DRO for Vertical Mill or Lathe - Info & experiences

[Bob Korves]

Here ya' go!

 

[middle.road]

Here ya' go!

Thank you. Boy, those don't look like mine do they?

 

[Bob Korves]

Thank you. Boy, those don't look like mine do they?

Mine "look" like they might actually fit...

 

[middle.road]

Finally installed. Well, two-thirds installed. 'X', 'Y', & the Display. The 'Z' is going to take a bit of thought and planning.
Fab'd a mount for the Display. Need to go back today and install the chip guard that I forgot to install on the 'X' scale.
I think the aluminum angle on the 'Y' mount works well as a chip guard, per BobK's idea in another thread.
Looks like I also need to go back and adjust the read head on the 'Y'. Also need to add a 6" arm extension to the Display arm.

 

[mksj]

It may be easier to fabricate some new brackets out of aluminum or angle metal. Most of the DRO/scale installs I have done, I have machined new brackets and hardware. The lack of double seals on the scales and an open section is a bit concerning over the long hall, but with a good scale cover it should be ok unless you are in a dusty environment or run coolant. I do recall a few postings that the more inexpensive glass scales had a single seal and they did not seal very well, this eventually did lead to contamination issue. Interesting that the DROPros show the contamination with the single seal version vs. the double.
http://www.dropros.com/DRO_PROS_Milling_Machine_Digital_Readout.htm

The problem will most likely be getting the seals that fit the particular scale, from my read of the seals is they are manufacturer specific size wise. Hopefully the seller can get you some new ones, otherwise the three vendors below might be worth a try, they service some of the more common name brand DRO manufacturers products.
http://www.auto-met.com/Default.htm
http://www.atechauthority.com/
http://www.dropros.com

I have had and installed some of the Easson products as well as a few other DRO manufactures, and never had an issue with the Easson glass scales which are doubled lipped. It is hard to beat the lower priced DRO's but Easson sells a 3 axis ES-8A for $435 and the ES-12B for $470 via Aliexpress and they are very good midpriced DROs if one has a bit more change. I have the older ES-12 on my lathe, has worked great for many years.

 

[middle.road]

Looking through and viewing a plethora of images and drawings for dimensions, it looks like to me that most of the 'budget' scales are built on the the same extrusion design. There are slots in the one I purchased for another set of wipers. Now to find a cheap source.
The wipers look good on the 'Y' & the 'Z'. The 'X' perhaps was assembled at 'end of shift'?
The Easson 12, and 12C LCD displays looks nice.
The Easson's scales and their dimensions are identical to the ones I've got. Accessory kits look the same also on some offerings.

You have to wonder if they get assembled on a different line or at a different facility. The mounting accessories look to be identical also.
The 'Sino' brand appears to have a heftier read head design.

 

[Bob Korves]

I think the aluminum angle on the 'Y' mount works well as a chip guard, per BobK's idea in another thread.

My idea is to use 1 x 1 x 1/8" aluminum channel.

 

[middle.road]

My idea is to use 1 x 1 x 1/8" 1.25" x 1.25" x 1/8" aluminum channel.

Design Review Meeting, 3:10pm EDT
Didn't you get the same scales as I have? I don't think 1x1 will work. or I'm missing the obvious.
Quick layout sketch. Which technically do not believe their 21.5mm dimension. My end caps measured .866"/22mm.

edited: revised said channel dimensions per post #59

 

[Bob Korves]

Design Review Meeting, 3:10pm EDT
Didn't you get the same scales as I have? I don't think 1x1 will work. or I'm missing the obvious.
Quick layout sketch. Which technically do not believe their 21.5mm dimension. My end caps measured .866"/22mm.

View attachment 262900

I am sorry, Dan. It was 1 1/4" that I was hoping to use. 1" inside dimensions. I did get the "slim" scale for the X axis, it is a little less tall, but the same width as the standard scales (no extra cost). The end caps of the slim scales are about 21 x 29 mm. Also considering attaching the scale to the outer flange of the channel, and the channel separately to the table. Open side of the channel facing down. It will probably require some rubber or other flexible material added to the outside leg of the channel to adequately keep the chips and oil out of the scale. I do think it would give the scale a lot more protection. I am putting the X scale at the front of the table, not the rear.

Edit: The factory scale guards are pretty flimsy.

 

[middle.road]

1-1/4" make sense.
Those are scale guards?
I thought they were (3) pcs of sheet metal to add to the stock bin.
Although I may end up using one for the 'Z'.