DRO scale cover

[MyLilMule]

I added a Ditron D80 DRO to my Bridgeport. The scales did not come with any covers. Although I don't think it 100% necessary, I'd like to add covers to keep the chips off of them. I don't have or have access to a sheet metal brake or I would make them myself. I've tried searching to see if anyone on the interwebs sells or makes them, but can't seem to find anything.

Any ideas?

 

[mksj]

Everbilt 1-1/2 in. x 96 in. Aluminum Angle with 1/16 in. Thick comes in different sizes available through HD, Lowe's, Amazon, etc. around $20 for 4-6'.

 

[IR-JEB]

I agree with mksj, Aluminum angle is a good way to go. I just finished the X and Y scale covers for a PM833TV which is new to me and used aluminum angle however I used the 0.125 thickness just to be a bit more robust and I also welded end caps on.

I am only a few miles from an On-Line Metals warehouse and can pick up via will call at no shipping cost. As a result, I can normally come in below the big box store prices. I used the 1.5-inch X 1.5-inch for the Y axis and the X axis I cut a 2 inch by 2 inch down to 1.625 inch by 2 inch to enable the chip guard to be covered with my configuration.

Although I feel the 1/16 inch is adequate the 1/8 inch will take a bump and keep on going.

Good luck in getting your scales covered.

 

[MyLilMule]

I agree with mksj, Aluminum angle is a good way to go. I just finished the X and Y scale covers for a PM833TV which is new to me and used aluminum angle however I used the 0.125 thickness just to be a bit more robust and I also welded end caps on.

I am only a few miles from an On-Line Metals warehouse and can pick up via will call at no shipping cost. As a result, I can normally come in below the big box store prices. I used the 1.5-inch X 1.5-inch for the Y axis and the X axis I cut a 2 inch by 2 inch down to 1.625 inch by 2 inch to enable the chip guard to be covered with my configuration.

Although I feel the 1/16 inch is adequate the 1/8 inch will take a bump and keep on going.

Good luck in getting your scales covered.

Nicely done. Thanks for the ideas, fellas. I'll run up to Lowes tomorrow and pickup some 2". I'll have to trim it down to 1-5/8 as well because I don't want that much sticking out the back.

I guess that means I need to fill the argon tank.

 

[RJSakowski]

I fabricated covers from aluminum angle. To pieces back to back and fastened with rivets are a simple solution. Various sizes of 1/16" thick alngle are available at most DIY and hardware stores.

 

[jarhead]

I agree with mksj, Aluminum angle is a good way to go. I just finished the X and Y scale covers for a PM833TV which is new to me and used aluminum angle however I used the 0.125 thickness just to be a bit more robust and I also welded end caps on.

I am only a few miles from an On-Line Metals warehouse and can pick up via will call at no shipping cost. As a result, I can normally come in below the big box store prices. I used the 1.5-inch X 1.5-inch for the Y axis and the X axis I cut a 2 inch by 2 inch down to 1.625 inch by 2 inch to enable the chip guard to be covered with my configuration.

Although I feel the 1/16 inch is adequate the 1/8 inch will take a bump and keep on going.

Good luck in getting your scales covered.

Did you TIG the end caps on?

 

[IR-JEB]

Yes, I did TIG the caps on and just sanded the ends down and softening the edges a bit.