PM-1640LT DRO scale question

[The Oracle]

All,

I have a question the cross slide on my 1640 moves 9 1/4” multiple people, including Precision Matthews is saying an 8 inch scale installed properly will work fine doesn’t that cut off an 1 1/4” of your ability to read position

I think, I’m missing something. I’m hoping some of the experts on here can steer me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Lynn M.

 

[mksj]

DRO scales are based travel +X" depending on the type of scale you have. Most sellers tell you to measure the travel on your lathe and then add a number to get the overall length you need. If you are getting magnetic scales, then get a length a bit longer than you need and trim it to size. On the 1440/1640TL they indicate the cross slide travel is 8 3/4", in either case a 8" travel scale is not long enough. Below is an install on a 1640 I worked on with a friend in Tucson using magnetic scales (EL700 DRO).

NEW ACRA 1640TE

That's a really nice machine, and the upgrades just put it over the top. Enjoy my friend. Mike

www.hobby-machinist.com

Magnetic Scales