First 80% Lower - My Experiences

[Pyzik]

So, I got and completed my first 80% lower recently. Someone asked about the experience so here is my opinion.

Would I do it again? ...Maybe. The work wasn't hard but it was time consuming.
The whole process took me about 5 hours over the total of three evenings in the garage. (I am sure the process gets faster the more you do.) Plus I have a huge mess to clean up. But that's my fault since I don't have a shop vac and forgot to borrow one from work.

I didn't have the tools other than the drill press. Luckily, I was able to borrow a jig and router. Total cost for me to have a lower has been $20 + whatever finishing is going to be.

For me it comes down to cost and time, if you are doing one (1) it just isn't cost effective if you don't happen to already own the tools. Plus four to five hours to get it done.
If you plan on doing several or even a build party with friends then I can see the draw.

So, final thoughts.

• It was fun.
• I am glad I did it.
• Being able to have everything shipped to your doorstep is awesome.
• Doing only one is pricey.
• It's slightly time consuming.
• It's messy.
• I can see the benefits of having all the equipment and several inexpensive 80% lowers stashed away, for whatever.

Double Snek by Damage Photos, on Flickr


DSC_0020 by Damage Photos, on Flickr

[Tyrannosaur]

That came out awesome. If you don't mind me asking which jig is it that you used?

[Pyzik]

That came out awesome. If you don't mind me asking which jig is it that you used?

Thanks. I used a Modulus Arms jig kit.

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[alamo5000]

It came out very well! And thanks for the post... it's realistic about what to expect in the way of tools and work and all that. I can buy a few aero lowers for cheap so unless I just really decide I love machine work I don't think the 80% thing is for me.

[Pyzik]

It came out very well! And thanks for the post... it's realistic about what to expect in the way of tools and work and all that. I can buy a few aero lowers for cheap so unless I just really decide I love machine work I don't think the 80% thing is for me.

Bingo. That's where I am at. You'd have to do at probably three 80% lowers break even on cost vs buying standard Aero or similar lowers. After three you probably start seeing the savings. But you're talking hours of time. That's worth something too.

But, they can be shipped to your house. Some folks might rate that value higher than I am.

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[Joelski]

I can ride my bicycle to my FFL and be there in 10 minutes. Snek not worth it...

[Pyzik]

I can ride my bicycle to my FFL and be there in 10 minutes. Snek not worth it...

I'm the same way. FFL is right down the road. I've even gotten a couple transfers free and they sell aero, anderson and spikes lowers at internet prices.

[UWone77]

I told Joe at Parallax he just needed to do a complete Snek lower, but then he reminded me he's Type 01 FFL.

[Pyzik]

I told Joe at Parallax he just needed to do a complete Snek lower, but then he reminded me he's Type 01 FFL.

Yep I asked the same thing when I was ready to buy one.

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[fledge]

I'm impressed how smooth that interior came out.

[Pyzik]

I'm impressed how smooth that interior came out.

Thanks man. There are some chatter marks.

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[FortTom]

Glad you had fun. Anderson about 10 min. drive from here. I have access to a Bridgeport, etc., but I just can't force myself to spend the time doing one, for what I can buy a decent one for. Just lazy, I guess. The SNEK is cool, don't care what anyone says.

FT

[Deadwing]

Nicely done, Pyzik. It looks like a fun project, as i enjoy working with machine tools. But, i don't even own a drill press, let alone a milling machine, and barely have room to park my cars in my garage. I would like a shop at some point in the future. So until such time, i'll probably stick to buying finished lowers.

[FortTom]

Nicely done, Pyzik. It looks like a fun project, as i enjoy working with machine tools. But, i don't even own a drill press, let alone a milling machine, and barely have room to park my cars in my garage. I would like a shop at some point in the future. So until such time, i'll probably stick to buying finished lowers.

Not trying to get off track here, but you don't need a Bridge Port or any other full size mill for projects like these. If you have decently steady work bench you can buy a bench (sized) milling/drilling machine...just a thought...

[Deadwing]

Not trying to get off track here, but you don't need a Bridge Port or any other full size mill for projects like these. If you have decently steady work bench you can buy a bench (sized) milling/drilling machine...just a thought...

It's a good idea, but unfortunately i don't even have the space for that. Two car garages ain't what they used to be. And my work bench in my shed, while steady, isn't very large. I might be able to squeeze a bench sized machine on it, but there wouldn't be room for anything else, and i wouldn't have the space to store it when not in use.