Myford VMB DROs

[Clive IndiaParticipant @cliveindia]

I was pleased to receive the October edition of MEW, in particular the article on the Myford VMB because I have one. I wish my VMB was as clean!

The prospect of fitting DROs to my VMB is becoming attractive. I have powered feed on the table X axis. Trying to fit the measuring without drilling holes (non-invasive?), yer man fits the X measuring sensor onto the holes reserved for the limit switches of the powered feed – what he calls "reuse holes tapped for the old table feed end-stops." This is fine if you have no power feed.

Has anyone devised a different, non-invasive way of fitting the kit on the X axis of a machine with power feed? I suppose I could manage without the end-stops but maybe can do better, or become invasive.

Just trying not to re-invent the wheel, and being lazy of course. It is a bit like fitting the X axis DRO on a Super 7 to the holes designed for the taper turning attachment – it is a good option, if you do not do taper turning.

[Clive IndiaParticipant @cliveindia]

Article in Model Engineers’ Workshop October 2015

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Hi Clive

I have a VMC rather than a B and I used the dovetail groove on the front edge of the table for the X axis scale.

I originally fitted to the rear of the table but that restricted the travel a little and so I moved it. You do lose the table stops which is why I originally went for the rear fit but I found that you don't really need them with a readout. On the VMC you do obscure the oiling points so you have to make other arrangements but apart from that it works for me.

One of these days I will get round to doing a one shot lube system for it.

regards Martin

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Clive,

Like Martin, above, I, too have a VMC mill (Warco). Not dissimilar to yours and employing a similar table design. I fittted the X-axis read head bracket to the holes originally used to mount the power feed stops as well. However, by extending the mounting bracket and fitting an "outboard" strip of steel, suitably milled, I was able to retain both power feed and table stops. Perhaps a picture, albeit not a very good one, would explain it better. I've added it to the story line in my album, but place it here for you to look at.

I was able to retain the original Y-axis table stop mechanism by re-mounting it lower down the table. You can just about see it in the picture above.

Hope this is of use,

John

[Douglas JohnstonParticipant @douglasjohnston98463]

I fitted a DRO to my Myford VMB a few years ago. It was a bit fiddly to get everything in the right place and I had to drill a few holes in the machine to fit the scales.

[Douglas JohnstonParticipant @douglasjohnston98463]

With the X scale at the front of the mill table I had to extend the table lock screws so that they could be reached.

Doug

[Clive IndiaParticipant @cliveindia]

Thanks very much for the replies – and the trouble taken.

Really appreciated.

Considering my options, but your comments will shape what I do next.

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