7x14 to 7x16 Rebuild

[SouthernChap]

If the scales support a simple A,B quadrature output, my ELS can read them directly. Since I coded my own ELS, I integrated that function into the software. It's just another encoder instance to my software.

I think they might actually. I seem to remember the TouchDRO documentation talking about them in those terms.

I'd definitely recommend looking at that article @ChazzC wrote for The Home Shop Machinist. I was stumped for a good solution for the cross slide until I read the article.

 

[WobblyHand]

@ChazzC has an article in the Jan-Feb 2024 issue of The Home Shop Machinist about how he fitted his iGaging capacitive scales to his mini lathe (I have a print and digital sub to HSW, so I've got that issue digitally)

It shows his smart solution to the cross slide space problem (sadly no good for @GrifterGuru given his space constraints).

You could just use the supplied iGaging remotes but with a couple of adaptors, the TouchDRO box and a tablet, bingo, you have a DRO arguably more feature-rich than most expensive DRO systems...on a mini-lathe!l

Mini-lathe or mini-mill? The Jan-Feb issue has an article on iGaging on a mini-mill, that the one?

I'm not a current subscriber, so I'm evaluating what my best bet is. I think a sub allows access to back issues. Can I save the back issue so I can refer to it later? A single back issue is priced at double the subscription copy rate. Not wanting anything for free, just trying understand my options.

 

[SouthernChap]

Mini-lathe or mini-mill? The Jan-Feb issue has an article on iGaging on a mini-mill, that the one?

I'm not a current subscriber, so I'm evaluating what my best bet is. I think a sub allows access to back issues. Can I save the back issue so I can refer to it later? A single back issue is priced at double the subscription copy rate. Not wanting anything for free, just trying understand my options.

Mini lathe; it's incorrectly titled. Chazz warned me about that when he told me about it.

It does. As for saving (or indeed printing, which would be my preference), I'm not sure. I've only read the article in their online viewer on my phone so far, as I'm not quite ready to install just yet (I have a mill DRO install to do first) and haven't got round to seeing what I can actually do with the article to make it easily accessible in the shop.

If I can't find a way to get it printed, I'll order a print copy as I do like to have physical copies of magazines anyway.

 

[GrifterGuru]

Mini lathe; it's incorrectly titled. Chazz warned me about that when he told me about it.

It does. As for saving (or indeed printing, which would be my preference), I'm not sure. I've only read the article in their online viewer on my phone so far, as I'm not quite ready to install just yet (I have a mill DRO install to do first) and haven't got round to seeing what I can actually do with the article to make it easily accessible in the shop.

If I can't find a way to get it printed, I'll order a print copy as I do like to have physical copies of magazines anyway.

@SouthernChap

I had thought of fitting a DRO kit, in the abstract sort of maybe, maybe not way, and actually devised ways to fit one with the least possible interference or footprint. Still need to look at the best head unit & scales combo though.

As to space constraints, are you referring to underslinging a connecting plate from the apron to the reader head of a DRO on the rear of the bed on the Mini? I figured that was the best way to do such things in a "limited space" environment such as what I have, hence the "plate across the webs" to stop swarf dropping and collecting on the top of said plate.

As for the DRO encoder for the carriage, I have a plan to mount one that is none-too-difficult and can be done without interference to other things. (I have something in mind that fits between the underside of the ways and the top of a DRO scale, so need to keep that space clear)

Not sure about the cross slide DRO scale, nor indeed about whether to fit one one to the compound, but eh, I will look further into that once the lathe is rebuilt and running, which is not too far off now thanks to slowly ticking of the jobs over a period of time.

I was actually thinking, for some odd reason, of fitting a DRO scale to the 5x4 milling slide I have. Probably won't, but who knows? I do use it more than I thought I would and it would be handy to have.

 

[SouthernChap]

@SouthernChap

I had thought of fitting a DRO kit, in the abstract sort of maybe, maybe not way, and actually devised ways to fit one with the least possible interference or footprint. Still need to look at the best head unit & scales combo though.

As to space constraints, are you referring to underslinging a connecting plate from the apron to the reader head of a DRO on the rear of the bed on the Mini? I figured that was the best way to do such things in a "limited space" environment such as what I have, hence the "plate across the webs" to stop swarf dropping and collecting on the top of said plate.

As for the DRO encoder for the carriage, I have a plan to mount one that is none-too-difficult and can be done without interference to other things. (I have something in mind that fits between the underside of the ways and the top of a DRO scale, so need to keep that space clear)

Not sure about the cross slide DRO scale, nor indeed about whether to fit one one to the compound, but eh, I will look further into that once the lathe is rebuilt and running, which is not too far off now thanks to slowly ticking of the jobs over a period of time.

I was actually thinking, for some odd reason, of fitting a DRO scale to the 5x4 milling slide I have. Probably won't, but who knows? I do use it more than I thought I would and it would be handy to have.

The biggest issue for fitting a DRO on the mini lathe is the cross slide and lack of space.

Chazz solves this problem by shifting the location of the scale and reader head to beyond the rear of the bed.

That design solves the problem of space on the mini lathe's cross slide/saddle but does increase the overall depth of the footprint of the lathe by a little bit more than the length of the scale. Given your space constraints, that ain't gonna work for you.

 

[GrifterGuru]

Fair comment.

I must admit, I did have an idea about that and given the aditional travel combined with extended back-splash, I may have jeest enough room to mount one in place.

 

[WobblyHand]

For my 10x22, I extended my backsplash to make room for the cross slide DRO. I only needed about 20-25mm of an extension. However, I did have to add some sheet metal to the backsplash to protect the motor and to guide chips to the pan. It wasn't a tough project, compared to fitting the DRO itself.

However, a 7x doesn't have the same real estate as a 10x22. Need to tuck it underneath or get it out of the way, somehow. I think someone did a mag reader under the cross slide (on a different lathe) that might work. The Z axis looks "relatively easy". I'd love something on the compound, but that seems really tough. I don't have anything on my 10x22 compound and have managed just fine.

 

[GrifterGuru]

@WobblyHand

At the moment a DRO kit is a distant abstract intent.

I want to get the lathe rebuild completed, which will not be too long now, before I even consider looking at the best DRO scales and Best head unit.

 

[WobblyHand]

@WobblyHand

At the moment a DRO kit is a distant abstract intent.

I want to get the lathe rebuild completed, which will not be too long now, before I even consider looking at the best DRO scales and Best head unit.

I appreciate that - have to get things running first!
Was just daydreaming...

 

[GrifterGuru]

I appreciate that - have to get things running first!
Was just daydreaming...

@WobblyHand

Nowt wrong with daydreaming... Sometimes the best solutions come from daydreams.