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Posted: 3/9/2005 6:24:22 PM EDT
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I know this probably has been covered but iam having trouble finding it i would like to finish a80% and if it works out make one from scratch. I do cnc so this would be fun but i dont know the law I live in illinois thanks for your time |
| Go to ATFs site, do a search I forget the addy, something like atf.gov, once there, go to FAQ, it clearly states that it is legal, as long as you can legaly own a firearm and it is not being biult to sell. Now check your state law, but I think it is OK in every state, as long as THAT WEAPON is a legal configureation in your state. I keep a print out of ATF FAQ page framed in my home. I KNOW it is OK by federal law. |
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Federal law says it's OK, so long as your plan doesn't violate your state's law. Illinois is getting to be a pain in the ass, what with Rod running the show and all. For example, the ATF says you can build an AR-15. However, if you live in Cali, NY, or what, PA? you still can't build anything that qualifies as an assault rifle. Colorado's laws are a little ambiguous when it comes to finishing firearms. Good luck. I'm in the middle of an 80% lower, still looking for the tools to finish the buffer tube hole. |
80% lowers are legal to make in IL. Check out a website called CNCgunsmthing.com and the guy who runs it (Justin) has made 80% lowers with his family's CNC machinery. He could probably give you some pointers on that end. Dawg |
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Justin also posts some CAD files on his site. The only real issue with finishing an 80% lower is the cost of tools. Well that and the buffer tube. If you have accesss to a machine shop you should have no problems. There is lots of info about building your own and I highly reccomend Justin's jig. I have personally finished two and its worth every penny. Good luck. Builder's Squad Ray Vin technical pages 80% sites CNCgunsmithing |
A $50 buffer tap. |
The tap isn't the problem, I'm trying to find an inexpensive shell reamer to open the buffer tube hole. I bought the byogun.com jig and bit set, but I don't want to use the 1-1/8" drill bit. I've read too many complaints of screwing up the buffer tube hole using a drill bit. I think I'd do a better job using a piloted shell reamer as decribed here: http://quartz2.cyberstation.net/~dwpaul/bs-reaming.htm Also, my cheap ass drill press doesn't have a chuck big enough to take the big bit. The buffer tube drill and tap and the buffer retainer pin hole are the only operations I have left. I'll probably run out of patience eventually and use the big drill bit, but I'm still looking for the right tools for now |
Sorry, I opened my mouth before I knew what I was talking about. I was thinking of the expired PA assault weapons ban. I looked for PA firearms legislation regarding "rolling your own", but didn't come up with anything. You're on your own to verify, but I didn't see anything that says you can't. |
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ShortCycle The reamer I made of mostly off the shelf parts is shown in this photo( Provided it can be seen) The only lathe made part is the bushing that fits in the upper , the rest came from the misc parts bins at a local surplus parts dealer The procedure described at the link you provided is pretty much word for word how I did it. Looks like you'll have to right click and select "show image" to see it Don in Ohio |
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Thanks Neilfj, Just for general info, the reamer is a 29mm/1-1/8 inch type intended for boring holes in wood. It works well on the aluminum of a 80% lower. This one fits a threaded pilot/arbor(1/2 UNF, I think that it's 28 TPI). The handle fork is a steering rod end for some type of lawnmower(also 1/2 UNF) and another 1/2 inch bar for the actual handle. The pilot could be made from a bolt or length of all thread. Simple stuff and prob. cheaper than a multi flute shell reamer. Don in Ohio |
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Being operated by hand I'd bet that you'd be able to do dozens. Maybe even hundreds, just put a little oil on the teeth for lubrication, aluminum isn't that tough a material to cut. The particular reamer I used is probably also intended for sheet metal. You may be able to tell that I ground off the sides of the cutting teeth that were on the outside of the reamer. I'm not sure that was necessary, but I do believe that I got a cleaner hole that way. Don in Ohio PS Just looked up 1/2" UNF, thread is listed as being 20 TPI and not 28- sorry'bout that. |
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Good Luck I have two lowers I was going to finnish it's alot harder than you think! I tryed to get some Mill Monkeys to help me out but thay said it would take to many hours to finnish so if any body want's my brand new 80% lowers w/ blocks and d size prints and instruction booklet make me anoffer!!! Late |
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Snake, It wouldn't have been legal for your "mill monkey" friends to do any of the work on your lowers anyway. The 80% market is mainly intended for people that are garage machinists or really dedicated file and hand drill types. IOW people who don't care much about the effort involved, but the satisfaction/achievement of the task. You just don't zip these off in a casual afternoon. Money and timewise, it's MUCH cheaper to buy a finished lower and build up from there. Don in Ohio |
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