Finally getting around to putting a DRO on my Bridgeport. Went with a Chinese import. Scales shipped from USA, but the DRO is stated to ship on the 10th(Monday)
Anyway, I got measured my travel and got the closest glass scales available. Turns out that the 700mm for my X covered my coolant drain holes. I did some checking and found I could shorten the scale to just inside the holes and still have the needed travel.
The scale for my quill was just a bit long also, so I shortened it too.
Anyway, I will post an update when I get the actual DRO - it is an LCD model. So I am looking forward to the enhanced graphic based features.
Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
Last edited by Harold_V on Sun Feb 09, 2020 2:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: remove unacceptable comment
Reason: remove unacceptable comment
Re: Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
And some pics of the scale modification process.
I just cut the housing with a hack saw, then scored the glass with dremel diamond - back from the edge so the endcap could fit without interference. The double cut produced the gap where I could insert the dremel
I just cut the housing with a hack saw, then scored the glass with dremel diamond - back from the edge so the endcap could fit without interference. The double cut produced the gap where I could insert the dremel
Re: Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
How did you cut the glass scales without damage?
Nice installation.
RN
Nice installation.
RN
Re: Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
With a rear mounted X axis scale like that I'd add a block clamped to the Y axis dovetail as a semi permanent way to protect your scale and it's guard to keep the table from moving too close to your column. It's not if you'll forget and run it into the column, only how long before you do. The rest looks well done as long as the scales are aligned to each axis of travel within the specifications.
Re: Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
I just cut the scale housing with a hack saw, then scored the glass with dremel diamond - back from the edge so the endcap could fit without interference. The double cut produced the gap where I could insert the dremel
Thanks for the tip about the stop. I can't decide if I want to drill another hole, or use the center wiper hole
Thanks for the tip about the stop. I can't decide if I want to drill another hole, or use the center wiper hole
Re: Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
No need to drill hole, just make it a two piece stop to match the dovetail angle and use a bolt above the angle to clamp it in place on the dovetail itself. The clamp just holds it in place but the stop should be against the column and wide enough so the scale guard can't touch the column.
Re: Some DRO scale mounting pictures for your review
I made a Y-axis stop from a piece of 1/2" dia. brass rod, screwed into a threaded hole in the back of the table.
Pic attached.
It works just fine and instantly tells my hand I have reached the end of useful table movement
With no y-axis power feed, it has done the job safely.
RussN
Pic attached.
It works just fine and instantly tells my hand I have reached the end of useful table movement
With no y-axis power feed, it has done the job safely.
RussN