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Posted: 8/15/2011 5:48:05 PM EDT
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What series aluminum would I want to use for a CNC upper and lower? I presume better than normal because i won't have the benefit of using a blank forging.
I also want to make a upper (maybe lower too) out of stainless steel. What series stainless steel do you guys suggest? For aesthetics, strength and corrosion resistance. I also might want to make a lower out of wood, what type of wood do I want to use? I won't be doing the machining myself, so that explains my lack of material knowledge. |
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Quoted:
What series aluminum would I want to use for a CNC upper and lower? 7075 I presume better than normal because i won't have the benefit of using a blank forging. I also want to make a upper (maybe lower too) out of stainless steel. What series stainless steel do you guys suggest? Not sure... 416? For aesthetics, strength and corrosion resistance. I also might want to make a lower out of wood, what type of wood do I want to use? Basically any hardwood, i would suggest doing some research on wood that will be strong, not be subject to rot/swelling.... maybe an ironwood? teak? I won't be doing the machining myself, so that explains my lack of material knowledge. btw.. pics are REQUIRED. |
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Aluminum - 7075-T6 or 6061-T6, don't worry about the lack of a forged billet, or forged blank stock. The wrought alloys are good in their "as supplied" condition.
Stainless - I'd use 303 for its free machining properties. Your machinist will probably thank you as well. |
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Quoted:
Use 7075-T6 aluminum billets. For stainless steel, I'd use 316. If you are just looking for the lower to be a pretty stainless I would look at 303 or 304 SS. Much better to machine than 316. In my experience working with 316 is very stable, but sucks to machine sometimes. Whereas 303 or 304 is easier to machine (it's like butter for stainless) but less stable. A word of caution if you do go the stainless route. I would rough the whole part out first then finish machine it in the most free clamping strategy as possible. (Hogging out that trigger/mag well you are likely to get some warpage). Mike in MN |
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