How to Install a DRO 4 - Installing the X Axis Scale
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- Shars.com approached me about making some videos showing the installation of one of their Sino Digital Readouts (DRO). In this installment I'll be putting the X axis scale on the machine and discussing some of the quirks of this particular scale installation. I'll be making separate videos showing the installation of the various components so it is easy to reference back to each part. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below. Thanks for watching!
This entire DRO series has been invaluable for a novice like me. I was able to install all three of the DROs on my PM-949TS and feel confident in their accuracy! I've been going through your other videos as well! Keep up the great content!!
Top tip when adjusting the height, measure it with a depth mike from the top of the table , subtract the required movement lock up then put into position again. Put back into position rais the scale to touch it. Repeat again until in position.
Great video! Just subscribed, gonna go through and watch a bunch of your videos now
Thanks for the videos, very good info
Thanks for your videos - they helped me a LOT. One thing though: I also got SINO scales like yours, and at least on one of the scales the position of the reader head was terrible with the transport fittings mounted - and that was in both directions (distance from head to scale and off-center on the scale). In fact I feel that the mounting of the reader heads are by far the worst part.
I would definitely agree. I had to improvise a lot more with mounting the readers.
Hi folks. Getting the scale level seems to be rather tricky. I've not installed one - yet - but one idea I have, if there is the space - is to have a sub frame that is vertically adjustable, at least on one end, by using a fine threaded machine screw. Possibly more trouble than it is worth! BobUK.
For whatever reason, all mfr's and suppliers of these seemingly keep it a secret how to choose and install them. There is another secret that I never seen addressed, and that being, what if the scale choices available are either too long, longer than the table, or too short, less than travel? I encounter this issue, and so, chose a completely different system, less accurate, but it works. I found those scales that are caliper scales. I reckoned I could just cut them, and yes, that works. I have some machines that I would love to have more accurate dro's on, but, unless there is a known way to install the type in this video, I will install the other type. I know another person who has the same issue too. Likely there are a real lot of people with this issue. Your video is right on when installing the more accurate kind on a mill when the proper length is available. I have done this too.
You can do it with a scale longer than the table. You just need a bracket that is the length of the scale and mount that bracket to the table. Obviously, this opens up the possibility of running into the scale with other equipment, so you have to move with caution around them.
There are a couple of videos out there on installing a DRO that demonstrate how to trim length off of a glass scale or a magnetic scale.
You can cut scales down, google dropros, they have a write up on both magnetic and glass scale sizing
Hello Stuart! I just installed 3-axis and one person commented on setting them parallel. It's always good to eliminate possible error. I set mine very close as I was working off machined surfaces on my mill but I never checked them with an indicator. I'm certain I'm parallel well within .030". If you do the math for a 10" long scale an alignment error of .100" would result in a .0005" error over 10" of travel. I'd say my scales are much closer to being within .030" which would result in an error of .0002" over 10" or .0004" over 20". Striving for perfection is always good but I'm totally okay with less than a half! I'm not so good at math so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Is there something in the scale reader head that freaks out with minor side to side movements? My first install was a magnetic $35 DRO (per axis). Compared to the table dials it was off .015" over 20-inches but I borrowed a 20" caliper from work and both axis were dead on. The dial discrepancy was likely due to it being a Chinese mill and lead screw wear. Was I just lucky or are glass scales more particular???
I guess it wouldn't be any fun if all the mill manufacturers sent their machines out dro ready.
Given a lot of machines in use were made in the 1940's to 1960's, that wasn't really an option.
I got 0.05 mm variation..do I have any problems
I would say that's more than acceptable.
@@StuartdeHaro what are the problems if I got 1 mm taper in scale
Having the scale mounted at an angle can result in an error in your reading because you will be measuring along the hypotenuse of a triangle instead of the flat bottom. The readout will say you have traveled X amount, but in reality you have gone less than that.
@@StuartdeHaro thank you but the X scale slightly different center 0.15 mm curve though end is better within 0.03 limit..is that ok
thanks for the video....but please drop the "go ahead ands"....its the new um
I just can't see losing an inch of y travel to mount the DRO. Is there really no way you could have mounted this on the front side? Ugly, and you've got stops to work around, but there must be a way.
There are plenty of people who have done that. The big challenge is making the adapter to hold the reader head since the front of the saddle is angled compared to the table. You also lose the ability to use hard stops on the table. To me, the main issue is that the scale will be more exposed on the front of the table. This makes it more likely to get some damage when moving the vise or heavy parts on or off the table, or when handling longer pieces of material around the machine.
What the other person said plus you would have to make a new X axis table lock.
I mounted it on the front of my small Wabeco mill.