another chinese DRO question

[terryw123]

Another question, I have a new 3 axis Chinese dro (http://www.tpactools.com/3-Axis-Package_c_14.html ) and the manual is about worthess.

The question this time is, is there any way to get the "y" and "Z" axis to work with "diameter and Radius mode. Mine only seems to work with the "X" axis.

 

[darkzero]

Generally the radius/diameter button should only work with the X axis. The R/D function is a lathe specific function. It really only applies to the cross slide of a lathe which is the X axis.

The one linked is a universal DRO, so for use on a lathe the first displayed axis (which should be X) should be used for the cross slide. Z is what the bed axis is so most people just use Y for the carriage since it's next inline.

I have a lathe specific DRO so mine reads X for the first, & Z for the second, no Y on mine.

Other than that you should be able to go in the settings & set your Y and Z to read in radius or diameter mode but the R/D button still won't work for those.

 

[kd4gij]

I have never seen one that would. The only use is on the cross feed on a lathe.

 

[mksj]

You can change the scale resolution so it will read 2X the actual distance to give diameter for a more permanent readout like a cross slide, but as others have pointed out the R/D usually is active on only on one designated axis. There are some DROs that will factor in the end mill diameters for certain milling operations.