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Posted: 12/25/2011 2:36:53 PM EDT
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EDIT: I've begun work using drill press and hand tools, will be updating this thread with pictures thereof.
Anyone have any experience with UNIMAT's or similar hobby mills that would know if they're any good for finishing out an 80% lower? Found one on the cheap and would like to be sure it's even worth it over hand tools and drilling. Any information and/or advice would be much appreciated. |
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What I'm going to offer is devoid of particular experience with a Unimat. I have heard they are good quality.
But with every other other machine tool, woodworking machine or whatever, avoid the toy-sized stuff at all costs, unless you know that you will NEVER have the need to exceed its' capacity. Just a rule I've learned the hard (and expensive) way. I've bought the small machine and then later on I have buy the big machine as well. So I pay twice. Never again. |
After first round of drilling and dremeling(sic)
After finally finding a place that carries end mills and putting the drill press in mortal peril haha. But much better going and just about halfway to depth here. 
So I've decided I'm going to hunt around for a decent used mill for any future lower builds, and my buddy has volunteered his basement to use it in. Thankfully I work third shift so have plenty of time on my hands, but really if you have the option of using a mill, dear lord do it. Will update with more pictures as they come. |
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I have the UNIMAT but after taking a good look, definitely not powerful enough to finish out the pocket, and don't worry she'll be much prettier before I attach an upper(I'm a sucker for finishing touches). Also as I've proven in other arenas; she don't gotta be pretty to be functional ;) either way "at least" 500 in upper will be going on there probably more considering the amount I have into my bushmaster
@social I have the jig but really it's still not as easy as one would think without the truly proper tooling. EDIT: it's all a learning process for sure though. Such as "this sucks without an actual mill" |
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A tidbit from machining experience- Don't relieve the fire control pocket until you have drilled the fire control pin holes. Long skinny drill bits wander when they contact a surface, but with proper feed/speed and a good grind they will stay straight in a homogeneous material. By drilling/reaming the holes before you open up that pocket you only have one entry to make, and it's one that can very easily be spotted with an appropriate tool. |
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@cole Using the jig for the side holes as well as referencing. After breaking through to the takedown hole and feeling the walk in the bit, decided to do it after the fact.
@shlep Am securing during cuts, shots are taken at the end of that days work. Either way a learning experience all around for the next crack at it. |
any donations of bench top mills as well haha.
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