Quill movement measurement on RF 45 clone

[Abowie]

So I have just fitted a 3 axis DRO to my new RF 45 clone.

The Z axis detector is attached to the head itself and so measures when I wind the head up and down.

But, of course, when I use the quill to move the tool up and down this doesn't move the head so my Z DRO stays fixed.

What do people do here?

Cheers

Andrew

 

[mikey]

Use a quill dro. Lots to choose from.

 

[darkzero]

Quill DRO is the very first thing I added to my RF-45 clone.... long before I got a DRO for ther other axes.

 

[petertha]

Same here. The RF-45 presents a few extra considerations in terms of mounting (depending on your casting which seem to vary by brand) and maintaining access/useability of the stop nut (depending on your front cover plate & other aspects). Here's some pics to give you ideas. I've since sold the machine so this is all I have. First quill DRO was a cut off vernier. Then when I upgraded the table I got a deal on 3 display box and found the micro encoder. Anyways but configurations used the same aluminum bracketry so it was decently solid.

I have seen one of these in person & seem like a good value. Would probably be my go to choice today.

Electronic Digital DRO Scale Unit, Vertical

The Accusize linear digial readout is commonly used as the following tools (and solutions): linear digial readout, linear dro, linear digital readout, linear drop earrings, linear drop earrings for women, linear drop earrings silver, linear drop earrings for formal event, linear drop in fire...

www.accusizetools.com

 

[Abowie]

Quill DRO. Of course. I had no idea that such a thing existed. Off to order one now.

Many thanks to all of you.

 

[Abowie]

 

[RJSakowski]

On the two mill/drills that Iinstalled DRO's on, I put the z axis on the quill. The reason being that I used the quill for any precision movements. A knee mill would perhaps be a different story though. Ideally, there would be a fourth scale and the two z axis scales would be summing.

 

[Abowie]

I wanted to but in the end I struggled to find a suitable scale and so I ended up with this. It works pretty well for me so far as I use the quill for most of the working moves and really only use the main Z for rough positioning. I agree that a summable "double Z" would be the ideal solution. The iGauging stuff does have a data out port but so far I have failed to find some way of transferring it to my main display. Maybe Sino make a 4 axis display...

 

[darkzero]

Maybe Sino make a 4 axis display..

I have a scale for my main DRO on the Z axis but not by choice. It's pretty much useless to me. But it's there & I'll keep it there for if/when I ever get around to a magnetic scale to my quill.

Sino does make a 4 axis display as well as plenty of other but you don't need one for Z axes summing. You can buy a little black box that does it for you. Plug both Z scales into the box & connect the box to the DRO. On the box there is a switch that will output which scale you want or for summing. 4 axis display would be more convenient though.