Lathe dro...

Tamper84

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In my quest for machines, I have noticed that alot of mills have dros. Understandable for bolt holes etc. is there a reason why lathes really don't have them? Or am I just dumb enough to think like this :*****slap2: :lmao:

Thanks,
Chris
 
You know, that's one of the more interesting questions I've heard in a while... If I had to take a guess, I'd say it's because mills operate in many planes and all conceivable directions whereas lathes deal mainly with length and depth.
 
Bolt hole circles are nice on a mill when you need them, but I think most people use them for positioning speed. It also allows you to ignore backlash and taking up the slack.

I have one on my new lathe and it makes it a lot faster like the mill. Without it you usually use a dial indicator for carriage positioning. It's always there with a DRO.

I think with the cost coming down you will see them a lot more on lathes.
 
Chris,
I fitted one to my carriage. IMG_5151.JPG
IMG_5236.JPG
I think they are just an extension of whats become available cheaper for people to have on their mill, and now on lathes
Makes some operations easier on the lathe. Boring in a blind hole especially.

Cheers Phil

IMG_5151.JPG IMG_5236.JPG
 
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