DRO Recommendations for 7x16 Mini-Lathe

[ChazzC]

This thread is good timing for me. Just in the past few days I have been researching DROs for my 7X16 Micro Mark. As most things I always try to t]do good, not the best, but on the cheap. I had been considering the iGaging EZ-View Dro. This set I found on feabay https://www.ebay.com/itm/142017292063?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=1110013&algo=HOMESPLICE.SIMRXI&ao=1&asc=20211209162615&meid=9de51680fb42411ba2811243c35fb6a3&pid=101479&rk=1&rkt=12&sd=353847796660&itm=142017292063&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=4429259&algv=SimRWIWebRoundRobinBlenderWithPromotedSeeds&brand=iGAGING&_trksid=p4429259.c101479.m3476&amdata=cksum:1420172920639de51680fb42411ba2811243c35fb6a3|enc:AQAIAAABEKXWuUGeWZNDwRHZ2wLkfSP6eO0HvvoaL1McJo5mxBH%2BT9fwbenIEU%2BSOcnyNNYMYdrY6Pd3Xvh8JwIVgYQBoACshfZsw2EUEocPKTFIeFJYIhjiho7dtT5p%2BuLadOYXrinVsncBo5dPshS4VkPc8N9WxQBmM9mjsicqWQIFZVGZ6Uz4f3jEVoJFG%2FvyyOVyxrQfXgW9W0yDgoSSzHuoOtPppegbIp561qNWQjWfF8bM682YZCFeiAVl2%2FFbudkeGD3bD9HGM0L43B7lPdDd%2BN1e0MWkiE74HorKkJzMKca2CadEVOHFg5UnRQ05Ryk4g4BqEUsMCjW5XvEjxqsi1SoIAJuU6B1R1DVc%2FQweXfyV|ampidL_CLK|clp:4429259&epid=664564386

Now after the above reading comments I'm rethinking this may be a mistake? I only use it for hobby work a couple times a month. Would this be good enough or will it present too many issues and I should just consider a higher grade model?

Also was wondering if the iGaging system will work with the AC power adapter only,.. Without batteries?

Strongly recommend the SS Absolute Plus (I don't think they are making the ones in your link anymore; probably NOS); you'll need a 6" & 12":



You can stack the readouts:



Yes, the scales & readout will work from the AC Adapter only (but you may want to keep a set of batteries installed just in case you lose power so you don't also lose position. And you're better off getting the iGaging adapters rather than no-name ones.

You should also consider getting the TouchDRO Adapter (@ycroosh – I'm going to start wanting a commission): while you do get an incremental selection and metric/Imperial/Fractional Inches with the iGaging readouts, you'll be missing a lot of features.

 

[verbotenwhisky]

Strongly recommend the SS Absolute Plus (I don't think they are making the ones in your link anymore; probably NOS); you'll need a 6" & 12":


You can stack the readouts:

View attachment 465676

My drill press.... Yeah I might have gone a bit far, but it works and there you see the DRO's we are discussing.

 

[homebrewed]

That’s good information, thanks. I ordered a iGaging Absolute Pro for my z-Axis and will give the TouchDRO a try as well. I’m sure I’ll have a few questions, the first being, did you mount that on the front or rear of the machine?

BRET

I mounted mine on the back of the machine. But I kind of messed up the mounting scheme. I attached the scale to the right side of the bed (allowing the left side to float) but this reduced the Z axis travel a bit because the sensor fouls the mount. It isn't a lot, but sometimes that makes all the difference regarding the feasibility of doing something on the lathe. Once I hit that limitation I will swap the mount over to the left side.

FYI I normally use my lathe with the threading dial removed because it also reduces the Z axis range. Not a really big deal, easy to re-install: or just don't disengage the half nuts while cutting threads. For the latter case the threading dial is sort of like the human appendix. I no longer have one of those, either .