80% afraid to mill

[CS Sports]

Seriously? You have a $30 forging there. It's not like you're working on an early century Holland and Holland Royal. Give it a whirl, if you can run a mill, you can do this with your eyes closed.

If you screw it up, big deal, it's a $30 tuition payment.

[wash]

I can run a mill but I would not attempt to cut an FCG pocket with my eyes closed.

Keep your eyes open when you mill (but wear your safety glasses).

[12voltguy]

easy
I did 1 so far & that was in a drill press
bought a used mill & better jig, very nice $$$ vise
but motor start cap is not working or motor is bad, have to fix that
80%ers are cheap even if you mess it up, under $100

[ramathorn]

Do it! Just make sure you have a LPK and an upper on hand. Go slow and check every now and then to see if it fits. When it looks about right and the parts go in comfortably you're golden!

[BTW, sweet upper (!) & that's not an 80% lower in the photo... must be a 20%. In which case - you crazy foo! ]

[G-Man WC]

May I ask where you got your 80% lowers???
Everyone seems to be out. -g

[saki302]

How long does the CNC machine take to cut out the FCG pocket?

I did one on a manual mill- took me a good 4 hours, little by little, measuring as I went.

-Dave

[G-Man WC]

It takes about 5-6 mins to cut the 80% to done on a CNC
File and bead blast another 20-30 mins.
-g

[VaderSpade]

That depends on the CNC, my little CNC mill takes 20 mins.

[hypnoman]

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

"Afraid" is your friend. Use the fear to make you careful and go s-l-o-w-l-y. 80% is probrably a better choice for your first. But just take your time. Like CS Sports said, "it's $30 tuition" if you screw up the 20%.
And Wash said, "Aluminum is $2 per lb" for practice pieces.
You know, some people here have cut a few with a rusty drill press! I won't mention any names . . .
go for it and have fun . . .
Be really careful that everything is square and level!! Go for it and keep us posted.

[Rockit]

Just do it. I did mine while on crutches, using an old drill press.
Easy.

[thrasherfox]

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.

Nope, never machined anything in my life. I am one of those people who I prefer to do things right the first time.

I was told I could use a drill press to mill out an 80% but said screw it and just purchased and entire mill setup.

It is just a mini-mill. I was told it would be good enough for doing 80% lowers and other projects I want to do.

All I know is I am pretty technicaly capable. I just dont know how far down to go, how far over, where to do what. I just know if I make one mistake I am screwed.

I also notice there is some play in the mill. I thought I had remembered they made a kit that allowed you to replace the X and Y mechanism that took out the play however I cant seem to find the kit anywhere.

The links to the lowers above are two additional lowers I just purchased, they were on $29.00 each. I guess I can practice on those and if I feel comfortable then I can do my 80%

When you say prints, are you referring to blue prints with dimmensions? that would be helpful.

[thrasherfox]

Do it! Just make sure you have a LPK and an upper on hand. Go slow and check every now and then to see if it fits. When it looks about right and the parts go in comfortably you're golden!

[BTW, sweet upper (!) & that's not an 80% lower in the photo... must be a 20%. In which case - you crazy foo! ]

Thanks, just received the upper in today.

Yeah, the 80% lower I have had for almost a year now. the link I posted were two that I just purchased, like you said I think they are like 20%. that place also has the same kind of upper.

I have ALL the other parts I need, my upper, LPK, rear spring container assy (not sure what it is called). Only thing I have left to do is mill.

But thanks for the advice, never thought of using the other parts as I go to make sure everything fits.

I am really excited about this build. I even purchased the bob sled for my single shot exemption.. really excited about firing it for the first time

Feel like a kid with his first cool present

[thrasherfox]

Just totally remembered!! I had purchased a jig for it from Tactical Machine.

Now I just have to find it and see if it had instructions

Feel like I am getting closer!!!!

[thrasherfox]

And what about this stuff to practice on?

http://www.machinablewax.com/machinable_wax_product_2.htm

[VaderSpade]

Here are some instructions;

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=271990