Glass Scale On The Compound?

[kingmt01]

I'm getting ready to drop a bunch of cash on some glass scales. I was intending to put a scale on the compound but with some thinking about it now I don't know.

Is it useful to use a scale on the compound? Do any of you use one?

I have never taken the time to put any scales on my lathe. I really don't use my compound very much but while I'm already setting it up I don't know if I should go ahead & do this one or not. It would kind of make setting up the DRO odd since it would total into the y axis differently each time you adjusted the angle of it. I guess I could just have it on its own reading & add it when there is a need.

 

[kingmt01]

I think I asked this to late.

 

[Eddyde]

Seems like it would be tricky to do a clean install, that is without the scale getting in the way of the work envelope. Unless you have a very big lathe?

 

[kingmt01]

Good point. I don't have a big lathe but I could probably could fit it in for most things. I guess If I do buy it I could always mount it with magnets so it can be removed. If I'm doing a temp mount tho I could probably just use one of the iGuaging ones I have.

 

[f350ca]

I have one on my 17 x 80 Summit and had one on the Colchester student I had. Wouldn't have a dro on a lathe without one to be honest. The one I have now sums the compound and carriage scales or will show either. I use a dial indicator to square the compound to the bed so I can rough up to a shoulder or bottom of a bore then use the compound for the last few thou. Its a bit of a nuisance having to readjust the compound angle after threading but not a big deal. If I ever get around to putting a dro on the Hardinge it will definitely be 3 axis.
Not a great photo but you can see the compound scale.


On the Colchester.



Greg

 

[kingmt01]

Dang it. I had just decided to not buy that one. Now you have me on the fence again.

 

[ronboult]

Have you considered putting a magnetic scale on the compound as they are much more compact and impervious to coolant. Much easier to fit and less likely to get in the way
Ron

 

[kingmt01]

Have you considered putting a magnetic scale on the compound as they are much more compact and impervious to coolant. Much easier to fit and less likely to get in the way
Ron

No. I hadn't considered that.

 

[HitFactor]

DRO PROS have a picture on their website of a magnetic scale on a compound. It's picture 11.

I installed one in a similar manner on my lathe.

3 axis el700 on both my lathe and mill from these guys. Customer service is outstanding.