80% Lower finishing step

[AFJuvat]

Nice work!

The trick to long cutter life is correct speed for the metal being cut and keeping the cutter cool. Use a cutting oil, and pause every few minutes to allow the cutting tool to cool. You can dip it in a mix of Ballistol and water to cool and lubricate the tool.

[Caleb]

Baby steps. RO, baby steps. You are doing well, keep at it.

[Gatorade]

Originally Posted by RandallZ

May I suggest you use the top plate as a template rather than a guide? If you scribe a line on the 80, then remove the top plate you can use the line as your guide and save the plate from being chewed by the bit or end mill.

Randall

I don't think I could stay inside the lines like that. It was pretty hard cutting as it was. If it were wood that would be easy but with metal I don't have those skills yet. Maybe next one I will give it a try. For the bottom I will remove the top plate and use the inside wall as a guide.

[Gatorade]

Finished milling! Updated with pictures and assembly. It's happening!

[AFJuvat]

Congrats! Looks great.

[Caleb]

Good job! Can't wait for the test report.

[NAMVET72]

Stuck for Gatorade and for further reference point,

[Gatorade]

I took off a little on that rear shelf but it was still not lining up, so I took a rat tail file to the rear take down holes and just cleaned it up a touch. Fits nice and tight!

I was also able to get to the range today and it function checked great! I don't know if the pics are still holding up with the new Photobucket deal but it is a success!

I am working on the second one but got a little over confident while milling the trigger pocket and pushed a little hard on the front wall that is the rear of the magazine well and milled a small hole through to the mag well. I will get back and finish that one later and see if it is salvagible. The hole is small and some of those skeletonized lowers actually have more missing but it is not as good as the first completed one.