80% Lower Prototypes

[safecracker]

Found this site on the web. I have no idea who they are, but with the availability of lowers being non-existant, I thought this might generate some interest. Looks like they are trying to finance this projects with pre-orders. Almost worth risking fifty bucks....

http://www.rockethub.com/projects/1...apid-prototyping-of-80-lowers#description-tab

 

[SRD]

They're not even ready to start production.

"What We Need:•$30,000 USD so that we can purchase the machinery, parts and materials necessary to take our shop to the next level."

They only have $5,595 at this point,I think I'll wait.

 

[geichel]

It might be worth 50 bucks when they are a little closer than 19%, but ill be keeping an eye on this one !

 

[GoGoGadget]

They are at 62% now. Thinking about this...

 

[wesser1]

This is interesting. I wonder what they mean by "we cannot provide fully functioning lowers". Is that their way of saying it's a stripped lower, or that it cann't be made into a functioning lower? It says it's 80% of a lower so it can be shipped directly to your house instead of an FFL. I guess the idea is to get donations, not to sell real lowers.

 

[SRD]

This is interesting. I wonder what they mean by "we cannot provide fully functioning lowers". Is that their way of saying it's a stripped lower, or that it cann't be made into a functioning lower?

It is 80% as the thread title says.If it was a stripped lower,it would be 100% and as such a "firearm".An 80% lower still has to be completed before use (by you) to be a firearm.

 

[Jason21237]

Looks like they are going to make. Over 20 grand with 22 days left.Its tempting.

 

[Diamonddoug]

I gave it a try why not support the american dream of someone else, I certainly have been blessed

 

[gmhowell]

Unless they have some experience in manufacturing, this may not be a good thing.

 

[40-Cal-Polymer]

Hmmmm, very temping. How much is it to finish the lower to make it assembly ready? That engraving of the 2nd amendment is SECK!!

 

[boricuamaximus]

Unless they have some experience in manufacturing, this may not be a good thing.

If it's a CNC machine then it's no biggie. They just load the plans and a block of AL and call it a day.

 

[40-Cal-Polymer]

If it's a CNC machine then it's no biggie. They just load the plans and a block of AL and call it a day.

Bwhaha! You beat me to it lol. Spot on!

 

[smdub]

If it's a CNC machine then it's no biggie. They just load the plans and a block of AL and call it a day.

You're missing the animation. If you've never run a CNC machine before there is *WAY* more to it than that. I own several.

 

[Jason21237]

With an already built lower and a plotter they can pretty much be totally ignorant to manufacturing and turn out a decent piece. Its very easy at this point.

 

[Echo]

I doubt their plan is just to buy the machines and try to pump out lowers. They seems to have some idea about what their doing. I'd like to give them the benefit of a doubt that someone within their organization knows how to or will be taking training on running the machines.

 

[40-Cal-Polymer]

You're missing the animation. If you've never run a CNC machine before there is *WAY* more to it than that. I own several.

So then you would be able to finish these 80% er's? hmmmm, even more tempting then before. lol How much would you charge?

 

[Jason21237]

I would have to assume that the guys trying to get this started know what they are doing whether they are employed at a lower manufacturer now or just gun guys that know how to operate cnc equipment. Either way it should work out just fine. Im probably doing to send them at least 50 bucks here shortly. Even if it turns out to be only be a donation oh well.... I have pissed out more than 50 bucks in alcohol after a good night at the bar.

 

[NickZac]

I've seen a few of these in some local stores. Interesting...my thought tho...wouldn't polymer be ideal for these over aluminum?

 

[Jason21237]

I would think a polymer 80% would be a no go. You cant really cut polymer away. It needs to be formed completely in the initial process. Plastic melts and deforms when you cut it. Aluminum is really the only good choice of materials for ease of finishing etc.

 

[NickZac]

That is true. I guess polymer would be easier to work with, but the expense of it being easier to ruin and weaken resulting in makers going with aluminum. Any idea how hard machining the final bit would be?