Sino glass scales

This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 3 May 2015 at 20:59 by Robin Graham.

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2 May 2015 at 19:15 #188425
Robin Graham
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@robingraham42208
I recently bought a lathe (think Chester Crusader) from Axminster which came fitted with 2-axis Sino scales and readout. The cross-slide scale started playing up pretty soon after I installed the machine – intermittent stalling, then conked out completely, just flashing on the last digit when winding the slide. I took it off, and it seemed to work perfectly on the bench, so I put it back on, everything fine for a few hours, then the same story. So I called Axminster and they sent a new one out pronto, I fitted it, worked fine for a few weeks, then failed in exactly the same way. No doubt Axi would replace again, they're good like that, but I'm beginning to wonder if it's summat to do with the mounting arrangement – seems too much of a coincidence that I've just got two bad uns in a row. Anyone out there had a similar experience and resolved it themselves?

Regards, Robin.
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2 May 2015 at 19:15 #7603
Robin Graham
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@robingraham42208
2 May 2015 at 19:52 #188427
Les Jones 1
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@lesjones1
Hi Robin,
All scales need to be aligned with the axis they are fitted to. If this is not done than pressure will be exerted between the read head and the scale bar at some point along its travel Use a dial gauge to check both horizontal and vertical alignment. I have only ever checked the alignment of Chinese type scales which have a metal bar. You would not be able to run the dial gauge against the glass scale unless it is fixed to a metal support bar. If you swap over the cables on the display unit it will show you if the fault is with the scale or the display unit.

Les.
2 May 2015 at 20:08 #188428
Robin Graham
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@robingraham42208
Thanks John, I think you have confirmed my suspicion – I shall check the alignment. I'd already done the check you suggested (swapping the connectors at the readout box) and it's deffo the read head at fault. It is shimmed off the bracket with standard washers as you say.

I actually still have the original one, when Axi replaced it I repeatedly asked for a returns number, but they don't seem to want it back – so I'll strip it down and have a look see.

Regards, Robin
2 May 2015 at 21:05 #188438
Jon
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@jon
Fitted plenty of them Sino glass spot on for height, runout, angle and alignment. Theres a lot of leeway for reader misalignment and they will still perform.

The only trouble I get is the bigger mills Z axis quill, it often needs a strip down and clean of the 45 degree angled glass inside the extrusion, nothing else in them.
3 May 2015 at 08:06 #188451
David Cambridge
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@davidcambridge45658
The same thing happen on my Warco mill that came with the Sino scales fitted by Warco. It turned out the scale was slightly out of alignment. Undoing the screw at the far end that controlled the alignment of the scale and read head was all that was needed.

David
3 May 2015 at 20:59 #188499
Robin Graham
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@robingraham42208
Sounds like an alignment issue then, as I suspected. I'll have a fiddle tomorrow. If it works out I might have a spare courtesy of Axi, if they can't be bothered to pick up the original one. Think if you ask for a supplier to pick summat up under Sale of Goods and they don't within six months, it's yours. Might be a bit hazy on that though!

Regards, Robin.
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