Published on Sep 8, 2017
A YouTube first! I melt aluminum cans, cast it in a mold, and then machine into an AR-15 lower receiver. This was a huge project for me, and I learned a lot. I think I will make a multi-part video series of the complete build with all the challenges, hiccups, and details.
FAQ:
1. How long did it take? I estimate it took 30-40 hours over a 2 month period to build.
2. Why not buy an 80% lower? This was all about the challenge and learning more metalworking skills. I wasn’t going for easy or fast. I had a blast making this!
3. Is it legal? Yes, it is legal to build a gun for personal use without a license or permit.
4. Will you sell it or make me one? NO! I do not have a permit to sell guns. Period.
5. Don’t you know it’s not safe to shoot at water? Not true. Bullets may ricochet off of water, just like they could off of steel, stone, or other hard surfaces. As long as you are aware of that fact and make sure the shot is safe even if it ricochets, then it’s fine.
6. Do you have any idea where those bullets are going that you shoot at the water? Yes, into the hill that rises 30 feet up behind it. The video may be deceiving, but there is more than enough of a backstop there.
7. Aren’t you worried about lead in the water? No. Bullets contain elemental lead which is extremely stable and won’t leach into the water. If the bullets were on the ground anywhere in the collection area of the pond every time it rains it would be the same effect as the bullet being in the pond due to run-off. Also, fishing tackle and sinkers are often made of lead as well.
8. Whats the song in the outro? Battleground, by Ethan Meixsell
9. Do you have to put a serial number on it? No, it’s not required by law. But FC101 just makes sense, doesn’t it? 😉
There is an easier and cheaper way of doing this. Most of the process here, could of easily been avoided to save time.
Right., Stan, Bar stock would be allot easier to use. I personally have photographs of the fixturing and the actual CNC programs from a company that makes those. I’ve made a couple polymer lowers. Aluminum is much better though.
Cool, now all I have to do is start drinking soda and acquire a machine shop.
ONLY 11 cases! Probably die before ya get a chance to pull the trigger! Cool video. Had to watch the whole way through. Good machinist with some good tools doing the work necessary to ensure a free state.
I get why he did this
But a ton of work
With an 80% lower and a machine called the ghost gunner at about 1600$ to your door for the self contained milling machine
You could build as many AR lowers you want
https://youtu.be/YpHQ-tkTI8M
$1600 is way too much for that little machine. Considering that its running 3 nema 17 motors, which are about $15 each and the brains being some sort of $20 arduino uno knock-off. For $1600, you’re better off buying a $1000 milling machine and converting it into cnc. A cnc kit containing nema 34’s 1600oz, could be found for around $400. The CNC software is free, if you use Linuxcnc. When it’s all said and done, you’ll be able to make make 0% receivers, for any type you want.
I wouldn’t recommend anyone spending that much money on the ghost gunner, its not worth it.
You can even build a good CNC router for half that price and still be able to cut aluminum.
This is true
The GG unit would be for the guy who has little space , and limited knowledge of machining practices, and a wad of money for the “cool” toy
Basically my message was
Building a gun ain’t rocket science
Better guns just take more time and money
But basic machines are all that’s needed
Agreed Stuzz! Crappy NEMA 17 open loop stepper motors? That thing is a joke for $1600.00.
Mostly all the electrical hardware on that machine are used on really cheap $150 3d printers. I even heard from several people that Ghost Gunner is running on Marlin Firmware, which is the same firmware used in most 3d printers and that firmware happens to be Free to download and modify . I’m not too sure on that though, but I wouldn’t doubt it.