TouchDRO vs Chinese DRO - The Cost Breakdown

#touchdro #igaging #bridgeport #dro
How much does it really cost to fit a knee type milling machine with a DRO (Digital Read Out)? In this video I detail how much it cost me to fit a Bridgeport style milling machine with iGaging capacitive scales on the quill, knee and X and Y axes plus install a TouchDRO bluetooth adapter and the TouchDRO app on an Android tablet. I also compare that with a more traditional 7 segment display DRO and glass scales. There's also some discussion about the TouchDRO app and it's graphical interface.

[tomburson]

I purchased my 3 axis dro glass scales, from China before the pandemic for $200, free shipping and no tax. They were pre cut to my specs. They work great! It has all the functions you described

[michedmck]

Brilliant video, with lots of useful information! Thanks, Presso! One tip though - ditch the centre drill, and invest in a few NC Spot Drills. They leave a 120° hole for your 118° drill point, and guide it in perfectly. The 60° hole left by the centre drill leads to inaccuracies, and will also damage your drills, especially cobalt drills.
Keep up the great work!
Mike

[terrycannon]

I like the hose trick. Also loved the demonstration of the hole layout. Thanks Mark

[leec]

I watched your video when you installed the iGaging readers.
Now watching this video I think that I will do the same only a lot smaller,
on my mini mill X2 Seig.

Thank you, keep making videos.
Lee

[CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing! I like how you're dealing with the heat while I'm dealing with snow fall. Grass is always greener.

[howder]

Nice chat Mark, I enjoyed it very much, and the interest is because I have those iGaging units already. I would gladly trade my snow for some of your heat right now, so you go enjoy a cold one for me, cheers!

[physicsguybrian]

Great video! The workspace preview directions should reflect what you physically see. The y-axis is inverted. THAT would drive me nuts!

[HomebrewHorsepower]

Mark, I am in your debt. I'm planning to add a DRO to my milling machine in the next couple of months. I've been trying to decide between these two options. I think you've sold me on the touch DRO. Thanks for the great content.

[joell]

Must feel great to have another shop improvement checked off the list? And one that tickled the nerd bone too is always a big plus. Thanks for summarizing the thought process and considerations. 👍👍😎👍👍

[keithspainhour]

Hello, I have used TouchDRO on my mill for a while now. I really like it. You probably already know, but when your on the home screen you can tap the coordinates on the right side to put them in the incremental display and drive the machine to them. Very handy if you have a bunch of odd spaced points on a part. Just click add a point and you can come back to the same point any time without much hassel. Thanks for the videos.

[TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Mark,
Thanks for this video... It really does help in deciding which way to go on the DRO front.
Take care
Paul, ,

[lv_woodturner]

The Touch DRO is working well.
I loved the wildlife at the start.
Thanks for passing on the tip about the tubing to hold the clamps. A very good idea. I can see using this tip.
Dave.

[SGS_Engineering]

Excellent vid Mark! Looking fwd to seeing your next project!

[kelleysimonds]

I really enjoy seeing the wildlife in your videos, thanks.

[KevinToppenberg]

Very helpful video. I am thinking about using TouchDRO vs other. I agree that having that cryptic display on the standard DRO's is crazy in this day and age.

[Watchyn_Yarwood]

I look forward to your next video, as I do all yours! Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[wyohman]

Another great video. The visual representation on Touch DRO is worth it especially for folks like me who can't visualize abstract concepts.

[roddersauify]

Hey Preso....your laconic Aussie Style is doing our country proud...loving the workshop & equipment improvements...cheers Rodney down in Mexico (Melbourne)
P.S. have you done a complete workshop tour?...I started my apprenticeship at GMH Fishermen's Bend on a Colchester....would love a walk around with the story of how you obtained each machine...

[Jeroendorrestein]

Very interesting video, many thanks. I recently added a DRO to my mini mill. I went for the glass scale, but 0, 001mm. Which made them almost double the cost.

[Avadon]

You're hilarious! I hope to be like you when I grow up. Great Video!