Sizing a Mill
 
Sizing a Lathe
 
#1 Advantage of
Magnetic Scales

 
#2 Advantage of
Magnetic Scales
 
Installing a Mill
Kit - Part 1 of 4
 
Installing a Mill
Kit - Part 2 of 4
 
Installing a Mill
Kit - Part 3 of 4
 
Installing a Mill
Kit - Part 4 of 4
 
Installing a Lathe
Kit - Part 1 of 4
 
Installing a Lathe
Kit - Part 2 of 4
 
Installing a Lathe
Kit - Part 3 of 4
 
Installing a Lathe
Kit - Part 4 of 4
 
EL400 Display Overview
 
EL700 Display
Part 1 of 4
 
EL700 Display
Part 2 of 4
 
EL700 Display
Part 3 of 4
 
DRO PROS Intro Video
 
ARC Machining
 
Incline Tool Position
 
ES10 Overview
 
SDM
Sub Datum Memory
 
Line Hole Position
 
Bolt Hole Circle
 
Parameters Setup
 
Choosing Your Scales
 
Power Off Memory
 
Center Find Function
 
Changing Scale Direction
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Order Line & Tech Help - Call now 1-707-452-8434

We speak English - We answer our phones - Lifetime Warranty on magnetic kits!

Magnetic Scales cannot be broken - Coolant & Dust Proof - Cut to length

sales@dropros.com

    

Thanks to all our customers for taking the time to send us their pictures. If you would care to send us a photo of your DRO installation and ultimately benefit others who may be contemplating the same install, please send your photos to scott@dropros.com. Thank you!

DRO PROS carries magnetic scale kits that can't be contaminated! Call us for all your digital readout needs!

 

#1 - Courtesy of T. Scholey with the new MagnaSlim Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2 - Courtesy of P. Smith with the new MagnaSlim Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#3 - Courtesy of M. Steinbeck with the new MagnaSlim Magnetic Scales on his Weiss Mill:

 

 

 

 

 

#4 - Courtesy of T. Byrnhe with a 3 Axis EL700 Magnetic Scale Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#5 - Courtesy of R. Humphreys with a 4 Axis EL700 Magnetic Scale Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#6 - Courtesy of C. Bennett with a 3 Axis EL700 Magnetic Scale Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#7 - Courtesy of "Skypilot" Genseal with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#8 - Courtesy of D. Serles with an EL400 2 axis Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#9 - Courtesy of Eric with an EL700 4 axis Magnetic Scale Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#10 - Courtesy of G. Whitman with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#11 - Courtesy of B. Corneil with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#12 - Courtesy of B. Sly with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#13 - Courtesy of B. Janacek with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#14 - Courtesy of K. Rucker with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

Magnetic scale kit on an Index mill

 

Back of the table, the X axis - notice the "stop" bolt to the left of the readhead bracket - Click for a larger picture!The Y axis - click for a larger picture!The Z axis - click for a larger picture!

 

 

 

#15 - Courtesy of D. Ticehurst with an Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit on the quill:

 

 

 

 

 

#16 - Courtesy of M. Tracy with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#17 - Courtesy of J. Maxwell with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#18 - Courtesy of J. Morrison with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

Magnetic scale kit on a lathe - note how the cross slide fits, and doesn't "hang over" the ends!

 

Magnetic scales fit the cross slide when others don't!Our only suggestion is to mount the cover to the holes in the endcaps, which would prevent having to drill 3 more holes in the cross slide. Very nice job!

 

The Z axis - click for a larger picture!Here he used a custom bracket, not sure why, the kit includes all necessary brackets.The Z axis overall shot - click for a larger picture!

 

 

 

#19 - Courtesy of L. Schmidt with an Electronica 4 Axis Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#20 - Courtesy of J. Gilmore with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

Beautiful magnetic kit installation on a Bridgeport!Cable routing, attention to detail...  nice job!

 

Right side of a Bridgeport - click for a larger picture!The Y axis - click for a larger picture!The Z axis - click for a larger picture!Click for a larger picture!

 

 

 

#21 - Courtesy of A. McCutchen with an Electronica EL400 Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#22 - Courtesy of Mitch with a Magnetic EL400 on his lathe:

 

 

 

 

#23 - Courtesy of Anonymous with a Magnetic Scale on the tailstock:

 

 

 

 

 

#24 - Courtesy of R. Molho with a 4 axis DRO PROS Magnetic Scale Quill:

 

 

 

 

 

#25 - Courtesy of W. Lane with a 4 axis DRO PROS Magnetic Scale Quill:

 

 

 

 

 

#26 - Courtesy of T. Scholey with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#27 - Courtesy of L. Maraio with a Color LCD EL700 Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#28 - Courtesy of P. Smith with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#29 - Courtesy of R. Peters with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#30 - Courtesy of M. Hall with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

Magnetic scale install on an Atlas

 

Note how this install is different - the readhead moves with the cross slide, the scale is fixed.Top shot of the cross slideAnother view of the cross slide

 

 

 

#31 - Courtesy of J. Vietti with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

Magnetic install on a mill

 

Convenient display mountLook at the Z axis - Here's a new idea - scale and cover move separately, also the Z bracket "pokes" through the cover which makes mounting the readhead easier...Another angle of a unique mounting arrangement - the scale / cover move independently!

 

 

 

#32 - Courtesy of B. Summers with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#33 - Courtesy of D. Howe with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#34 - Courtesy of B. Shields with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe Kit:

 

Can you see the magnetic scale on this cross slide?

 

Close up of the cross slideLooking at the X and the ZThe Z axis up close

 

Nice custom tools!Perfection!This tap is going in straight!

 

 

 

#35 - Courtesy of K. Roon with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#36 - Courtesy of W. Mitzen with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

Magnetic install on a popular Little Machine Shop benchtop mill

 

Note how the scale cover is sandwiched between the scale and the machineCustom mounting of the Y axisZ axis fits where glass cannot!

 

 

 

#37 - Courtesy of P. Howell with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

Super clean installation on a Sieg Super X3!

 

X axis installation on the back of the tableMagnetic scale on the Y axis fits much easier than a glass scaleMagnetic scales are so thin he mounted it INSIDE the column!

 

 

 

#38 - Courtesy of R. Hardwick with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

2 Axis magnetic kit on a round column benchtop mill

 

X axis scale on the front of the tableY axis scale on the sideCompleted X & Y axis magnetic scales, complete w/ covers!

 

 

 

#39 - Courtesy of M. Roberts with an Electronica Magnetic Scale 300 "Universal" Kit:

 

300 series magnetic kit on a Smithy 1324 "3 in 1" machine!

 

No problem mounting the carriage scale!Carriage axis custom bracketCarriage axis complete

 

Offsetting the cross slide scale because of the oil hole to the left...Custom cross slide support bracketCross slide completed!

 

Z axis installation - Vertical "strips" used to keep head from swivelingThe Z axis from aother angleZ axis up close

 

 

 

#40 - Courtesy of S. Gooselaw with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

Magnetic kit installed on a Rockwell

 

Custom mounted X axis scale on the front of the tableClose up of the X axis readhead - note the incredible welding job!Magnetic scale X axis complete!

 

Y axis completeCustom welded (not bolted), Y axis bracket - nice!Typical mounting of a magnetic scale on the Z axis

 

 

 

#41 - Courtesy of R. Munoz with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#42 - Courtesy of T. Doran with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#43 - Courtesy of R. Lyn with a DRO PROS Electronica Magnetic Scale Kit:

        (custom mounted to an optical comparator)

 

 

 

 

 

#44 - Courtesy of J. Perkins with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#45 - Courtesy of Wil with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#46 - Courtesy of M. Niadna with a DRO PROS Glass Scale Lathe Kit:

 

DRO PROS glass scale kit mounted on a Grizzly lathe

 

Best way to mount a glass scale on the cross slide - note how the readhead is "underneath" the scaleNote the readhead cable routing - now compare to picture set #38!Glass Z axis scale mounted on the backside of the lathe

 

Complete with covers is a super clean installation!Z axis from another angleZ axis profile shot

 

 

 

#47 - Courtesy of Unknown with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 Axis DRO PROS glass kit on a Bridgeport

 

X axis glass scale on the back of a BridgeportClose-up of the X axis readhead - note the bracket sticking out serves as a "stop" Y axis glass scale on a Bridgeport

 

X and Y axis cable routingZ axis glass scale on a Bridgeport millGood bracketing arrangement points the opening of the Z axis away from the action!

 

 

 

#48 - Courtesy of H. Kratz with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

DRO PROS glass scale kit on a beautifully refinished Bridgeport mill

 

Immaculate!X axis mounted with a custom bracketX and Z axis from the side

 

Y axis installationOur customers produce incredible results!Gorgeous monarch lathe is the next candidate for a DRO!

 

 

 

#49 - Courtesy of G. Young with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 Axis DRO PROS glass kit on a Bridgeport mill

 

X axis glass scale on the back of a BridgeportThis hole is going in straight!

 

 

 

#50 - Courtesy of R. Herold with a DRO PROS 2M two axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

2 Axis DRO PROS glass kit on an Enco round column benchtop mill

 

X axis glass scale on the back of an Enco benchtop millY axis glass scale on an Enco benchtopDRO PROS 2 axis display on an Enco benchtop mill

 

 

 

#51 - Courtesy of R. Hartshorne with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 Axis DRO PROS glass kit on a benchtop mini mill - it can be done!

 

The X axis scale goes on the front of the tableThe Z axis scaleOverhead view of the Z axis readhead assembly

 

X axis scale is offset slightly from the tableAnother view of the X axis scaleThe Y axis scale tucked down out of the way

 

 

 

#52 - Courtesy of J. Guest with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

DRO PROS 3 axis glass kit on a Sieg Super X3

 

X and Y scale bracketingY axis bracket offset to the rear to clear the power feed (not yet installed)Close up of the Y axis - note how it clears the power feed - nice!

 

Very sanitary cable routingZ axis scale installed with opening to the "back"

 

 

 

#53 - Courtesy of M. Crego with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#54 - Courtesy of Dave with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#55 - Courtesy of Bjorn H. with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 Axis DRO PROS glass kit on a Sieg Super X3

 

X axis glass scale on a Sieg Super X3Y axis glass scale and bracketsZ axis bracketing on a Grizzly Super X3

 

 

 

#56 - Courtesy of K. Byrd with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 axis DRO PROS glass kit on a Smithy Granite "3 in 1"

 

The carriage scale complete with cover!Very sanitary Z axis - note the custom quill bracket - nice!Backside of the Z axis

 

Glass scale on the cross slideFitting the carriage scaleClose up of the cross slide readhead

 

 

 

#57 - Courtesy of John B. with a DRO PROS 2M two axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

On a round column mill, we recommend a 2 axis kit like this

 

X axis glass scale on a round column millY axis scale on a round column mill

 

Here is a link to his comments: John B's Comments

 

 

 

#58 - Courtesy of J. Gillies with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit

 

3 Axis DRO PROS glass kit on a "3 in 1" machine

 

DRO PROS display head and coverThe Z axis scale and coverClose up of the Z axis without the cover

 

Fitting the Z axisCarriage and cross slide bracketing

 

 

 

#59 - Courtesy of J. Iseli with a DRO PROS 2M two axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

2 Axis DRO PROS glass kit for a Smithy Granite 1340

 

Why not mount the display on the wall, out of the way? Mounting the scale just to the right of the "oil hole"Cross slide scale completed!Close up of the cross slide without the cover

 

Mounting a "backer bar" for the cross slide scaleCarriage scale complete!Carriage scale bracketing

 

 

 

#60 - Courtesy of B. Martin with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 axis DRO PROS glass kit on a benchtop mill

 

 

 

#61 - Courtesy of P. Thompson with a DRO PROS 3M three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

#62 - Courtesy of T. Ancell with an Easson ES10-3M5 three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 axis DRO PROS glass kit on a Harbor Freight (aka Seig) Super X3

 

X axis scale completeClose up a custom X axis readhead bracketNote the "stop block" on the left side - VERY IMPORTANT!!

 

Well done Y axis scale installedClose up of the Y axis bracketClose up of the Z axis bracketBack of the display shows nice job of routing cables

 

 

 

#63 - Courtesy of R. Fenichel detailing how to mount a Z glass scale on a Sieg SX3:

 

Detailed Z axis glass scale installation on a Sieg Super X3Close up view of the Z axis bracketing

 

Here is the link to his detailed instructions: SX3 Z Scale Install

 

 

 

#64 - Courtesy of J. Hicks with an Easson ES10-3M5 three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

Easson ES10 3 axis glass kit on a Grizzly mill

 

X, Y and Z glass scalesUnderside shot of the Y axis glass scaleTop shot of the Z axis scale installationTypical back of the table X axis glass scale installation

 

 

 

#65 - Courtesy of H. Noble with an Easson ES10-3M5 three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

Easson ES10 3 axis glass kit

 

X and Y axis glass scale installationZ axis glass scale installationLooking at the Y axis scale

 

 

 

#66 - Courtesy of W. Pfeiffer with an Easson ES10-3M5 three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

Easson ES10 3 axis glass scale kit on a Grizzly SX3

 

X axis glass scale installed on the back of the tableY axis scale installationZ axis glass scale installationClose up of the Z axis top mounting bracket

 

 

 

#67 - Courtesy of (unknown) with an Easson ES10-3M5 three axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

3 axis ES10 Easson glass kit

 

Looking down along the Z axis scaleCustom bracket to fit the X axis scale on the front of the tableLooking at the end of the X axis scale

 

 

 

#68 - Courtesy of R. Partridge with an Easson ES10-2M5 two axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

2 Axis Easson glass kit on a round column benchtop mill

 

X axis scale fits well on the front of the tableY axis scale on the side of the machine

 

 

 

#69 - Courtesy of B. Ohlemann with an Easson ES10-2M5 two axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

2 axis Easson ES10 glass kit on a benchtop mill

 

X axis scale mounted on the front of the tableClose up of the X axis readheadY axis scale goes on the side

 

 

 

#70 - Courtesy of D. Collins with an Easson ES10-2M5 two axis glass scale Mill Kit:

 

2 axis Easson ES10 glass kit DRO

 

 

 

 

#71 - Courtesy of V. Esplin with a DRO PROS 2L two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

DRO PROS 2L glass kit on a Cadillac lathe

 

Overall shot of a DRO PROS 2L lathe glass kitX axis cross slide scale mounted vertically with readhead "underneath"Overhead view of the cross slide and carriage scales

 

Z axis scale installs easily on the back of the latheAnother shot of the carriage bracketsDisplay mounting arm arrangement

 

 

 

#72 - Courtesy of M. McDevitt with a DRO PROS 2L two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

Interesting install where the cross slide readhead moves w/ the cross slide!

 

"Rounded" edge of the cross slide made it difficult to mount the scale body so instead he fixed the scale to the carriage and the readhead to the cross slide!Normally the body of the scale fastens directly to the cross slideNote how the readhead moves with the cross slide

 

 

 

#73 - Courtesy of D. Roth with a DRO PROS 2L two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

#74 - Courtesy of A. Wilson with a DRO PROS 2L two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

Got a big lathe and the glass scale is too short? Mount it to a moveable tram!

 

Z axis carriage scale mounted to a moveable "tram"More details of the tramEnd view of the tram

 

 

 

#75 - Courtesy of G. Inglehart with an Easson ES10-3L5 three axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

Custom 3 axis EASSON glass scale lathe kit

 

Note the glass scales on both the top and cross slides! Top slide glass scaleZ axis scale and cable routing - nice!

 

 

 

#76 - Courtesy of R. Suttle with an Easson ES10-2L5 two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

2 axis Easson glass scale kit

 

Note how the cable passes "through" the back of the carriage! Z axis bracketryDisplay head mounting and cables

 

 

 

#77 - Courtesy of J. Dolde with an Easson ES10-2L5 two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

2 axis EASSON glass lathe kit

 

Typical "sideways" installation of a glass scale on the cross slideZ axis scale easily mounts on the back of the tableOverhead view of the cross slide scale

 

 

 

#78 - Courtesy of K. Coker with an Easson ES10-2L5 two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

2 axis EASSON glass scale lathe kit

 

Cross slide glass scale mounted verticallyPlenty of room to mount the Z axis scaleAnother view of the back of the lathe

 

 

 

#79 - Courtesy of R. Pleas with an Easson ES10-2L5 two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

2 axis EASSON lathe kit

 

Z axis glass scale mounting arrangementClose up of the Z axis bracketsTypical "sideways" glass scale cross slide installationAnother view of the cross slide scale - note the backer bar

 

 

 

#80 - Courtesy of J. Holmgren with a Newall M20 two axis magnetic scale Mill Kit:

 

2 axis Newall M20 magnetic scale mill kit

 

X axis magnetic scale easily fits on the back of the table Y axis magnetic scaleClose up a custom X axis readhead bracket

 

 

 

#81 - Courtesy of S. Chase with a Newall M20 two axis magnetic scale Lathe Kit:

 

Newall M20 magnetic kit mounted on a Smithy 1324

 

Magnetic scales mounted on a SmithyMagnetic scale offset to the rear to expose the oil hole to the left...Close up of the bracketing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#82 - Courtesy of R. Wells with a Newall M20 two axis magnetic scale Mill Kit:

 

Newall M20 kit mounted to a milling machine

 

M20 Y axis magnetic scale Detail of display and cable routingCustom X axis bracket for the Newall M20 mill kit

 

 

 

#83 - Courtesy of R. Snyder with a Newall M20 two axis magnetic scale Lathe Kit:

 

Newall M20 "Mill Kit" on a lathe

 

Newall M20 magnetic scale fits well on the cross slide...Magnetic scale mounts easily on the carriage axis

 

 

 

#84 - Courtesy of D. Hall with a Fagor Innova two axis glass scale Lathe Kit:

 

Fagor 2 axis glass scale lathe kit

 

Trying to fit a Fagor glass scale to the cross slide...

 

 

 

Hints and Techniques from our Customers

DRO KIT Installation - Notes, Warnings and Cautions

The Readhead - What the readhead looks like

The Threaded Holes - Size and tap sizes for mounting the scale

Nuts & Bolts - Specifications of fasteners included with our kits

Prepping the Scale - How to protect the scale so the readhead doesn't run into the end

Dragging the Scale - How to ensure the readhead doesn't drag the inside of the scale

Do I have to center the scale on the table? - Tips on where to mount the scales

Bracket Alignment - How to line the mill kit brackets up with the holes

Mill Installation - Excerpts from the Mill Installation Booklet

Click HERE to read how to initialize 1 micron scales on the DRO PROS 2L Lathe Kit

Click HERE to read how to initialize 1 micron scales on the DRO PROS 2M Milling Machine Kit

Click HERE to read how to initialize 1 micron scales on the DRO PROS 3M Milling Machine Kit

 

 

The "Blue Strip"- Between the scale and the reader head there is a blue strip which helps to maintain the correct distance between the reader head and the scale for installation purposes. This should be removed after installation.

 

Hints and Techniques from our Customers

 

Sometimes it's best to let your customers do the talking (Please click on Mikes' letter to the right for the full install story and photos).

Look at what Mike Grey of AWMS Inc. had to say about his DRO PROS Installation:

 

A recommend letter

18 Jul 2010

DRO PROS,

You were most helpful when I was looking to purchase a DRO for my lathe  -  so thought I would drop you a line and let you know how things turned out as well as offer some other information.

I suggest you consider adding a spot on your web site that shows customer installs of your products on various machines.  The way others solve the problems of installation would be helpful for ALL users.  Particularly, if the installation is on a similar machine.  Should you choose to do so, here is my contribution. 

Sincerely,

Mike Gray

 

 

 

DRO KIT Installation - Notes, Warnings and Cautions

 

Between the scale and the reader head there is a blue strip which helps to maintain the correct distance between the reader head and the scale for installation purposes. This should be removed after installation.

 

Note: To give the best protection, the scale should be mounted with the yellow rubber seals (lips) facing down. Note that this is not always possible. The scale performs equally well mounted in any direction. It's just that optimally, the best protection is afforded with the opening facing down or away from the cutting tool.

 

The travel length of the glass grating scale must be longer than the maximum travel of the machine, there should be at least 10mm clearance (approximately 1/2") between the ends of the glass scale and the maximum travel of the machine as shown in the following figure:

 

Keep at least 10mm clearance between the reader head and the end cap

It is very important that the scale body be aligned parallel to the travel of the machine slide. For scale travel less than 950mm, the maximum parallel error between the scale and the machine slide must be less than 0.15mm. For scales longer than 950mm, the maximum alignment parallelism error must be less that 0.1mm:

Keep the scale parallel to the machines travel

The clearance between the reader head and scale body must be kept between 0.8mm - 1.5mm.

If a dial indicator is used to align the scale, it is important to ensure that the angle between the dial indicator lever tip and the surface measured is less than 3 degrees to avoid a cosine measurement error. lf a vertical dial indicator is used as per the following figures shown, it is important to ensure that the dial indicator is perpendicular to the measured surface to avoid any error:

 

Checking scale alignment

 

 

The opening of the scale must not be installed as to be directly exposed to swarf, oil, water, dust or other foreign products. The provided protectant covers should be installed.

 

Glass scales are not designed to withstand coolant, fluids or dust!

 

 

The scales should be installed on a level, machined surface.

 

In cases where machined flat surfaces are not available, an installation block or strip should be used to provide a flat datum for the installation:

Honestly, we have no idea what this diagram is for

There must be a clearance of at least 3.0mm between the scale and the scale cover:

Make sure scale cover to body gap is at least 3mm

 

All cables should be fixed, but still allow for the maximum amount of machine travel.

If fitting the Z axis, the scale should be installed on the side of the column, ensuring that the open side of the scale is away from direct swarf and coolant. The bracket is mounted on the knee, and should wrap around the scale to allow for the cover to protect the scale.

 

DRO KIT Installation - Parts and Pieces

 

The first thing we recommend is to get familiar with the scales. First, let's go over the parts of a scale. The main housing is referred to as the scale body. The reader or readhead is actually inside of the scale, and is self-guided by five ball bearings along tracks inside the housing. The outside piece is the "trolley" and simply pushes and pulls the readhead along the length of the scale body. The "joint" between the trolley and the readhead is a metal arm which terminates at the readhead in a kind of ball-and-socket joint. The point of this all is that the readhead is self-aligning, meaning that the outside trolley does not need to be in perfect parallel alignment with the scale body.

 

The Readhead

 

Glass scale readhead - note the "arm" from the trolley to the readhead

 

When looking at a scale for the first time, the first thing that catches most peoples eyes is the 'blue plastic piece' between the trolley and the scale body. It is intended to keep the readhead from moving during shipping, but also serves as an excellent tool for determining the offset or distance the trolley should be mounted away from the scale body. At the end of the day, it will be in the trash, but for now, don't discard it.

 

This is what the trolley and readhead should look like when properly "gapped"

 

The first task will be to mark the scales in a way that would visually warn us if the readhead is nearing the extreme end of the scale. The arm between the trolley and the readhead is delicate, and if the scale is forcefully run into the end of the scale, it will break.

 

First, remove the two screws holding the blue plastic piece to the scale body:

 

Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!

 

Now, run the trolley back and forth along the scale with the 'blue plastic piece' still attached to the trolley. Notice the movement should be smooth and unrestricted. Move the trolley to the extreme end of the scale until it 'bottoms out' or hits the end. Don't worry, as long as the readhead is not forcefully struck against the end of the scale, it will not be damaged. Make a mark from the trolley to the scale body. Exactly where is not important, but most folks choose to mark from the center of the trolley as we did.

 

The Threaded Holes

When installing scales, the most important thing to remember is that there is not ?one right way?. When faced with the task of mounting scales, it is very common for different machinists to come up with several different mounting plans, depending upon their experience, time allowed for installation, and individual creativity. Remember, installation is more about creativity than it is an exact science. Which direction you mount the scales, or which holes you use, depends entirely on what you believe best fits your particular circumstances. The scale endcaps have two holes, neither of which are threaded. The larger, oblong holes allow a 6mm bolt to pass through it, while the smaller round hole is clearanced for a 5mm bolt. The trolley has two pass-through side holes which are tapped with an M5 x .8 thread. The 4 smaller holes are blind holes, and are tapped with an M4 x .7 thread.

 

Click on the following image to view the Scale Hole Sizes and Threaded Dimensions:

 

Nuts & Bolts

Depending on your particular kit (i.e. lathe vs. mill, 2 vs. 3 axis etc), your DRO kit will contain a mixture of metric hardware. These are the most common size components in our kits:

Socket head cap screw M6 - 1.0 x 30

Socket head cap screw M6 - 1.0 x 25

Socket head cap screw M5 - .8 x 30

Socket head cap screw M5 - .8 x 10

Lock washer M6

Lock washer M5

Flat washer M6

Flat washer M5

Hex nut M6 - 1.0

For tapping your machine, we recommend having a couple of M6 & M5 plug taps on hand:

ENCO (1-800-873-3626) has M5x0.8 plug taps for $3.29 each as part number 311-4141

ENCO (1-800-873-3626) has M6x1.0 plug taps for $3.76 each as part number 311-4181

 

 

Prepping the Scale

 

How to prep a glass scale

 

 

 

Next, move the trolley to other extreme end of the scale. Note the marks now 'split'.

 

Move the trolley to the opposite end

 

 

 

Once the trolley is bottomed out against the opposite end, make another mark on the scale body opposite the mark on the trolley.

 

The trolley at the other end

 

 

 

It should now look like this:

 

Make another mark opposite the previous mark

 

 

 

The point of this exercise is that you now have a visual backup of when the trolley would physically hit the end of the scale. After properly mounting your scales, the green mark should always stay between the red marks at all times as in the following illustration:

 

During scale operation, the trolley mark should always stay between the two end marks

 

 

 

It is best to mount the scale body first. After choosing a flat surface, drill and tap the appropriate size holes. Bolt both ends of the scale into place, leaving one end just loose enough that it can be 'tapped' into parallel. Run a dial indicator along the top surface of the scale, making sure the scale does not rise or fall as the machine moves. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Make sure the scale is true BEFORE you mount the readhead/trolley assembly.

 

Next, mount the trolley. It is important to obtain just the right distance or spacing between the underside of the scale and the trolley. This is where the 'blue plastic piece' comes in handy. If you mount the trolley such that the blue plastic piece is snug under the trolley, the spacing will be perfect.

 

Note the following picture where the 'blue plastic piece' is snugly between the trolley and the body of the scale:

 

A glass scale properly gapped

 

 

 

Inside the scale, this is what the readhead looks like when the scale is properly mounted:

 

Interior view of a properly gapped scaleClose up of a properly gapped scale

 

Note the underside of the readhead is not touching or 'bottoming out' on the inside of the scale body.

 

 

 

The following pictures illustrate an IMPROPERLY mounted scale where the 'blue plastic piece' is left loose between the trolley and the body of the scale:

 

An improperly mounted scale will gap like this

Inside the scale, the underside of the readhead is physically dragging along the length of the scale body. Physical failure of the scale will occur almost immediately as the readhead will be physically deformed as it drags the underside of the scale:

 

Dragging the Scale

 

Interior view of an improperly gapped scaleClose up of an improperly gapped glass scale

 

Now while we say the blue plastic piece needs to be snug, don't make it too tight. The clearances are great enough here that you really do not need to 'mic it out'. Mount the trolley with the 'blue plastic piece' snug and all will be fine. If you look at the above left photo you can clearly see the blue plastic piece is not even close to snug, it's simply laying there and would easily slide out if the scale were tilted to the side. The point here is that there is plenty of room built into the scale for movement and to not get too wrapped up with this. The only real catch here is to make sure the scale body is parallel to the machines movement, and make sure to mount the trolley so that it doesn't run into the end of the scale.

 

Note also that most trolleys are a bit wider than the scale on one side, meaning that if you were to mount the scale against a perfectly flat surface, the trolley would be pushed out of alignment. Note in the following picture how the trolley is wider on the left side of the scale than it is the right. If the scale were forcefully mounted against a flat surface on the left, the trolley would be forced out of alignment or pushed well to the right. Forcefully pushing the trolley out of position will decrease its' life expectancy greatly!

 

Note how the left side of the trolley is wider than the scale?

 

Do I have to center the scale on the table?

 

The short answer is no, you do not. But let's take a look at some examples to illustrate the point. The first series of pictures illustrates a 'traditional' installation on a milling machines' X axis where the scale has been mounted relative to the center of the table. The scale (light blue) has been attached to the table (white). The trolley (dark blue) has been fastened to the base of the machine (grey). Remember, we're presenting a typical installation first, followed by an example where the scale has been offset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  In this example, the scale body has been mounted on the center of the table. Traditionally, this is how most scales are mounted. Note how the trolley (dark blue) is 'centered' on the scale with the table in the middle, or neutral, position. Trolley mounted in the exact center of the machine
  In this diagram, the table has been moved to the extreme left. Note the trolley is nearing the right end of the scale.   
  Now the table has been moved to the extreme right most position. Note how the trolley is nearing, but not over, the left end of the scale.
     
While the last example is most likely what most scale installations will end up looking like, let's take a look at a rather extreme case. Remember, while this might be rather academic, the point is to illustrate how you do not need to exactly 'center your scales' when mounting them. They will work just fine offset to one side or the other.
 

In this example, the scale body has been mounted well offset to the left of the table. Note how the trolley is 'centered' relative to the scale with the table in the middle, or neutral, position.

Trolley mounted off-center of the machine
 

In this diagram, the table has been moved to the extreme left. Note the trolley is nearing the right end of the scale.   

 

Now the table has been moved to the extreme right most position. Again, note how the trolley is nearing, but not over, the left end of the scale.

Now we realize no-one is going to mount a scale quite to the extremes of our previous example. But what we're trying to illustrate is this: First, you do not need to take elaborate steps trying to ensure a scale is perfectly 'centered', because it really doesn't matter. What really does matter is this - wherever you do end up mounting your scale (centered or not), make sure the trolley is centered to the scales travel, and doesn't run off the end. As easy as that!

 

 

 

MILL INSTALLATION

 

For some reason it is extremely common to try and align the mill brackets with the two large hexagonal openings on the side of the trolley. The brackets are designed, however, to align with the four tapped holes on the underside of the trolley, not the two hexagonal shaped holes on the side. Of course, if it makes better sense to secure the trolley via the side holes, then go ahead and do it. Modifications are encouraged! Take a look at the following pictures:

Yes you can use these holes but they won't align with the bracketsThese are the holes that align with the brackets

 

 

While your particular mill may look altogether different, the basic concepts remain the same. The first step is to determine which scale to mount first, and where to mount it. Today, we've decided to mount the Y scale first as the X scale will pass over the top of the Y scale. Looking at the right side of our machine, we see that the gib adjusting screws and table lock mechanism would present a challenge to mounting a scale on the right side:

 

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In contrast, the left side of the mill is relatively unobstructed, making it ideal for mounting the scale:

 

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But while the area is relatively unobstructed, the side is not machined square:

 

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To compensate for the sloped surface, we'll install a backer bar. On either end of the bar, top and bottom, are grub screws. These screw in or out, as needed, to level the bar:

 

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Mark and drill the mounting holes for the backer bar:

 

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Attach the backer bar using the supplied bolts:

 

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Insert the grub screws on the backer bar: 

 

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With a dial indicator, ensure the backer bar is square and perpendicular to the machine slides:

 

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Adjust the grub screws as needed until the backer bar is square and perpendicular to the machine slides.

 

 

The backer bar is now installed; level and parallel with the movement of the table:

 

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Next, fasten the scale to the backer bar:

 

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The scale is now installed!

 

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Next, we'll ensure our scale is parallel with our work surface. First, make sure the mill table is brought all the way to the rear. Install a dial indicator so that the indicator tip rests against the top of the scale:

 

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Now move the table to the front of the machine: 

 

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If there is any movement of the dial indicator, loosen and adjust the scale end bolt as needed. Repeat until the scale is perfectly aligned.

 

 

Next, we need to mark the scales in a way that would visually warn us if the readhead is nearing the extreme end of the scale. If you have not done this already, here's how to do it:

 

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Make a mark from the trolley to the scale body. Exactly where is not important, but most folks choose to mark from the center of the trolley as we did.

 

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Next, move the trolley to the end of the scale:

 

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Mark the end of the scale above the mark on the trolley:

 

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Next, move the trolley to other extreme end of the scale. Note the marks now 'split':

 

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With the trolley touching the opposite end of the scale, make another mark on the scale body opposite the mark on the trolley.

 

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The point of this exercise is that you now have a visual backup of when the trolley would physically hit the end of the scale. After properly mounting your scales, the green mark should always stay between the red marks at all times:

 

Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!

 

 

Now place the trolley bracket against the saddle where you intend to mount it:

 

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Drill the mounting holes for the trolley bracket:

 

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Now fasten the bracket against the saddle:

 

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The first trolley bracket is now installed!

 

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Next, place the second trolley bracket in place:

 

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Loosely fasten the two bracket bolts:

 

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Insert the trolley bolts through the bracket, into the trolley carriage:

 

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Tighten the trolley bolts. Make sure the trolley is not twisted as the bolts are tightened. Adjust the bracket as needed:

 

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Now tighten the bracket bolts. Again, make sure the trolley is not twisted as the bolts are tightened. Adjust the bracket as needed:

 

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All that remains now is to verify the scale runs true with the proper spacing:

 

Run the table to the back of the machine:

 

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As you move the table to the rear, make sure to check the spacing of the blue plastic piece. It should be snug, but not overly tight, not overly loose. Optimally, it should look like this:

 

A properly gapped scale always looks like this

 

At no point should the blue plastic piece bind or become loose. A misaligned scale will look like this:

 

An improperly gapped scale looks like this

Note the gap between the blue plastic piece and the scale body. It is imperative to keep the blue plastic piece snug along the full travel of the scale. Please refer to the Getting Familiar with the Scales - Parts and Pieces section for more information regarding this issue.

 

If the blue plastic piece indicates the scale is out of alignment, loosen the scale end bolt and adjust the scale as needed:

 

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Next, run the trolley to the other end of the scale. Again, check the blue plastic piece alignment both during and after the trolley is moved. Loosen and adjust the scale end height as needed:

 

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Congratulations, the scale is installed - now don't forget to remove the blue plastic piece!

 

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Scale "Read Direction"

 

It makes no difference which way the scale initially reads. Scale 'read direction' can be easily changed in the parameters menu after installation. Mount the scale in the position / direction which makes the most sense. In most cases, mount the scale with the cable exiting to the rear of the machine, away from the cutter. Please keep in mind every installation is unique, so there is no one "correct way" to mount scales. Referencing the Customer installation photos provided above may help immensely by seeing how our other Customers chose to mount their scales.

 

For general reference, we provide the following diagram. Remember, scale read direction is, in the end, a matter of personal choice:

 

Typical mill scale direction

 

 

 

 

LATHE INSTALLATION

To install a readout on a lathe the following tips can be used. To mount the cross slide scale, select a flat surface that is suitable and clear of the traveling parts of the lathe. The scale should be mounted insuring that that it is parallel and square to the slide.

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When mounting the reader head, ensure it travels inline and square to the scale to avoid any damage to the scale.

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Testing for parallel can be done by either a dial indicator or a precision level.

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The longitudinal scale should be mounted on the back of the Lathe (Fig 1) with the open side of the scale facing down and must be parallel to the bed. The reader head is mounted to the saddle (Fig. 2 & 3) via the brackets provided. Some modification may be required for some lathes. Covers should be mounted over the slides as per Fig.4.

 Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!   Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!

 Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!  Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!

 

Note: Between the scale and the reader head there is a blue strip which helps to maintain the correct distance between the reader head and the scale for installation purposes. This should be removed after installation.

 

 

 

Why should you buy from DRO PROS?

We speak English - We answer our phones - Same day shipping

Veteran owned, Veteran managed - and proud of it!

 

Our goal is to make customers for life. We feel that, in the long run, treating customers right will yield much more than simply "going for the sale". In accordance with that, we have attempted to pass on some ideas to help you, the customer, in completing your purchase decision:

 

Price. Probably the most talked about factor when buying a digital readout. Price can also be the most misleading, and perhaps worst way, to judge a digital readout kit. We've all heard the old adage, "You get what you pay for." Before the internet, it was true, price did generally correlate directly to value. But that was yesterdays economy. All resellers obtained their goods the same way, and therefore incurred the same costs. In today's economy, the market has changed drastically. At DRO PROS, we import and sell directly to you. Unlike our competitors, we do not have Western and Eastern sales divisions and multi layers of management to support. One location, one cost, and the savings get passed on to you!

 

Intuitiveness or "Ease of Use". Probably the most important, and hardest to determine factor when buying a readout. Think in terms of after the sale. Even if you get an absolute 'rock star' bottom line price that would make William Shatner proud, if the digital readout is not user friendly, you still didn't get a 'deal'. The whole point of getting a digital readout is to make your work easier and more enjoyable. If the digital readout is poorly designed, too complicated, if the display isn't bright enough, or in other words is 'user unfriendly', you'll regret your purchase decision every time you turn it on. It simply won't matter what you paid, it's not worth it!

 

Support. Most likely the second most important, and perhaps most overlooked factor when buying a digital readout. Imagine trying to reach a technician when you've bought a digital readout from an overseas reseller! Yet every day, people "save" $50 and buy products on eBay without stopping to think what will happen when they need service or tech support. Some digital readout resellers don't even publish a phone number! While our competitors continue to pare down or even totally eliminate their customer support, we continue to expand our Customer Service. Our Video Tutorials are the best in the industry, and are available free for you, our customers. Our tech help is the best in the business - our techs all know our readouts inside and out. Nobody knows digital readouts like DRO PROS!

 

Warranty. DRO PROS is proud to offer the industries safest, longest, lifetime warranty on all of our Electronica magnetic scale kits. DRO PROS brand warranty claims are handled directly by DRO PROS. No run-arounds, no hassle! Something not working as expected? Call us, don't get redirected overseas like the other guys!

 

Parts. Can you believe some resellers don't carry parts? That's right, buy from the "other guys", break a scale, and you get to replace the entire digital readout kit! Don't assume you can just go buy a different brand scale, either, because most manufacturers use different connectors on their scales. If that wasn't enough, even among those with a common connector, such as a DB9, most are hard wired differently. Finally, don't overlook the cost of parts. At DRO PROS, an 800mm replacement scale will cost you $197. A similar scale sold extensively by a European company will cost nearly $700! Finally, we have a massive inventory of parts, so rest easy - a replacement part is only a phone call away!

 

The Best Value. We literally search world-wide for the best value digital readout products on the planet. If there was a better digital readout package to be sold, we would be selling it. Yes, we've seen cheaper units on eBay, but there is a reason they're cheaper. Think poor quality, no parts, no manual, non-existent customer service, poor product fit/finish etc.

 

Customer Service. We pledge to never "over sell" you on a product that won't work well for you. Our philosophy is to try and save you money and get the best value kit tailored to the machinery you have. Many of our customers are surprised when we recommend against buying a more expensive brand. Again, our philosophy is to build customers for life. Give us a call and let us save you money!

 

Shipping. Most orders ship the same day, the next at the latest. We do not 'drop' ship, we have our own massive warehouse of inventory right here on site. We use UPS, you'll get a tracking number emailed to you immediately, and we cover all shipping insurance automatically.

 

The Company. DRO PROS is a veteran owned, American company. We enjoy selling quality products at competitive prices. We believe that  providing the best customer service is the key to success. No other company spends more time on the phone with customers than we do. Even in a down economy, our company continues to thrive and grow. We look forward to earning your business! 

 

The Bottom Line. Our line of digital readout's are simply the most user friendly readouts on the planet. Because of our direct marketing structure, they're also extremely affordable. Coupled with our extensive customer service and affordable parts, our Digital Readout products are simply the best value on the planet.

 

Shipping:

 

Domestic Shipping to the United States: All digital readout shipping is done via UPS for a flat rate of $43. You'll get a tracking number emailed direct to you from UPS, enabling you to track your shipment door to door! We cover insurance against any potential shipping damages, so no hidden fees here!

 

International Shipping to Canada: All of our DRO shipping is done via UPS. We charge a flat fee of $80.

 

International Shipping elsewhere: All of our DRO shipping is done via the United States Postal Service via a flat rate of $140.

 

Industry Leading Unlimited Lifetime Warranty

Electronica magnetic kits = Unlimited Lifetime Warranty

DRO PROS brand warranty claims are handled directly by DRO PROS.

No run-arounds, no hassle!

 

At DRO PROS, we take care of our customers. Have an issue or need some help? Let us take care of it with a toll-free call to California!

 

Call us now at 1-707-452-8434

 

We accept credit cards, checks and money order for payment

 


 

Call us now at 1-707-452-8434 for all your digital readout needs!

 

DRO PROS

4992 Allison Parkway Suite G

Vacaville, CA 95688 US

Phone: 707-452-8434

Website: http://www.dropros.com

sales@dropros.com

 

(707) 452-8434     (707) 452-8437     (877) 628-6028

Our Kit and Part Prices always beat Heidenhain Newall Acurite Sargon & Fagor!

 

Unlimited Lifetime Warranty on Magnetic DRO Kits