Ultimate Guide： Best 80 Lower Jig for Milling Machine Efficiency

Now, if ya need an 80 lower jig for that milling machine of yours, you gotta pick somethin’ that fits right and does the job. Ain’t no sense buyin’ just anything that calls itself a jig; ya need one that’ll make your lower receiver finishin’ a breeze. This here’s a guide to help ya sort out the best of ‘em, and I’m gonna tell ya what folks in the know have to say. So here we go.

First thing to know is, ya can make an 80 percent lower with different materials. There’s billet aluminum, forged aluminum, and polymer. All got their strengths, mind ya, and that’s somethin’ to think about when ya pick a jig. For most folks, billet and forged aluminum last longer, and they’re tough. But polymer’s lighter if ya want somethin’ easy to handle.

Alright, so now we’re gonna look at the types of jigs folks are usin’ these days. Ya got two main choices: the router jig and the milling jig. Both work, sure, but they got differences ya wanna consider. With a milling jig, you’re usin’ a milling machine, while the router jig works with a router. Folks say the router jig might be easier if ya don’t already have a big setup, but a milling jig’s better if ya got the tools to handle it. Let’s break down what each can do for ya.

• Router Jig: These jigs are nice if you’re just lookin’ to do a few lowers, maybe three or four. They’re good for folks who don’t wanna mess with a full milling setup. You clamp ‘em down, and the router does the cuttin’ for ya. If ya got a steady hand, they’re a good option.
• Milling Jig: This jig’s for the folks who already got a milling machine and wanna get some precision done. They’re a little tougher to handle at first, but once ya get goin’, they’re faster and more stable. And if you’re lookin’ to do more than just a few lowers, it’ll save ya some trouble in the long run.

Now, if ya go for the milling jig, ya gotta make sure ya got all the required bits ready. That means drill bits and end mill bits. Don’t skimp on these! A good jig will usually come with these bits, so make sure you’re buyin’ from a reliable place. And remember, not all jigs come with these tools, so check before ya pay.

So let’s talk about durability. Some jigs are made of steel, some aluminum. Aluminum’s lighter and easier to handle, but steel’s gonna last ya longer if you’re doin’ a bunch of lowers. If ya know you’re only makin’ a couple, ya might not need the heavy stuff. But for folks lookin’ to do a lot of ‘em, steel jigs are worth the investment, even if they cost ya a bit more.

Finally, let’s talk about the process. With the right jig, ya can finish up a lower receiver in about 15 minutes, sometimes up to an hour. I know that sounds quick, but ya gotta pay attention. Clamp it down right, go slow, and make sure you’re followin’ all the steps. If ya skip a step or get too quick, ya could mess up the whole thing.

So, to wrap this up, here’s what ya need to remember:

• Pick the jig that fits your setup – router jigs for routers, milling jigs for milling machines.
• Look for a durable material – steel or aluminum, dependin’ on how many lowers ya plan to make.
• Check if it comes with the bits ya need – you don’t wanna be halfway through and missin’ a bit.
• Take your time and follow each step – it’s gonna save ya frustration later.

That’s about all ya need to know about findin’ the best 80 lower jig for a milling machine. Get somethin’ that suits your work, and keep it steady, and ya’ll have yourself a fine lower receiver in no time.

Tags：80 Lower Jig, Milling Machine, Best Lower Jig, Router Jig, Drill Press Jig