Drill Press for 80% AR15 Lower (Guide)

Building an 80% AR15 sounds fairly simple at first but once you begin your build the tasks and tools (drill press) required begin to add up.

You need the following parts, tools, and accessories for the majority of 80% AR15 builds:

• 80% AR15/.308/9mm Lower Receiver
• 80% AR Jig
• AR15 Upper
• AR15 Lower Parts Kit
• Stock/Buffer Tube
• Cutting Fluid
• Acid Brush
• C Clamps
• And of course the Drill Press!

Once you have ordered and received all of the necessary parts for you 80% build you now need to figure out which drill press is going to get the job done without turning your rifle into a $5,000 firearm.

Buying an 80% AR15 Lower Receiver Drill Press

When purchasing a drill press for completing 80% AR15 rifles, there are several important factors to consider.

You want to make sure you have enough power and size to complete your 80% lower receiver while also having the speed and accuracy to work well with your 80% jig.

While machine shops often spend thousands of dollars on a new drill press, you, as a hobbyist 80% builder will want to get the most bang for your buck.

While some shy away from Chinese brands they bring a level of affordability to drill presses that isn’t seen at your local home depot.

Consider the following when deciding on your next AR15 focused drill press:

Power

Make sure the drill press has enough power to handle the materials you will be drilling. For 80% AR15 lowers, you will need a press with at least 1/2 horsepower.

Size

The size of the drill press is important. You will need a press that is large enough to accommodate the size of the 80% lower you will be working on. A 10-12 inch swing is typically sufficient for most 80% lowers.

Speed

Look for a drill press with variable speed settings so you can adjust the speed of the drill to match the material being drilled. This will help prevent overheating and other problems.

Accuracy

Precision is important when completing an 80% AR15 lower. Look for a drill press with a good depth stop and accurate depth gauge.

Versatility

Consider purchasing a drill press that can also be used for other projects or tasks. This will give you more value for your money and make the drill press a more versatile tool in your workshop.

Brand and quality

Choose a reputable brand and look for a drill press that is made of high-quality materials. This will ensure that the drill press will last for years and provide consistent performance.

Price

Drill presses can vary greatly in price. Determine your budget and choose a model that provides the features and quality you need within your price range.

Reviews

Finally, check out reviews of the drill press before making your purchase. Read what other customers have to say about the product and the company’s customer service. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the drill press and the manufacturer.

Best Drill Press for 80% AR15 Lower Receivers

Overall, the WEN drill press is a good option for those on a budget who require a versatile and moderately sized drill press.

If you have already blown your budget purchasing an expensive 80% jig and upper this is the way to go to pinch a few pennies at the end of your build.

Pros

1. Affordability: The WEN drill press is priced reasonably and is a good option for those on a tight budget.
2. Versatility: The drill press has a variable speed setting, which allows you to adjust the speed to match the material you are drilling.
3. Large work table: The table on the WEN drill press is large, which provides plenty of workspace for your 80% AR15 projects.
4. Depth gauge: The drill press has a depth gauge, which allows you to make precise and accurate holes.Customer service: WEN has a reputation for providing excellent customer service, which is a bonus if you have any issues with the product.

Cons

1. Low power: The WEN drill press has a 1/3 horsepower motor, which may not be powerful enough for some materials.
2. Quality control issues: Some users have reported quality control issues with the product, such as the motor burning out after a short period of use.
3. Belt tensioning: The belt tensioning mechanism on the WEN drill press can be difficult to adjust and may require frequent adjustments.
4. Chuck quality: The chuck on the WEN drill press may not be of the highest quality and can come loose during use. However, during our 5 80% AR lower receiver builds we did not have any issues.

The SKIL drill press is a good option for those on a budget but who would like a bit more speed and precision for their 80% AR15 build.

The laser alignment system and the higher speed make this the perfect upgraded pick that also won’t make you a poor.

Pros

1. Affordability: The SKIL drill press is priced reasonably and is a good option for those on a budget.
2. Versatility: The drill press has a variable speed setting, which allows you to adjust the speed to match the material you are drilling.
3. Laser alignment system: The drill press has a laser alignment system, which makes it easier to drill precise and accurate holes.
4. Speed: The motor of the SKIL at 6.2 amps with 5 variable speeds makes the cuts cleaner and will keep your 80% jig in better shape over the long haul.
5. Customer service: SKIL has a reputation for providing excellent customer service, which is a bonus if you have any issues with the product.

Cons

1. Quality control issues: Some users have reported quality control issues with the product, such as the motor burning out after a short period of use.
2. Limited warranty: The product comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which is shorter than other drill press warranties on the market.
3. Noisy: Some users have reported that the SKIL drill press is noisy and may require ear protection during use.

Overall, the JET drill press is a good option for those who need a powerful and high-quality drill press.

If you have extra money and plan on doing more than 1 – 5 builds it may be worth the investment. While not cheap this is also not neccisarly expensive when it comes to a drill press.

The speed and sturdiness of the JET drill press will be noticed as an immediate improvement over our previous two budget oriented picks.

The Jet will crank out clean and precise 80% lower receiver with zero issues.

Pros

1. Powerful motor: The JET drill press has a 1/2 hp motor, which is much more powerful than many other drill presses on the market.
2. Large work table: The table on the JET drill press is large, which provides plenty of workspace for your projects.
3. Variable speed setting: The drill press has a variable speed setting, which allows you to adjust the speed to match the material you are drilling.
4. Digital readout: The JET drill press has a digital readout, which makes it easier to make precise and accurate holes.

Cons

1. Expensive: The JET drill press is more expensive than many other drill presses on the market, which may not be affordable for some buyers.
2. Heavy (a pro for some): The drill press is heavy, which may make it difficult to move or store.
3. Assembly: The drill press may require some assembly, which can be time-consuming and may require some technical knowledge.

Conclusion

There are a fair amount of drill press tools on the market that will all work for completing the drilling and milling of your AR15 80% lower receiver.

We found the WEN drill press to exceed expectations when creating a finished lower that is true to specifications and easy enough to finish even for novice gun builders.

If you have the extra money, sure, go for the upgraded picks.

Rest assured that the budget drill press will get the job done and you will be on the gun range with your new 80% rifle in no time.

We would also not be 3D Gun Builder if we did not offer you the option of printing your own AR15 lower receiver which would be another route you can go 🙂

What drill press did you use to complete your 80% lower receiver? Let us know in the comments down below!