First Tormach Project - AR15 Lower

[s2jesse]

Figured with some of my problems out of the way id post this. Here is a link to a blog I tossed up that will document my progress on this cnc ar15 lower im attempting to make.

As the blog states, this is my first real milling project. Ive done a few little 2d things with my converted x2 but this is a whole new world

I designed it with alibre and the cam with sprutcam. I already had a few issues with user error But im gonna finish this first billet and then create a second with the lessons learned

CNC AR-15






Jesse

[asuratman]

Very nice job. What material do you use? I do not know about gun at all.

[TXFred]

Nice looking part. Is the first picture a rendering?

Just like you, I moved up from an X2 conversion. Once I started to figure out what the Tormach could do, I wanted to kick myself for spending years fighting that P.O.S. mini-mill.

I imagine that you're having the same eye opening experience, especially now that you've tackled the collet slip issue.

Be sure to post pictures of the completed AR. I can't wait to see it.

Frederic

[pete from TN]

First let me commend you on tackling a complex project and getting it done so far. It is one of those things I want to do with my CNC at some point. Let me ask you about your strategy here. How do you plan to machine the opposite side? Are you gonna completely machine thru leaving tabs or did you plan to machine some sorta fixture to hold the other side while you whittle away the rest? What are your plans to machine thru for the mag well and trigger areas? Did you make those anodized ones in the first pic or are they renderings as previously asked? They sure look good but do not appear to have threads in the buffer hole...

I would love to see someone complete one of these with their tormach because it will mean it is doable with my RF45 as well. I know there is a fellow on youtube that made one with an X3 CNC. What kinda upper are you planning to use? Anyways, nice work and keep the pics coming...peace


Pete

[s2jesse]

Very nice job. What material do you use? I do not know about gun at all.

Just 6061. There isnt any realy forces etc held in the lower of an ar15. Might wear out more at the pin locations etc vrs 7075. This i more about learning the mill and other milling concepts.

[s2jesse]

First let me commend you on tackling a complex project and getting it done so far. It is one of those things I want to do with my CNC at some point. Let me ask you about your strategy here. How do you plan to machine the opposite side? Are you gonna completely machine thru leaving tabs or did you plan to machine some sorta fixture to hold the other side while you whittle away the rest? What are your plans to machine thru for the mag well and trigger areas? Did you make those anodized ones in the first pic or are they renderings as previously asked? They sure look good but do not appear to have threads in the buffer hole...

I would love to see someone complete one of these with their tormach because it will mean it is doable with my RF45 as well. I know there is a fellow on youtube that made one with an X3 CNC. What kinda upper are you planning to use? Anyways, nice work and keep the pics coming...peace


Pete

The picture is a 3d render i made. Yeah i figure im gonna try just flip the part and machine most of the plane work first then finish the contour leaving a couple tabs. Then i dont need to make a special fixture for this step. We'll see how it goes I started with a 1-1/2" piece of aluminum which was much cheeper as well. Not 100% sure on mag well but I got a square broach to try in the corners but not sure how well that will go

Jesse

[compunerdy]

I plan to do this as well. I found the following site which shows step by step machining of a lower and other parts and the guy also sells adapters to hold it in place while machining.

CNCGUNSMITHING - www.cncguns.com - AR15

[s2jesse]

I plan to do this as well. I found the following site which shows step by step machining of a lower and other parts and the guy also sells adapters to hold it in place while machining.

CNCGUNSMITHING - www.cncguns.com - AR15

Oh yeah great site too.

[pete from TN]

Thanks for the information man and I look forward to seeing you test fire this project soon!!

Pete

[Gerry Sweetland]

Cool project! Thanks for the your blog link too, it'll be fun following your progress.
Gerry

[photomankc]

If I can ever figure out the dimensional differences between the AR-10 and the DPMS-LR308 platforms this is exactly what I want to do as well on my little BF-25. Figure 6061 to learn on but 7075 once I feel confident. I'm just stuck at how to gather the dimensions from my existing DPMS without tearing it down which I don't really want to do.

[VaderSpade]

If I can ever figure out the dimensional differences between the AR-10 and the DPMS-LR308 platforms this is exactly what I want to do as well on my little BF-25. Figure 6061 to learn on but 7075 once I feel confident. I'm just stuck at how to gather the dimensions from my existing DPMS without tearing it down which I don't really want to do.

Which do you want to build, and what dimensions do you want? I have DPMS style lowers lying around.

I’ve also seen dimensions here and there, if you let me know what you want I may be able to help.

Maybe start with an 80% lower and get the dimensions from it? The prices are coming down Quentin Defense just came out with a nice DPMS style .308 lower in 80% for under $150.00 shipped.