80% Lower Receiver with a Dremel, need a Contingency

[CommsNBombs]

So I finally joined the 80% Craze and ordered two of them on sale from Anderson Mfg in KY.

My only experience with aluminum is a small bit of boat welding and mutilating GMVs and Humvees with power drills to attach antennas...

Ive been milling it out SLOWLY with a dremel. Got the selector, and hammer/trigger pins holes drilled out and i started deepening the holes on the top template.

My wife was very clear on me NOT getting a drill press or milling machine, as only doing 2 lowers isnt justifiable.

My city boy self will probably end up jacking this up soon, soo...is there anyone between Clarksville or Nasvhille that has a CNC shop or a milling machine I could use in case impending doom happens?

[Wingshooter]

If I ever do an 80% lower, it will be so that I can have an excuse to get a mill ;)

Even this cheapie from harbor freight should work I'd think http://t.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html

Good luck. If you go slow, I'm sure it will turn out nice

[Dolomite_supafly]

You can buy a cheap drill press at Harbor Freight for like $50. Or check pawn shops I bought mine for like $20 at a pawn shop.

Edited February 25, 2015 by Dolomite_supafly

[Omega]

Go to the craft shop on post and take the safety class, it has all kinds drill presses but not sure about mills. Its located by the post office where the theater is, while there you may ask to see if they have a problem with you working on a weapon part. You may take some literature in to show them that its perfectly legal to be doing it though since they may not be aware.

[CommsNBombs]

Go to the craft shop on post and take the safety class, it has all kinds drill presses but not sure about mills. Its located by the post office where the theater is, while there you may ask to see if they have a problem with you working on a weapon part. You may take some literature in to show them that its perfectly legal to be doing it though since they may not be aware.

I had a feeling there was one on post, but had no idea where. Thanks, thatll probably be a lot cheaper.

My mechanics werent about to let me use their mill press anyway.

I appreciate it, thats what I get for jumping right into 80%s

[peejman]

Wear safety glasses.  Isopropyl alcohol works quite well as a cutting fluid for aluminum with no oily mess to clean up afterwards.  I'd try to rig up some way to hold the dremel/drill steady... something you can hold it up against when moving back/forth.  I strongly recommend using a real end mill instead of drill bit.  They're both sharper and more rigid.  You can get one for under $20... http://www.mcmaster.com/#8918a27/=w2aik3

[ProfEngr]

Wasn't there recently an "ATF Ruling" about using machinery you don't actually own to finish an 80%? I did a quick search on here, but didn't find the reference. Maybe it was posted on FB a while back.

[CommsNBombs]

Wasn't there recently an "ATF Ruling" about using machinery you don't actually own to finish an 80%? I did a quick search on here, but didn't find the reference. Maybe it was posted on FB a while back.

That was a CADOJ ruling for guys in Cali having "lower parties".

Not sure of any ATF rulings on the issue, as far as real black and white rulings on the issue

[Dolomite_supafly]

ATF did rule against using machines that are used as part of a business. The on post craft shop is probably not considered a business.

I would still try to buy a drill press it is a lot cheaper than replacing the lower you are going to ruin by half assing it.

[Ron Padilla]

where did you find the 80 % percenters on sale at, I have been thinking about trying one myself.

Thanks

[Ron Padilla]

While on this subject DOLO maybe or I know that you can probably answer this question for me. when using a hadguard with an aluminum nut would those be considered a one time use type nut and would you advise to stay away for those?

Thanks

[peejman]

While on this subject DOLO maybe or I know that you can probably answer this question for me. when using a hadguard with an aluminum nut would those be considered a one time use type nut and would you advise to stay away for those?

Thanks

I don't know the torque required to say if the stress would cause it to be damaged by tightening. However, Aluminum nut on aluminum threads will stick horribly and gall. Use anti-seize. Edited February 26, 2015 by peejman

[gjohnsoniv]

where did you find the 80 % percenters on sale at, I have been thinking about trying one myself.

Thanks

Anderson has them for sale. Think they're about $45-50. That's where I ordered mine.

[Ron Padilla]

Thanks to both for the response.

[Oh Shoot]

Anderson has them for sale. Think they're about $45-50. That's where I ordered mine.

 

Same price as finished ones. But of course the 80%ers are "off the books", yawn. ;)

 

- OS

[gjohnsoniv]

Same price as finished ones. But of course the 80%ers are "off the books", yawn. ;)

 

- OS

Built some other more difficult guns, figure it's time to say I "built" an AR as well.  :D