+1 on the Anderson stuff...... I built a few and have not been disappointed. Perfectly functional, affordable, and we’re talking about ARs, not custom walnut and steel.....fit and function is the goal! A co-worker spent big $ on Spikes Tactical lowers and after waiting forever to get them, some pin hole were mis-drilled! High cost is no guarantee.....
The advice for tools is also on the spot, but you might ask around. Many in my circle have the once-in-a-while tools, and are willing to lend the tools and some help. Aside from Anderson, I’ve used DelTon kits, been happy with function and accuracy, but their nitride work could be better.
One thing I learned is many advertise “MilSpec” bolts that are not High Pressure Tested and Magnetic Particle Inspected, meaning they do not meet the specification. The argument can be made about modern materials and processes negating the need, but the spec still stands for a reason, right?
My last thought would be a book by Patrick Sweeney “Gunsmithing the AR-15”. He discusses stuff that may not occur to some involving timing, gas systems and the effect of different buffer weights, to start.....
Beginning with a “rifle kit” that has the barrel installed already is a good way to start and avoid some mis-matched parts problems, and doing an “80%” lower is rewarding in itself-at that point, it truly is “your gun”! Good luck, don’t spend a fortune (you don’t need to) and have fun!
Just found this animation on the working mechanism of an AR-15 a bit ago.
Might be worth a look...
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