80% AR15 Lower Completion

MaverickNH

H-M Supporter - Gold Member
H-M Supporter Gold Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Messages
118
So I have picked up an 80% AR15 lower and some drill-press jigs to complete the lower, but am really trying to talk myself into a mini-mill to do the job right. That, and I haven't used lathes/mills since machine shop class in high school in the early '70s and would like to get back into metalwork as a hobby and something to do with my son, who will turn 14 shortly.

I might work back to making lowers from <80% forgings to gain experience, as well as doing some mill projects to learn more.

I've been looking at a Little machine Shop HiTorque 3960 mini-mill and starter tooling kit. This is pretty much in my price range and size range.

Any thoughts appreciated.
 
LMS sells good stuff. I suspect that mill is the best minimill on the market.
 
I rather see a man buy machines weighing closer to 2500 lbs but if size and price dominate the decision you can do a lot of good work with the smaller mill but working much slower...Later on convert it to cnc for engraving and such small intricate work will really get the interest worked up in your teenager....Have fun.
 
Please keep me informed on your progress Maverick. I have been wanting to try one of the 80% lowers. I have learned as a gunsmith that drilling precision holes is all about layout then rigidity, rigidity, rigidity so you need a solid machine. I try to buy everything I can from LMS. I think they research all of their stuff for quality first before they sell it. Their mill is a Seig and I would buy it from them even if it cost a few more dollars than from someone else. It looks like they add a larger table and a few other specific features that others don't have. The biggest thing to consider about buying Asian stuff is the company selling it to you. The importer/seller are the ones who will insure the quality of what you get, honor a warranty and support you not the factory.
 
We have an old but working Bridgeport in the basement of our building in South Boston that nobody has used for years. If I paid for removal and transportation, they would probably let me have it, but my wife would kill me. No place it would fit but the garage. So we make compromises...

Yeah - CNC would be a good addition, and educational too!

I rather see a man buy machines weighing closer to 2500 lbs but if size and price dominate the decision you can do a lot of good work with the smaller mill but working much slower...Later on convert it to cnc for engraving and such small intricate work will really get the interest worked up in your teenager....Have fun.
 
"If I paid for removal and transportation, they would probably let me have it, but my wife would kill me."



Tell her how much better a Bridgeport is compared to other cheaper, smaller; milling machines.

If that doesn't work, tell her how much safer it is; say that you want to be around for many years to come.

If none of that works, throw a hissy fit till she agrees.:phew::whistle::))
 
And don't forget the status of just having a Bridgeport, that'll get her.
 
What jigs are the best for completing one of these
Lowers? I see several different jigs available at similar price points.

LUP
 
I have the LMS and I am going to CNC mine, I plan on doing a 45 acp and also a AR15 on mine.. When the time is right..
 
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