The cheapest DRO ever?

[andrew lynerParticipant @andrewlyner71257]

I found this video which, for me, is an almost free toe in the water for DRO on my mini lathe.

The overall accuracy is not that vital as I would always work to the vernier calliper in the end but this unit will save the 'counting' which I find to be a bind.

I have seen other videos from this guy and he is hardly a Cowboy – a fair amount of experience. I have done the suggested mod on the gauge itself and I'm waiting for a small cylinder magnet to arrive before actually fitting it.

I have read all the comments on the video and there are no surprises.

Just thought I'd pass it on for the benefit of the non wealthy new members of MEW. It may well be a repeat of information that already exists here but it could help someone.

[andrew lynerParticipant @andrewlyner71257]

Use a digital tyre tread gauge

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

A digital caliper is a better option than a tyre gauge. No spring to remove like in the video and available with longer travel. (they can be shortened if required). I have been using one on the cross slide of my lathe for a number of years.

I would advise that you mount the DRO on the tail stock side of the cross slide and not directly under the cutter as shown.  Away from swarf and coolant that will find its way into the readout and cause it to fail.  I would not use a magnet anywhere near the swarf on the lathe unless you want to use it as a collector.

Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 26/04/2019 14:44:21

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

I have two, 1 fitted to the tail stock which is also used on the x slide & 1 used on the saddle, all fitted with neodymium magnets, accuracy is repeatable so no complaints on that score.

George.

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

Posted by mechman48 on 26/04/2019 15:05:06:

I have two, 1 fitted to the tail stock which is also used on the x slide & 1 used on the saddle, all fitted with neodymium magnets, accuracy is repeatable so no complaints on that score.

George.

Edited to add pics.

George.

[jimmy bParticipant @jimmyb]

I've done this on one of my lathes. It works very well!

Jim

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

looks like the basis for a very cheap depth mic. Is the probe metal or plastic?

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

Probe is plastic I fitted a metal cap & neodymium magnet epoxy glued in & along the back of it. You can get similar with metal probes but cost more, so far I've not had any probs with this other than of my own doing.

George.

[andrew lynerParticipant @andrewlyner71257]

Posted by Paul Lousick on 26/04/2019 14:32:52:

A digital caliper is a better option than a tyre gauge. No spring to remove like in the video and available with longer travel. (they can be shortened if required). I have been using one on the cross slide of my lathe for a number of years.

I would advise that you mount the DRO on the tail stock side of the cross slide and not directly under the cutter as shown. Away from swarf and coolant that will find its way into the readout and cause it to fail. I would not use a magnet anywhere near the swarf on the lathe unless you want to use it as a collector.

Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 26/04/2019 14:44:21

It could well be. A longer throw, for a start. But this thing was under £7 and that made it very attractive. Perhaps for the other axis, i may go for a calliper. It is totally crazy that things like this are so cheap.

@Duncan Webster The probe on the one I just bought is actually metal

Very good idea to mount it on the other side. One advantage for magnetic fixing is that it can be moved around to find the best position.

Edited By andrew lyner on 26/04/2019 18:03:15

Edited By andrew lyner on 26/04/2019 18:05:57

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