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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 11:10:00 AM EDT
[Last Edit: john_ar]
how can i machine a ar 15 lower with a manual mill not a cnc ? i cant find anything about manual machining of gun parts does someone know?
Thanks in advance |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 11:12:11 AM EDT
[#1]
Any machinist can do it. Youtube milling tutorials.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 11:29:24 AM EDT
[Last Edit: john_ar]
[#2]
can you suggest any video for 0% lower
? |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 11:51:15 AM EDT
[Last Edit: john_ar]
[#4]
Thanks is it from scratch or 80%?
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LA, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 12:24:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Dex223]
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TGWLDR: CLICK ME This book is for a "from scratch" lower. But, if you have an 80%, just skip the parts that don't apply. You can search "Machining an 80% lower receiver", and a lot of websites will pop up. Or, look at the pinned discussions two or three topics up in "Links-to-80-threads-if-you-re-interested-in-building-80-receivers...click here" |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 12:37:32 PM EDT
[#6]
thanks
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Posted: 5/14/2024 12:39:05 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By john_ar: Thanks is it from scratch or 80%? C'mon now. Make a bit of effort. 
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Posted: 5/14/2024 12:40:36 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Dex223: This book is for a "from scratch" lower. But, if you have an 80%, just skip the parts that don't apply. You cheated and actually looked, didn't you? 
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GA, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 1:10:17 PM EDT
[#9]
Did they have CNCs back in the 1960s? Somehow they machined these things for decades.
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Posted: 5/14/2024 1:18:13 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Did they have CNCs back in the 1960s? Actually, yes. Not commonplace though. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 2:15:04 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Did they have CNCs back in the 1960s? Somehow they machined these things for decades. Back in the day most shops used several machines to do what a CNC can do now. Each machine did a task, and the piece was moved to the next. Not nearly as efficient as CNC, but just as accurate with proper setups. To perform all functions on a single machine would be massively time consuming due to all the setup, and then you had better be running at least a half dozen at a time because....Murphy |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 2:22:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: giantpune]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By s4s4u: Back in the day most shops used several machines to do what a CNC can do now. Each machine did a task, and the piece was moved to the next. Not nearly as efficient as CNC, but just as accurate with proper setups. To perform all functions on a single machine would be massively time consuming due to all the setup, and then you had better be running at least a half dozen at a time because....Murphy Right. But that wasn't the question. The question is can you, or how can you, machine one without a CNC. It had nothing to do with how time consuming the setups were or optimizing production runs by machining 8 lowers at once. Somewhere around here, there's an old timey video of a firearms factory producing stuff on machines even before they had advanced enough to get electricity or air to each station. IIRC, they were using a system of belts to transmit power all around the factory to each worker. Then the machine at each station used belts, pulleys, and a clutch to tap off whatever power they needed. |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 2:43:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TGWLDR]
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Right. But that wasn't the question. The question is can you, or how can you, machine one without a CNC. It had nothing to do with how time consuming the setups were or optimizing production runs by machining 8 lowers at once. Somewhere around here, there's an old timey video of a firearms factory producing stuff on machines even before they had advanced enough to get electricity or air to each station. IIRC, they were using a system of belts to transmit power all around the factory to each worker. Then the machine at each station used belts, pulleys, and a clutch to tap off whatever power they needed. Can you say guns of Khyber Pass ?
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NC, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 4:59:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lysanderxiii]
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TGWLDR: Actually, yes. Not commonplace though. CNC = Computer Numerically Controlled. In the 1960s most automated machine were run with a paper tape, or punch-cards, so actually analog control.   Numerical Control System |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 5:06:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: lysanderxiii]
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Right. But that wasn't the question. The question is can you, or how can you, machine one without a CNC. It had nothing to do with how time consuming the setups were or optimizing production runs by machining 8 lowers at once. Somewhere around here, there's an old timey video of a firearms factory producing stuff on machines even before they had advanced enough to get electricity or air to each station. IIRC, they were using a system of belts to transmit power all around the factory to each worker. Then the machine at each station used belts, pulleys, and a clutch to tap off whatever power they needed. If you calculate in the time and efforts required to make a 3D model, program the code, and load in the machine, get the set-ups right and adjust all the tool stick-outs, I can transform an 80% chunk of aluminum into a lower faster. Takes about two hours on a manual mill, including a smoke break. As long I have a well thought-out machining drawing. |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 5:10:54 PM EDT
[#16]
I wouldn’t try a 0% unless you have some serious practice. Get a jig and pull up a YouTube video. And take your time. Cut a little at a time. Hardest thing, for me, was getting the right depth of the cuts.
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Posted: 5/14/2024 5:55:39 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lysanderxiii: CNC = Computer Numerically Controlled. In the 1960s most automated machine were run with a paper tape, or punch-cards, so actually analog control. https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NC-Machine-Punch-Tape.jpeg  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDXvyRd3JY4Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lysanderxiii: Originally Posted By TGWLDR: Actually, yes. Not commonplace though. CNC = Computer Numerically Controlled. In the 1960s most automated machine were run with a paper tape, or punch-cards, so actually analog control. https://www.shopfloorautomations.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NC-Machine-Punch-Tape.jpeg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDXvyRd3JY4Yeah, NC predates CNC. NC utilized coded punch tapes. Late '60s saw the into of actual CNC. Hell, guys finish out 80 percent lowers with nothing more than a drill press. A manual milling machine should be like uptown. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 7:03:32 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Did they have CNCs back in the 1960s? Somehow they machined these things for decades. In the 1940's nine primary contractors made more than 6.1 million Caliber .30 M1 carbines using manual machines. The parts on every one of these M1 Carbine rifles interchanged with every other M1 Carbine rifle. |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 7:04:54 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By M4BlackRifle: In the 1940's nine primary contractors made more than 6.1 million Caliber .30 M1 carbines using manual machines. The parts on every one of these M1 Carbine rifles interchanged with every other M1 Carbine rifle. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By M4BlackRifle: Originally Posted By giantpune: Did they have CNCs back in the 1960s? Somehow they machined these things for decades. In the 1940's nine primary contractors made more than 6.1 million Caliber .30 M1 carbines using manual machines. The parts on every one of these M1 Carbine rifles interchanged with every other M1 Carbine rifle. When "skilled trades" actually meant something. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 7:08:52 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TGWLDR: When "skilled trades" actually meant something. And the blueprints were all drawn by hand. |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 7:26:22 PM EDT
[#21]
Seems to me like one of those "if you have to ask" kind of questions. Take a class, learn to use your machinery, you'll know when you're ready. Or just jump in and go for it, Paki kids with no shoes do it
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USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 7:41:21 PM EDT
[#22]
Somewhere out there on the interwebs you’ll find a pdf file about machining an AR lower from a raw forging, authored by the late Ray Vin, may he rest in peace. Go find it. It will teach you everything you need to know.
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Posted: 5/14/2024 7:46:48 PM EDT
[#23]
Originally Posted By TGWLDR: CLICK ME Originally Posted By MemeWarfare: Somewhere out there on the interwebs you’ll find a pdf file about machining an AR lower from a raw forging, authored by the late Ray Vin, may he rest in peace. Go find it. It will teach you everything you need to know.  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 8:29:44 PM EDT
[#24]
For those of us who don't have a Scribd account, here is an Internet Archive link.
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LA, USA
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Posted: 5/14/2024 9:12:32 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TGWLDR: You cheated and actually looked, didn't you? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TGWLDR: Originally Posted By Dex223: This book is for a "from scratch" lower. But, if you have an 80%, just skip the parts that don't apply. You cheated and actually looked, didn't you? Yes...I did, almost 10 years ago! I've been using it (and other sources) ever since. |
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Posted: 5/14/2024 9:19:51 PM EDT
[#26]
i have made an undisclosed number with a WEN desktop milling machine. after some practice you can actually get good at it and even make factory quality. dont expect that to happen on your first tho
 i put a number of comments in the 80% milling thread related to my experiences |
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Posted: 5/26/2024 6:19:42 AM EDT
[#27]
Raw Forging Completed on Mini-mill
Damn, that was over 9 years ago. I used the Ray-Vin guide. I still have a hard copy. I just shot that lower the other day, it is my dedicated can cannon lower now. Lots of good info here too. 80% milling thread |
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Posted: 5/26/2024 6:43:05 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lysanderxiii: If you calculate in the time and efforts required to make a 3D model, program the code, and load in the machine, get the set-ups right and adjust all the tool stick-outs, I can transform an 80% chunk of aluminum into a lower faster. Takes about two hours on a manual mill, including a smoke break. As long I have a well thought-out machining drawing. In fairness, my milling skills are not often used but my CNC skills I use at least once a week. Presuming a forging and not a raw block, you don't even need a 3d model. It's all 2.5d. Reality is, CNC only really shines if you're making more than one. It also is pretty trick for making custom roll marks. |
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Posted: 5/26/2024 7:20:37 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Homesteader375: In fairness, my milling skills are not often used but my CNC skills I use at least once a week. Presuming a forging and not a raw block, you don't even need a 3d model. It's all 2.5d. Reality is, CNC only really shines if you're making more than one. It also is pretty trick for making custom roll marks. |
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NH, USA
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Posted: 5/27/2024 5:17:09 PM EDT
[#30]
Just make it per plan.
I guess I don't understand. Does the OP believe he can swing by a forum ask how to do it and just pull it off? Does he have any experience. I would be surprised if EVERY journeyman machinist could make one first effort. Now surely job shop guys could pull it off but some journeyman that just monitors some big part day in and day out might have some problems. That would be like saying if a guy is a welder he can weld nuclear pipe. There are a dozen critical dimensions and relationships of those dimensions. If he has to ask... Anyway, I wish the OP the best. |
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