Another common option is to use a remote hand pendant. With one of these you can set any axis to move continiously when the wheel is turned, or step one increment/step at a time (i.e. 1 ten thousandth, 1 hundredth etc). You can set any constant feed speed no matter how fast you turn the wheel/dial or set it to go faster/slower if the wheel speed changes. Bottom line it it's like a very flexible and precise power feed on every axis. I use the mill this way often for small, simple or other "manual cuts". Your CNC screen is in essence your DROs. Much more precise and error free than turning wheels by hand and once you get used to your pendant, it becomes second nature, just like the hand wheels.
Coherent:
Really like your suggestion about a remote hand pendant. Which Bridgeport CNC conversions you know of have provisions for hand pendant? Also, do some CNC conversions use DRO scales as inputs for axis positioning? From what can be seen, CNC conversion use encoders within the drive mechanism which DOES NOT account for lead screw backlash. Your thoughts please.
Regards,
Rolly, Tucson Arizona