I just got my 3 DSA unfinished forged lowers. Does anyone know what would be a good place to start machinging these to give a good reference for the other operations?

John

I would suggest the front pivot pin hole.  If you look at most of the schematics on the web, that is where everything is indexed off of.

If you search real good, there is a step by step walkthrough posted on the forums at the following address.

http://www.homegunsmith.com

Quoted: I would suggest the front pivot pin hole.  If you look at most of the schematics on the web, that is where everything is indexed off of. If you search real good, there is a step by step walkthrough posted on the forums at the following address. http://www.homegunsmith.com

practicing making a hot link...

step by step walkthrough

There is a round boss on the left side.  Center punch a dent in the dead center of this boss and measure the front pivot pen hole off this punch mark.  All other measurements are then done off the pivot pin hole.  Otherwise the pivot pin hole is just guessed at.  The pivot pin hole is up 0.563" and over 2.109" from the boss.  Good luck with this and let us know how you do.

Go here:
http://www.ray-vin.com/frtech.htm
And click on "Machining the AR Lower"

Regards, Ray

This Ray Vin chap does some of the best thechincal writing that I have ever seen and I have a Ph D in engineering.  Machining a lower using his instructions is a joy.

+1 for Ray-vin's write up.

Has anyone ever done one of these by milling out the mag well pretty close then hand fitting with a file? I bought a few and figure that is how I'll do it.

Quoted: Has anyone ever done one of these by milling out the mag well pretty close then hand fitting with a file? I bought a few and figure that is how I'll do it.

Thats the way Im doing it. It is a good amount to remove by file but I have more time thaqn money and havent even bothered trying to find someplace to EDM the magwell.

Quoted: Quoted: Has anyone ever done one of these by milling out the mag well pretty close then hand fitting with a file? I bought a few and figure that is how I'll do it. Thats the way Im doing it. It is a good amount to remove by file but I have more time thaqn money and havent even bothered trying to find someplace to EDM the magwell.

Right on man! They are cheap enough, I figure on getting a few more just incase U.N. wants my other lowers, right? If you get a really coarse rasp type file I bet the material comes out pretty fast.

E.D.M. work can be very expensive. the shop i use thru my company charges about $35.00 per linear inch.  And as the material thickness increases the cost goes WAY up, you could be looking at spending  at least $300.00 and possibly more.  ( this is for wire E.D.M.)  Even if you have it done by  the conventional E.D.M.  method where a carbon electrode is used to ''burn'' out the magwell, you are still looking at spending a couple hundred dollars. The best way to go is to mill it  and get yourself a good file, or get a lower rec. with the mag well all ready finished.     Good luck, PATRIOT ARMORY 07 FFL.