First, I just want to thank Mike for providing us with an awesome product.  Broken Arms will always be my go to for this moving forward.

Everything about this product is top notch. From the lower and jigs to the plates and bits. This is quality work from someone who obviously cares about his product.

To anyone considering buying an 80% lower you need look NO FURTHER.  With Mike's products and instructional video you will not find a better lower to do this with and as easy instructions on doing so.  To start everything is clearly laid out for you.  I have watched Mike's video probably 20-30 times before I decided to try it.  Out of all the videos I watched his was always the nicest looking product when it was said and done. I would watch 1 step of the video and then do the step on the press.  I went back and forth like this until it was completed. The jig and plates are clearly marked and the bits are marked with sizes as well. Its fool proof as long as you are paying attention to what you are doing. Take your time.  There is no hurry and you will end up with a much better looking product.

For anyone that has never done this before I suggest you have a full knowledge of your drill press. Know the difference between a depth stop and quill lock, Know how your press works and how to adjust speeds.  For anyone who is worried about not having a quill lock there is always a work around.  I used an older drill press that did not have a quill lock but had a depth stop that, after thinking about it for awhile, could be used as a quill lock if set correctly. However, it could not be used as both a quill lock and depth stop at the same time. I could stop the quill from moving up but could not control the depth or could not stop the quill from moving up but could control the depth. So, when it came to the the last two plates with end mills I took some time and thought about it. My work around for no quill lock was this. . .I lowered the quill as low as it would go and had my pop hold it there while i adjusted the table height to correct depth. (Knowing when I'm actually working the drill will not go lower than the correct depth)  This allowed me to use my depth stop as a quill lock and table as my depth stop. Hope your following. So, to wrap this up it worked out great.  When my press bottomed out I knew I was at the correct final depth.

Mike, thanks so much for this product.  As soon as I was done my pop said, "Well hell, that looks as good as the one in the store. When do I get to make one."  I really have no complaints.  I couldn't be more happy with this experience.  I do have a question and maybe someone can help me.  I bought a raw lower and would like to get it cerakoted.  Is there any additional work that needs done to do this?  I assume the cerakote will change the dimensions of the holes.

Last edited by LongBeard85 (7/11/2016 4:44 pm)