80% afraid to mill

[thrasherfox]

So I am not afraid of much. But I have an 80% that I am afraid to mill.

I have everything I need for my mill. all the bits you can have, multiple sets.

I even have everything I need to convert it to a CNC. but figured if I am doing an 80% it is better to do it manually anyway.

The problem I have is jumping into the water. I am afraid of screwing it up.


I also just purchased 2 S-15 Raw forging lowers. they look like they might be 20% lowers.

Anyone have any advice? directions? guidence that would make me feel more comfortable?

I have all the other parts for the gun. Will be receiving my pistol uppper today, have a single shot bob sled. So I just ned to mill it out.


Here is the upper I will be getting in today

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/222049/adams-arms-ar-15-pistol-a3-pdw-base-gas-piston-upper-assembly-556x45mm-nato-1-in-7-twist-75-barrel-melonite-finish-with-4-quad-rail-handguard-flash-hider

Here are the raw forgings I purchased.

http://www.superiorarms.com/products_main.php?pid=24

Any help would be apprecieated..

Ron

[RazzB7]

Jump in the water! It's a little chilly, but refreshing.

I shared your trepidation. So, I went to my local metal supplier and bought a block of aluminum that was fairly close to the size of the receiver size. After doing all the calculations and math for the FCG pocket, I milled it out of my practice piece. It helped my confidence a lot.

Then I said to myself, "If I screw this up, it is only $100.00" as I put the 80% receiver in the vise.

[thrasherfox]

Jump in the water! It's a little chilly, but refreshing.

I shared your trepidation. So, I went to my local metal supplier and bought a block of aluminum that was fairly close to the size of the receiver size. After doing all the calculations and math for the FCG pocket, I milled it out of my practice piece. It helped my confidence a lot.

Then I said to myself, "If I screw this up, it is only $100.00" as I put the 80% receiver in the vise.

I already have two chunks of raw alluminum I had planned on making lowers from once I knew what I was doing.

So I think I should use one of those to practice on?

[RazzB7]

No guts, no glory!

No scars, no proof!

YOLO

[VaderSpade]

Get some cheap Trex decking scraps to practice with.

[RazzB7]

Get some cheap Trex decking scraps to practice with.

^This guy is one of the Greek Gods of Fire when it comes to 80% ARs^

Listen to what he says.

[Outta Control]

Just remember. Check twice, cut once.

[thrasherfox]

Get some cheap Trex decking scraps to practice with.

I called the local home depot and all they have a 1"x6" peices. Can i use wood? Like a 2x4 or 4x4?

[VaderSpade]

I like using the 1 1/4 X 1 1/4 railing pieces, they come in 3' lengths and are just the right width to practice FCP's in. If they sell decking they must have some railing?

[VaderSpade]

Here's a picture of the Trex (bottom piece) that my old CNC messed up. The new CNC has been nearly flawless.

[EL_NinO619]

Man I wish I had your problem, I want a mill so bad. Good luck and just grab the bull by the horns. The Trek idea is great.

[madjack956]

Have you ever machined anything before or is this your first set-up?. I can't imagine anyone with machining experience having cold-feet about doing something like this. It is fairly basic.

If it really is your first time machining, just go for it. You're going to scrap a few projects before you get proficient anyway.

Do you have a DRO on your mill? I may have some prints laying around you can reference off of if you need them.

I could better help you out if i knew more about your equipment and experience. For all I know right now you may be a more experienced machinist than myself that has just had a sudden paranoia episode.

Let me know if you could use the prints and Ill see if I can dig them up.

[deviljon]

Wait, the mag catch isn't already done?

[wash]

Instead of TREX, you could buy some aluminum to practice on. It will cut more like the real thing.

I get my aluminum for $2.00/lb if I can find a piece the right size.

[Outta Control]

^^^^

I am with the WASH