80% Arms, Easy Jig Gen 2 Review

[haewired]

This is a review for the 80% Arms, Easy Jig Gen 2 Multi Platform AR.  It’s multi platform in that you can use it for AR15’s/AR9’s and AR308’s.  So far I’ve made 2 AR lowers with this if and I’m really liking it.  This kit works best with small Trim routers.  It will work with larger routers, but you’ll need a special adaptor.  I have a dewalt Trim router that works well.  Check for compatibility on their website.  You’ll see in the pics below that I added their Optional “Hardend Steel Hand Drill Stabilizers”.  It eliminates the need for a drill press.

The key here is taking your time and READ the instructions.  I for one don’t normally read instructions but in this case it helps a lot.  The company claims you can mill out a lower in under 30 minutes.  It took me 90 minutes because I was being very meticulous.  Assembly is easy and straight forward.  Just make sure you’re configuring it to the platform you’re building.  All of the major parts are labeled so it’s easy to identify which side to use.  This kit comes will pretty much all the necessary hardware you need.  

Other things you’ll need is a can of electronics duster, WD40, brake cleaner,  paint brush, duct tape, shop vacuum cleaner, good lighting  and table vise.

Pictures of the kit and the Juggernaut Tactical 80% lower.

[98Z5V]

That is one SERIOUS jig setup. 

[Belt Fed]

Nice jig, I never seen one the nice

[haewired]

Before you start, you have to line up the Router with the router base.  It took about 5 minutes with my router.  This kit has a vacuum cleaner attachment, and it works alright. You just have to seal up all the areas with duct tape.  You’ll see the pics below how I taped it all up.  I also set up a plastic room to contain the aluminum chips to reduce the mess which was a good thing.  A vise is important here, it’ll make your life much easier.

So you start by drilling a pilot hole all the way through the receiver.  The instructions say you cannot do this with a portable drill because it doesn’t have enough power.  I’m here to tell you that if you have a strong enough drill, AND YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING, it can be done.  I use plenty of WD40 I feather the speed so the bit is SLOW and apply moderate pressure.  I’ll back the drill out several times to get those chips out and lube it.  It’s a pretty long hole to drill so take your time.  If you have a drill press, then more power to you, It’ll be a lot less work.  

The top of the jig has depth guides to help you with every pass of the router.  Take your time and read the instructions before you start.  After every router pass, I cleaned the bottom of the router, the top of the jig, the bearing surfaces of the jig that the router follows with the paint brush, and blast the cavity with the canned air to clear out the aluminum chips.  Before I start with the next depth I’ll spritz WD40 in the cavity.  just enough to cover the area.  

[haewired]

When you’re all done with the cavity and trigger hole (about 30 passes) it’s time to drill out the trigger pins and safety holes.  I highly recommend the drill guides.  It makes the job easier and true.  When you’re done the fun part is next.  Cleaning up can be a messy job so prepare for a lot of debris.  With all the WD40 used it can be a pain to clean it all up.  I used brake cleaner and washed it all down till the entire lower was totally free of aluminum chips.  

The end result was pretty good.  The trigger hole had two blemishes which I don’t understand.  The entire operation was very smooth without any chattering or jumping.  I needed to take a small file to smooth and radius some sharp edges, and the only control surface that needed some minor filing was the safety.  

All in all, I’m very happy with this jig.  The price is about $250, add another $30 for the drill guides.  If you’re law enforcement or military, they have a 10% discount.  Remember, this is only a review so proceed with care and caution.  Good luck and I hope this helps anyone down the line.

[haewired]

Semi Final work.  I installed all components to make sure everything lines up.  Function check is satisfactory, ready for engraving and Cerakoting!  That LaRue Tactical Straight Bow Trigger sure is nice!

[Cunuckgaucho]

As we say around here 'That's pretty skookum' 

[haewired]

3 minutes ago, Cunuckgaucho said:

As we say around here 'That's pretty skookum' 

Skookum eh!

[Boot_Scraper]

T's a beut Clark! 

[RedRiverII]

Would any pro here recommend this drill for the above application?  I've used floor presses on the job a few times but that's not my area of expertise. I always wanted one for my garage.

[RedRiverII]

Tried to edit the above.  I see it's for a router,  my mistake.

[haewired]

This forum engine is unforgiving it seems to me when it comes to typos and correction.

I'm not a pro, but I think there are so many applications for a drill press when it comes to Firearms!  A drill press would definitely be useful for this jig if you don't get the drill guide for the trigger assembly and safety.  It would also make the first pilot hole light work as well.

[DNP]

The edit feature was removed due to some incidents long ago when someone went off the rails in a personal spat, then deleted all of their posts to cover tracks. The decision was made that their insanity should live on the web as a reminder to all and a warning to future searches regarding the individual.  Sometimes a character will show up and cause a bit of research to be done.  Many drag their name from forum to forum and a quick web search will show that they’ve been banned at several before.  So thanks to one A-Hole and a few other situations, the rest of us have a 15 or 30 minute window for edits.  Long enough to re-read the post and edit fat thumb mistakes or other typos.

If you have a major correction that needs to be made or want to clean up or add info to one of the write-ups you’ve dedicated time to, a pm to the mods (or launch of the. “Report post” button) will likely get you fixed up within a reasonable timeframe. There are some really good guys behind the scenes moderating at this place...and one batshit crazy guy - we won’t mention any names...he doesn’t know he’s crazy. 

Edited May 24, 2019 by DNP

[haewired]

Thanks for the explanation!  I see you edited your post lol.  I like to edit my reviews because new things come up or I’ll forget things or in one case I was half asleep so my grammar was terrible. 

[Belt Fed]

Are you going to cerakote it to match the Juggernaut rail or is this one going to be a whole different build?  It looks really nice. I see you used the parts out of the polymer lower. I don't blame you on that one. You putting the Phase 5 on this one?

[DNP]

I edit often immediately following. I don’t know why I don’t read it before it posts, but I use my phone here...and I have fat thumbs. 

[haewired]

1 hour ago, Belt Fed said:

Are you going to cerakote it to match the Juggernaut rail or is this one going to be a whole different build?  It looks really nice. I see you used the parts out of the polymer lower. I don't blame you on that one. You putting the Phase 5 on this one?

Cerakote FDE and it’s going on my original build replacing the frisbee lower that failed.  The Phase 5 wont fit on this lower because the lower flares out at the bottom.  Fortunately this lower has a bolt release button on the right side. 

[RedRiverII]

Looks like it is done well.  Good going bud.

[98Z5V]

19 hours ago, DNP said:

There are some really good guys behind the scenes moderating at this place...and one batshit crazy guy - we won’t mention any names...he doesn’t know he’s crazy. 

I just cannot believe that you'd talk about Rob like that.  It shocks me.  

[suzukiray]

19 hours ago, 98Z5V said:

I just cannot believe that you'd talk about me like that.  It shocks me.  

Fixed it for you Tom!!!!

Aaaaahahahahahaha!!!!!