80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1
Pros & cons
What works
- 1.8 lb (816g) CNC aluminum body — resists deflection better than polymer jigs
- Built-in depth gauge allows 0.001" incremental verification
- Designed for approximately 10 lower completions before bushing wear inspection
Trade-offs
- Requires separate purchase of 1/4" end mill — adds ~$25-40 to initial cost
- Not compatible with drill presses — mandates router purchase/tooling
- Limited to AR-15 platform — cannot mill .308/AR-10 lowers
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1 is a router-based aluminum jig for accurately converting 80% lower receivers into finished, serialized AR-15 components at home. It is engineered for builders who prioritize repeatable dimensional precision over speed. This is the foundational tool for a methodical 80% finishing process.
What is the 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1 used for?
The Easy Jig® Gen 1 is used for milling the fire control group pocket and completing the receiver interior of AR-15 80% lower blanks. It provides the necessary alignment and depth control to ensure correct pin and safety selector hole placement. This process typically requires about 90 minutes of focused milling time per lower.
How does the 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1 compare to the 5D Tactical PRO Jig?
The Gen 1 is superior for builders who value incremental process control, while the 5D Tactical PRO Jig prioritizes speed. The Gen 1's built-in depth gauge allows for 0.001-inch incremental verification, whereas the PRO Jig uses a faster but less adjustable template system. For a detailed jig compatibility breakdown, refer to our Complete Jig & Tool Guide.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The jig assembly weighs 1.8 pounds (816 grams) and measures 7.25 x 4.12 x 2.06 inches. These dimensions provide a stable footprint for a standard router while minimizing material bulk. The compact size allows it to be stored in a toolbox drawer alongside compatible raw 80% lower blanks.
Who is this NOT for?
This jig is not for builders seeking a drill press-compatible system or those needing to finish frames other than the AR-15 platform. It requires a router, which is a different tool investment than a drill press. For builders working with the LR-308 platform, the 80% .308 Easy Jig® Gen 1 is the dedicated compatible tool.
What's in the box?
The box contains the CNC-machined 6061 aluminum jig body, a hardened steel drill guide bushing, and the necessary hex key hardware. One set of hardware is included for assembly, which is sufficient for approximately 10 lower completions before recommended inspection. It does not include an end mill, which must be purchased separately.
Is the 80% AR-15 Easy Jig® Gen 1 worth it at $149.99?
At $149.99, it is worth the cost for builders who require verified depth control and plan to finish more than two lowers. The price reflects its durable CNC aluminum construction, which provides a measurable accuracy advantage over polymer jigs. For a single build, the cost-per-use may be high, but for serial builders, the investment amortizes quickly.
Key attributes
| Compatibility | AR-15 80% Lowers |
| Jig Type | Easy Jig® Gen 1 |
| Milling Method | Router-Based |
| Material | 6061 CNC Aluminum |
| Primary Feature | Built-in Depth Gauge |
| Weight | 1.8 lb (816 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 4.12 x 2.06 in |
| Tool Requirement | 1/4-Inch End Mill (Not Included) |
Specifications
| compatibility | AR-15 |
| jig_type | Easy Jig® Gen 1 |
| milling_method | router-based |
| features | built-in depth gauge |
| material | CNC aluminum |
| use_case | finishing 80% lowers |
| location | home milling |
Best for
- finishing 80% AR-15 lowers
- accurate milling at home
Materials
- CNC aluminum
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a DeWalt DWP611 router?
- Yes. The Gen 1 is router-based and compatible with standard plunge routers using a 1/4-inch collet, including the DeWalt DWP611. Confirm your router's base plate diameter is under 6 inches for optimal clearance during the milling operation.
- Does this fit Polymer80 AR-15 80% lowers?
- Yes, it is designed for standard AR-15 80% lower forgings and blanks, which includes the Polymer80 AR-15 series. For platform-specific compatibility questions, consult our <a href="/blog/ar15-80-percent-lower-receiver-jig-tool-compatibility-guide/">Complete Jig & Tool Guide</a>.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard processing time is 1-2 business days. Continental US shipping typically adds 3-5 business days via USPS Priority or FedEx Ground. International orders require a 7-10 business day estimate for customs processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my lower?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unassembled, unused jigs in original packaging. Due to the nature of the product, a 15% restocking fee applies. Contact support@framesmith.com to initiate a return authorization.
- Does this work with a 5/16" end mill?
- No. The Gen 1 is designed for use with a 1/4-inch diameter end mill. Using a 5/16-inch end mill, like the one designed for the <a href="/products/5-16-high-speed-end-mill-for-easy-jig-gen-2/">Easy Jig® Gen 2</a>, will damage the jig's milling guides and void the warranty.