80% Lower Almost Done

[czargee]

After a few weeks of research and a couple of days drilling and milling, my lower is almost done.

I probably spent less than $200 on the lower, jig, drill bits, and end mills.

In keeping with the small budget theme, my next steps is to media blast, engrave, and coat.

Any suggestions in what type of media I should use to blast it with? I was looking into picking up a small inexpensive Harbor Freight blaster. I really want the surface of the lower to be even and smooth.

[dune870demon]

Good job op.

[FLDWRX]

http://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/blasting-media.htm

I use glass beads and a 16 CFM @90 PSI compressor.
If working on rusty crap I use "black diamond" 80

[LONGRANGER777]

Looks good!! You need a good clean air supply to get the best results. Make sure you have the cfm to blast first.

[czargee]

Thanks peeps.

First crack at finishing an 80 and discovered that shavings gets everywhere!

Well, looks like I'm going with a fine steel shot for media. Thanks for the link InsanePropane.

[RustyIron]

Hey, CZ.
If you find yourself in North Orange County, you're welcome to use my blast cabinet. Currently I have aluminum oxide in it. It takes two minutes to pressure up the system and shouldn't take more than a couple minutes to blast.

[Rickrock1]

Looking good

[Sabesimpson]

Nice! Mine is taking a lot longer then I expected

[CK_32]

Looks good.

Looks better than my first 80

[sfbay]

awesome

[vhram]

looks good !

[Chunky_lover]

After a few weeks of research and a couple of days drilling and milling, my lower is almost done.

I probably spent less than $200 on the lower, jig, drill bits, and end mills.

In keeping with the small budget theme, my next steps is to media blast, engrave, and coat.

Any suggestions in what type of media I should use to blast it with? I was looking into picking up a small inexpensive Harbor Freight blaster. I really want the surface of the lower to be even and smooth.

if you want you live right near me you can use my blast cabinet
I have worn out 80grit glass
and I have in it now worn out 60 slag so you can get an idea of what it looks like I got scrap metal you can do first


if you were looking at those outside type guns they are super messy and waste a ton of media



I didnt blast mine, but I powdercoated it I also do that here too if you want a quick finish I got quite a few colors to choose from
I just used flat black but it came out more of a semi gloss

[DarkSoul]

What you media blast with should be determined by what type of end finish you intend on using. Anodizing will be a flat finish of course if you use create a rough finish 100 grit or so, if you buff and polish it, and then anodize, it will be extremely glossy and bright.

Cerakote can only be done on 100-120 grit aluminum oxide or garnet, they are very clear about that. And powdercoat if I recall just needs a smooth clean surface.

I've seen really good results with proper prep and a can of Krylon, so just take your time.

[Trriemferent]

good job OP. just wondering, how much time do you think you spent making it 100%

[KrisDSA]

Who's instructions ?