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Posted: 11/22/2016 2:39:43 AM EDT
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Don't have a drill press, don't want to get one because you either don't have the room (living in a dorm for example)? No problem...
Assuming you got a lower and a jig (aluminum or polymer doesn't matter), get a Dremel tool, and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-inch-end-mill-2-flute-Single-End-X-Long-length-Square-end-/162010228912?hash=item25b88fe8b0:g:jj4AAOSwwpdW6zP7 You will also want a few shorter bits to start, the super long ones is to reach the fire control cavity once it gets too deep for normal end mills... I suggest these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Pack-1-8-Solid-Carbide-End-Mills-3-Flute-120-3125-USA-B11-/131719809913?hash=item1eab1ccb79:g:DC0AAOSwuzRXfsAT and you will need a router attachment, like this one: http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Inlay_and_Pearl_Cutting/Precision_Router_Base/Precision_Router_Base.html It doesn't have to be this one by the way, any router attachment for Dremel will work, and there are cheaper ones available. This one is just nicer... So take a hand drill, and use it to drill the necessary holes first. Do not drill it all the way through, drill one side, and flip it over and drill the other side. Also drill the 2 holes for the trigger to go through (the jig will allow you to do this). This is going to be a long hole to drill but you should be able to drill this hole within a 1/8" accuracy. That is all you need (you can fit it with a file later on) Then take the jig and set it up for router cuts. Use the shorter end mills and cut about 1/8" at a time, at most. Do not cut more than this and do not go too fast... it's going to take a long time to make the routes but eventually you will get deep enough that the end mill won't cut anymore. Switch to the longer end mill and use the cavity wall as a guide to deepen it. It will not look real pretty but it will result in a functioning gun. |
| Or buy this jig and and this kit at the same time so you can use a palm router and a cordless drill to do all the work. |
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Originally Posted By K1rodeoboater:
Or buy this jig and and this kit at the same time so you can use a palm router and a cordless drill to do all the work. I'll also endorse that! To make it totally easy... I put this together... this assumes someone has absolutely no tools at all and needs to buy everything: http://www.modulusarms.com/Modulus-Arms-heavy-duty-universal-ar-15-80-lower-receiver-jig/ $199.99 http://www.modulusarms.com/jig-fabrication-tool-kit/ $44.99 http://www.modulusarms.com/sale-speed-drill-kit/ $24.99 http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-5-5-Amp-Corded-Compact-Router-R24012/100337039 $99.00 http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-8-Amp-3-8-in-Corded-Drill-Driver-R70011/100546220 $59.97 http://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-4-in-Drill-Press-Vise-424DPV/206726970 $15.50 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-in-C-Clamp-012378/203735823 $2.26 ea x2 $4.52 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-Folding-Hex-Key-Set-9-Piece-HFHKS9PC/202934898 $5.97 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-16-oz-Dark-Thread-Cutting-Oil-302032/203461243 $6.97 The only optional thing I don't list on there that I would strongly recommend is a Shop Vac to clear chips. A lot of people like to make an attachment for the end of the shop vac hose to hook it to the jig so that most of the chips end up in the shop vac to begin with. Most of the tools are just suggestions and there are lots of options for brands. A lot of people may already have things like trim routers, drills, allen wrenches, etc. I recommend the Rigid router because it is one of the ones recommended by Modulus and stocked at most Home Depots among other places. My 2nd choice would be the Makita trim router which is the one I actually have. Right now it is $10 cheaper than the Rigid. The one drawback to the Makita is the base is not clear like the Rigid. There is also a DeWalt and a couple others that Modulus recommends (you can find their recommendations on their web site). You can also substitute a cordless drill for the corded one I listed above. You may want to buy an extra battery if you use a cordless drill, especially if you don't buy the Speed Drill Kit as some cordless drills don't have enough juice in a single battery to easily drill all the holes without recharging, especially if you are working with a 7075 lower as they are harder than a 6061 Also check eBay, Amazon and even Craigslist, etc., as bargains on used tools can often be found. |
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Originally Posted By Desert_AIP:
I have a friend who used a router. A real router as opposed to the dremel with the router attachment is a different animal, with the dremel you have to go slow and take small bites and it takes quite a while to mill one, but it can be done. |
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Originally Posted By DaveP1:
A real router as opposed to the dremel with the router attachment is a different animal, with the dremel you have to go slow and take small bites and it takes quite a while to mill one, but it can be done. Originally Posted By DaveP1:
Originally Posted By Desert_AIP:
I have a friend who used a router. A real router as opposed to the dremel with the router attachment is a different animal, with the dremel you have to go slow and take small bites and it takes quite a while to mill one, but it can be done. Yeah... A trim router like the Rigid, Makita or DeWalt ones is going to be way easier and faster than a Dremel. And not really that much more expensive. |
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Originally Posted By bruh44:
I see this is old. Done of the links are dead. I brought it back up to get some new info and possibly photos of finished lowers. As for photos....there's other 80% threads for that. The boring truth is, they all look the same after a while |
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