80% Jig Question

[Dutch110]

Neighbor of mine wants to get into doing his own 80% lowers. This is going to be his first build and first AR. I can help him with all the other parts selections but have absolutely zero frame of reference when it comes to which jigs (or 80% blanks) are worth a dam. For some context, he is very mechanically inclined and has a drill press in the garage that he can use for this project. He fabricates and builds for a living as well. Who is at the top of the heap now when it comes to jigs and blanks? TIA for the feedback

[ViniVidivici]

5D Tactical is where it's at for jigs. I've seen 2 dudes who aren't mechanically inclined turn out good, functioning lowers.

Can't for the life of me remember the brands of lower either used though. Lemme find out.

[Dutch110]

Thank you. Just watched the videos on the 5D site. I'm pretty sure even I couldn't screw that up lol.

[Diamondback]

One caution: 5D doesn't work with some polymer or hybrid lowers. I haven't done business with them but I have exchanged some correspondence, and they really seem interested in helping their customers succeed.

They're the Mercedes of jigs, while EP Armory (which works with a cordless hand drill, but chews up top plates; I completed a poly EPL in about eight hours this way) is the entry-level Honda Civic.

[rdorro118]

I've done two of 5Ds 80% lowers with two more waiting on the bench. Watch the videos and read the instructions carefully before starting. I purchased the recommended router and bit and took my time and they came out great. It is possible to "nick" the interior if you accidentally tilt the router. (Yeah, I refer to that one as my "blem" but it still works great.) Only procedural recommendation would be to consider taking even smaller depth cuts than they recommend and go slow. It results in a smoother interior finish. If you rush the cut or go too deep aluminum can start to build up on or clog the bit and causes a rougher interior finish.
Only negative - They are/were backlogged and you might have to wait for the 80% lower you want. They will tell you how long that wait should be.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[ViniVidivici]

My guy says he got his two lowers from 5D Tactical themselves.

[greg1147]

I have 5D and completed several 80% lowers all have come out excellent but that's my personal observation. I used a Dewalt Router and tapping fluid. The first one I did was a lower from 5D, the I bought one from Atomic Engraving GM Hydra-Matic. Go slow and just take a little material at each pass. I went less that recommended by 5D. I had a few concerns and opted to have a gun smith machinist look at it he told me it was better than some production lowers he had seen.
After that it was all down hill. I have no more Aero Precision AR's sold LOL. Be prepared for a lot of aluminum material, I built an enclosure and kept a vacuum handy. The thing i would consider changing is getting it anodized instead of cerakoted. I have pics if you needed. Good luck.

[GH41]

What drives you guys to build 80% lowers? I never under stood the attraction.

[Diamondback]

What drives you guys to build 80% lowers? I never under stood the attraction.

Challenge, pride of craftsmanship, desire to flip The Man the finger, your choice of any or all of the above...

[GH41]

Challenge, pride of craftsmanship, desire to flip The Man the finger, your choice of any or all of the above...

"Pride of craftmanship" I doubt there is a single 80% lower machined with a jig that could get through QC of the cheapest lower manufacturer out there. "Desire to flip The Man the finger" It is perfectly legal to manufacture your personal receiver. What are you flipping the finger for?