Are you looking for a way to build your own 80% 1911 frame from scratch? If so, you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we will walk you through the entire process of building a custom 80% 1911 frame from the ground up. We'll cover everything from the parts you need to the tools necessary for the job, and even provide tips for making sure your frame is as strong and reliable as possible. So, let's get started on building your very own 80% 1911 frame!

1) Milling the aluminum

One of the first steps in building your own 1911 frame from scratch is to mill the aluminum. This process shapes and cuts the aluminum into the desired shape, ensuring it has all the necessary components for a quality frame. If you're looking for an easy way to get started on this project, consider purchasing an 80% lower from 80-lower.com. These pre-milled aluminum frames are ready for you to begin drilling and tapping the holes necessary for assembly. With the assistance of a machinist, you'll be able to customize and finish the frame exactly how you want it.

2) Drilling the holes

When it comes to building a 1911 frame from scratch, the drilling of the holes is one of the most important steps. All of the components in the frame require precise and accurate positioning of the holes to ensure a proper fit and function. Using an 80-lower.com drill press or jig can make this process much easier. The 80-lower.com drill press is perfect for drilling holes in 1911 frames with its adjustable drill bit sizes and accuracy. With the use of the drill press, you can quickly and accurately drill all of the holes for the slide, hammer, and other small parts required for the frame. In addition to being accurate and easy to use, this drill press also has an adjustable depth stop to make sure that you don’t over-drill any of the holes in the frame. Once all of the holes are drilled and tapped, you can move on to the next step in assembling your 1911 frame.

3) Tapping the holes

Tapping the holes is a critical part of the aluminum 1911 frame build. This process involves using a tap to create internal threads in each of the frame's holes. Tapping the holes correctly is essential for ensuring the frame will be securely held together.

Before you start tapping the holes, it’s important to make sure that the tap is well lubricated and the drill bit is sharp. This will help prevent damage to the aluminum as well as ensure that the threads are cut cleanly.

Start by selecting a tap that matches the size of the drill bit used to create the holes. Place the tap in the drill chuck and use the drilling machine to turn it clockwise while pressing downwards. This will create a thread within each of the frame’s holes. It’s important to keep a steady pressure on the tap so that it won’t skip or slip off its course. After each hole has been tapped, use a file to smooth out any jagged edges.

Tapping the holes correctly is an important part of building an aluminum 1911 frame. By taking your time and following these steps, you can ensure that your frame will be securely held together.