AR 80% Lowers - Tips, finish, cool lowers??

Jerzsubbie

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A friend of mine, out of the blue, told me he bought an 80% jig and a lower for each of us, he only asked that he could use my drill press, to which I of course agreed. As I began researching 80% lowers and jigs, I found that the drill press types provide a poor quality finish. If I'm going to do it, I want to do right. The 5D and Modulus jigs are said to be the best.

I ended up finding him a deal on a used 5D jig, figuring we can just sell it right after and only lose like $20, he may keep it though.

My questions to you guys are:
Any tips/tricks to doing 80% lowers?
Whats the best finish to use? Thinking Cerakote @Magdump since he did a great job on my pistols
Are there any really cool, different looking 80% lowers out there?
 
A friend of mine, out of the blue, told me he bought an 80% jig and a lower for each of us, he only asked that he could use my drill press, to which I of course agreed. As I began researching 80% lowers and jigs, I found that the drill press types provide a poor quality finish. If I'm going to do it, I want to do right. The 5D and Modulus jigs are said to be the best.

I ended up finding him a deal on a used 5D jig, figuring we can just sell it right after and only lose like $20, he may keep it though.

My questions to you guys are:
Any tips/tricks to doing 80% lowers?
Whats the best finish to use? Thinking Cerakote @Magdump since he did a great job on my pistols
Are there any really cool, different looking 80% lowers out there?

a video I did last year


nothing to it really. Get a shop vac and a small air compressor. You work area will thank you.

take your time; keep steady downward pressure.
 
How much are these jigs? They look pretty intense...
The jigs are$200-300, plus the drill bits & router bits in some cases. It is NOT the most economical way to get a lower, which is why I've never had any interest, but there is the "I made this" factor and no FFL/4473 to consider.

Basic 80% lowers are $30-40, compared to a PSA lower $40 shipped + $20 FFL. You don't do 80%'s for cost savings haha.
 
The jigs are$200-300, plus the drill bits & router bits in some cases. It is NOT the most economical way to get a lower, which is why I've never had any interest, but there is the "I made this" factor and no FFL/4473 to consider.

Basic 80% lowers are $30-40, compared to a PSA lower $40 shipped + $20 FFL. You don't do 80%'s for cost savings haha.

Jesus. I just looked at the 5D... The whole kit is like $480 with a couple lowers and extra lowers are $60-150 each...

That's bonkers. You really have to want a machinist hobby to get into that...
 
a video I did last year


nothing to it really. Get a shop vac and a small air compressor. You work area will thank you.

take your time; keep steady downward pressure.

Just watched your video, thanks. Kind of funny how you got totally covered in aluminum shavings. I will definitely be using my shop vac! I have a compressor as well.

My friend got the non-Pro jig, so no AR10's which is fine for us. I noticed you used the Ridgid router, but most of what I read says to use the Dewalt DWP611 since its depth adjustment is more reliable. I am a Ridgid guy so I'd like to got that route, any feedback or suggestions? I will be buying a new one since I only have a full size router now.
 
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Jesus. I just looked at the 5D... The whole kit is like $480 with a couple lowers and extra lowers are $60-150 each...

That's bonkers. You really have to want a machinist hobby to get into that...

I got mine on sale plus a 10% mil discount.

noreen 80 lowers is all I get now. For both AR10/15. Better fitting and actually cheaper. They run sales fairly often. 2 AR10 80 lowers, I think was right at 120 shipped. I match the lowers with their uppers.
 
Just watched your video, thanks. Kind of funny how you got totally covered in aluminum shavings. I will definitely be using my shop vac! I have a compressor as well.

My friend got the non-Pro jig, so no AR10's which is fine for us. I noticed you used the Ridgid router, but most of what I read says to use the Dewalt DWP611 since its depth adjustment is more reliable. I am a Ridgid guy so I'd like to got that route, any feedback or suggestions? I will be buying a new one since I only have a full size router now.

I upgraded to do the AR10s. I knew off the bat it would be a few months before I did one. As far as the router goes, I got the cheapest used one I could find. I have had no issues with my rigid router and haven’t noticed anything weird.

also I remembered, there is a company that makes the same exact jig kit that 5D puts out, but it’s red and cheaper. Also, buy a spare milling bit. You’ll break your first one eventually. They are easy to change out as well
 
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Thanks for the router feedback. I’ll keep going with the orange and lifetime warranty then.

Modulus makes the red one. They are identical with exception of like 3 little things. The main difference with the Modulus vs the 5D Pro is the buffer back plate, minor. It is a little cheaper tho.
 
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