to 7075 they had to use a dye. The EPA had not permeated the manufacturing world yet, and they probably used chemical processes to get the color right. As far as "hand finishing". I bet they had people hand deburring parts. Probably used buffer wheels. |
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Posted: 7/15/2014 2:24:32 PM EDT
[#47]
Thanks for the reply Mike. Keep up the good work. BTW, I have XM16E1 B00040.
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Posted: 7/15/2014 2:51:36 PM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:
Just out of curiosity, and not to stir anything up, but does anyone know how Colt did their anodizing for all those years? Can't see them turning out all those rifles with hand finishing of the receivers. Or, maybe they did? Do you think Colt really cared about the finish the way NDS does? Remember Colt was pumping these out for the Military, not picky civilian shooters . |
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Posted: 7/15/2014 3:11:22 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do you think Colt really cared about the finish the way NDS does? Remember Colt was pumping these out for the Military, not picky civilian shooters . Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Just out of curiosity, and not to stir anything up, but does anyone know how Colt did their anodizing for all those years? Can't see them turning out all those rifles with hand finishing of the receivers. Or, maybe they did? Do you think Colt really cared about the finish the way NDS does? Remember Colt was pumping these out for the Military, not picky civilian shooters . I was asking HOW Colt got the grey finish to THEIR receivers. Chiefs!!!!! Plus I said "not to stir anything up". |
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Posted: 7/15/2014 4:26:31 PM EDT
[#50]
I confess I pictured M & H as a couple of old farts too.
I hope you guys have many more successful years in biz together.
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