Lathe DRO Install 2

The second episode of the new lathe DRO installation on the Yam lathe. In this installment we modify brackets. mount and align the X axis scale to the machine. We also test the manual focus of the new HD camera setup during this shoot.

[FredMiller]

I like how methodical you are with your installation. Can't wait to see the DRO in action.
Thank you-
Fred

[w]

What a super simple but brilliant idea of using a block correctly drilled to guide both the drill and the tap!! I'll be using that idea in future.

Brilliant video excellently executed and presented, close ups are outstandingly clear.

[oxtoolco]

Hi Johnny,

The magnetic scales definitely have some advantages. They are sealed completely unlike glass scales and are field modifiable. Glass scales may be more inherently accurate, but they are more fragile and need to be more precisely mounted.

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the comment. How did the manual focus work in the shots where my hands went in front of the camera? In another video the autofocus response was sluggish so it made for dizzy viewing so I wanted to try the manual mode.

Regards,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Bill,

The magnetic scale is similar to regular magnetic tape like you would see in audio recording equipment. Instead of sound vibrations a linear scale is encoded in the magnetic material. They can be damaged by very strong localized magnetic fields. Much stronger than say a magnetic indicator base. I think Mythbusters did a show on just how strong a field is required to re-write these kinds of things.

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't realize you had a mag strip without a backing or shell. This would make for a very nice tight installation. I like your installation very much.

Regards,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the comment. I agree the scales are nice and compact. This is one reason I went with this brand. Some of the glass scales are bulky intrude into the working area in a bad way. So far so good.

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Flesvik,

There are end wipers on the read head. Also there is a cover that will go over the entire assembly to shield it from chips and oil.

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the comment. I could barely resist plugging it in after I turned the camera off. I did resist just so you know.

Best,

Tom

[reideichner]

I really like how you are going about installing the scale - very methodical! Nice, Tom!
Reid

[oxtoolco]

Hi Jarret,

The drill press vise has a full write up on my blog. The link is at the top right of the YT main page. On the canned air. I share the works pace with my wife who is an artist. She doesn't like the noise that an open air hose makes. Also I have a crappy air compressor that makes more noise than it compresses air.

Best,

Tom

[blazemaestro]

Thank you very much for these DRO videos Tom. I have a 14x40, looks very much like your lathe just a little smaller and I have been wanting to install a DRO for a bit.

[oxtoolco]

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the comment.

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Joe,

Its already printed on the shim itself. Funny you mention that. There was this weird plastic strip thing in the fastener kit that didn't show up on the instructions anywhere. Take a guess how thick it was?

Best,

Tom

[TheBdd]

Thanks very much for a clear video, good narration and easy to understand commentary. Your video is exactly what I need to help me understand how to mount glass scales and a Schumatech  375 kit DRO on my Birmingham 1236 lathe. I am a electronic circuit designer and miles behind you in machining experience :<).

[laurentcnc]

Hi Tom. Thanks for sharing. It is always usefull to see in video either than written !

[EVguru]

Thanks for the compliment, I'm quite pleased with the result myself. I bought the DRO and a set of glass scales from 'The DRO Store' along with a three axis system for the mill. I couldn't find room for the glass scale, so went with the magnetic.

[oxtoolco]

Hi Meocats,

You are right I could have done that by just belt sanding them a bit. I went with the button heads because the were below flush and stainless steel.

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Joe,

Busted. I did watch the one on how to properly measure the machine travels. Maybe the reason is hidden

Best,

Tom

[oxtoolco]

Hi Paul,

Nice installation. Its not clear to me what the scale mounts to. Did you create a plate with a channel for the mag scale or is that plate part of the lathe? Thanks for the comment and picture.

Regards,

Tom