Mini lathe DRO suggestions please.

[sundown57]

Any suggestions or better yet pictures of DRO's mounted in a mini lathe? I have a 210x400mm so very limited on space. The Igauge seems like a cop out but i can justify $700+ from DRO pro. hoping someone can suggest a good happy medium. Thanks

 

[addertooth]

Which model mini-lathe will shape many answers

 

[RJSakowski]

The big problem with smaller lathes is the x axis scale. There is limited room for the scale without causing interference with lathe operation.. I have a 10 x22 lathe and decided to go with the TouchDRO and iGaging scales. My only compromises were lower resolution losing about 1" of tailstock reach. I can resolve to .0004' but on the x axis this is equivalent to .0008". For most work, this isn't an issue. For close tolerance cuts, I approach slowly and checking fit anyway as a DRO doesn't say anything about tool or part deflection.

Since I did my install, magnetic scales have become available that could possibly fit. I would check with @ycroosh on this forum about options. He has tested a variety of different scales and will give you some honest advice.

 

[sundown57]

I have an optima 210x800 but i highly modified it with VFD and I made a cross slide feed for it . you can see it in the video i made.

 

[jwmelvin]

Your cross feed drive is pretty neat.

 

[sundown57]

thanks , if you like that i should post a picture of how i used a windshield wiper for the other power feed .

 

[sundown57]

Your cross feed drive is pretty neat.

here is my wiper motor power feed

https://youtu.be/-bwy4fDUCGU

 

[compact8]

You may take a look at the Chinese SINO scales. They are quite well established and they offer some pretty small glass scale : http://stankoservis.by/Download/SINO/linear encoder manual.pdf

 

[sundown57]

thanks but i ended up going with Igaging,

 

[Ken from ontario]

I use Igaging (Absolute EZ View)on my mini mill, found a Canadian eBay seller for the AC power adaptor .
In case you're interested:

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