Where a complete newbie could find guidance/assistance with an AR build?

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  • jrh0341

    Member
    Jul 20, 2017
    58
    I've decided to try my hand at a 10.5-11.5 AR pistol.

    I've got a few issues on where to go.

    I am doing some dorky custom meme engraved lower. That's what convinced me to build in the first place. I really want this lower to have a specific roll mark and selector markings.

    So it looks my options are

    Order an engraved lower

    Order a blank lower and get it engraved



    Things I don't know:

    The difference in finish afterwards between: Getting an anodized lower engraved, vs getting raw aluminum engraved, then anodized after.

    What it would cost me in tools to finish an 80% lower? (On one hand, it feels strange to order a complete lower, then pay more in transfer fees than the cost of the item, on the other hand, why save a few $ on a lower then have to spend more than I saved to be able to finish it?) Also it appears using a blank 80 gives me more options for doing my own engraving

    As someone lacking both the tools and the experience, is this something you could take to a hobby shop and work on? I've always found DIY public access hobbyist shops for wood work and auto work. Curious if a similar solution exists.


    Thanks
     

    Pinecone

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 4, 2013
    28,175
    The difference will be, if you engrave after anodizing, you will have the engraving be raw aluminum color.

    So contracting with the darker anodized color.
     

    kalister1

    R.I.P.
    May 16, 2008
    4,814
    Pasadena Maryland
    What it would cost me in tools to finish an 80% lower? (On one hand, it feels strange to order a complete lower, then pay more in transfer fees than the cost of the item, on the other hand, why save a few $ on a lower then have to spend more than I saved to be able to finish it?) Also it appears using a blank 80 gives me more options for doing my own engraving


    Thanks

    I have watched a YouTube Video where a man uses a Dremel to finish an 80%. A cheap harbor freight table top drill press would be next in line as far as cash outlay.
    So I guess it all depends on your personal skill set and how much you want to spend.
     

    jrh0341

    Member
    Jul 20, 2017
    58
    I’m curious, what dorky custom meme are you using?

    Well, I keep seeing all these Space Force meme builds

    And since I’m a child of the 80’s and a Marine vet, I’m looking at doing an “original space force” i.e., 1986 Aliens, Colonial Space Marines build.



    I’m still deciding what that would actually look like, but I’m thinking probably a 10.5-12 inch, Mlok, Aliens theme rollmark, “Weiland-Yutani Corporation” manufacturer info, and

    Earth - Space - LV-426 Selector labels.
     

    rbird7282

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 6, 2012
    18,531
    Columbia
    Depends upon how large the engravings are. Small engravings and letters can be color filled pretty easily. Larger engravings are more difficult to color fill. If you wanted it all black, you could have it engraved and then Cerakoted.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

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