milling machine vs. drill press

[huntercf]

Ok so I have been bitten by the build bug and it isn't going away. I found some 80% AR15 lowers that need some work (want to make AR pistol). I can't invest $2000 in a milling machine, but I was wanting to get a drill press. I was thinking of a variable speed model from home depot. I know it will definitely take longer but time is not a problem for me. Would it be ok to use the drill press and would regular metal bits work for finishing the lower? Also, I have seen milling vices on ebay that claim to turn a drill press into a milling machine, any experience with these? I see 4" and 5".

[Noobert]

It's doable in a drill press, but a mill is much more preferable. You should look into mini mills, like the Sieg X2

[Tripper]

Out of curiosity, what about the X1 model?
is it too limited??

[JagerTroop]

A drill press is not a mill, plain and simple. The quill of a drill press does not possess the lateral rigidity needed to accurately mill metal. Also, the chuck is not secured properly. It is a tapered press fit that is designed for vertical pressure only.
It can work for very light materials such as plastic or wood, but you risk injury to self and damage to parts when attempting to mill any metals.
Proceed at your own risk. You have been warned.

[gunboat]

JT is right -- the first time that running chuck and tool bit jumps out of that tapered quill will create a bit of bother.
There are some older drill presses around that have screwed on chucks that will do some light work without spitting the chuck across the room.
my tuppence

[huntercf]

Do build parties sometimes have mills to complete lowers? It sounds like I shouldn't use a drill press.

[freonr22]

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/2549226818.html

is one like this big enough for lowers?

[2ndHalf]

Hey huntercf,

I think something like this Grizzly g8689 mini milling machine for $575 would do the trick. You'd also have to get a vice that would mount securely to the mill's table.

http://grizzly.com/products/G8689

You could also use it to drill accurate holes for fire control group etc. Also I think you could probably resell it for a good percentage of what you paid for it if you decided not to keep it.

Hope this helps

[darkcbr1000rr]

Mill ftw! CNC if possible. Takes me about 20 minutes for setup and about 10 minutes for cycle time. Not too shabby.

[Gunsmithing]

FYI milling vices on turn a drill press into a milling machine does not work it is junk.

Dave

[nicitaja]

use of

Do build parties sometimes have mills to complete lowers? It sounds like I shouldn't use a drill press.

The whole concept of a build party for a ar lower has been talked about, but the amount of time just doesnt warrant trying to do a group of people. There are more than a handful of people on this forum that will work with you 1:1 or 1:2 assisting you while you use their mill. Roccobro is one in the Inland Empire, you might want to contact him. I'd offer my mill, but Im in San Diego, and well, thats a drive when someone else is so close.