X2 Mini-Mill (CX605) Cheap Digital Readout iGaging DRO Mounting

Also used:
*1/8" x 3/4" aluminium flat
*1/16"x3/4"x1/2" aluminium angle (ideally get 3/4"x3/4" or even 1"x1", but still 1/16" thickness)
*4-40 screws and taps for mounting into base. Screws that come with DRO are a fine metric thread, didn't have proper tap & also thread seemed too fine for a good grip into cast iron.

[itsJohnnyDill]

I have had these for years on a Harbor Freight Rong Fu column mill.  I got two of the scales wet and they freaked out.  Replaced those two and properly shielded the scales.  No issues thereafter.  Great for the money!  :-)

[smeglip]

Thank you. I needed to see how others approached the installation before considering purchase. Every install and circumstance is different.

[varrel_weaponry_]

A few of your words jumble together and are hard to understand but thank you, the layout of the units and improvements by adding rails and guards is a nice touch.

[ddistrbd]

Colin, great video, I'm planning on installing the same type of DRO on my mini mill, I learned a few tips from watching your installation.one thing I noticed about your gas spring, it is my understanding that the cylinder should be up and pushing the strut down toward the ground in order to lubricate it, your is upside down, I hope you haven't had any issues with it like gas leaking .

[dannyh]

Finally got around to installing, I put my x axis scale on the front of the table, only issues I see with this method it you will need to use a set screw or bolt for the x lock but it seems the gained travel could really be worth it. But untill I use it who knows if I'll like it.

[kenibnanak]

For myself, the biggest issue I see with using an igage DRO is I would have to give up my Little Machine Shop Power feed. Do I want A or do I want B? LoL, can't have both.

[FredMiller]

X axis goes left and right, Y axis goes toward and away from you.   Other than that good video.

[josecunha]

..ingenious and useful. Will have to try it on my Harbor Freight 44991. Thanks for posting.

[rdsii]

Sorry for the machine gun questions, but when you mounted your cross slide DRO did you have to remove the table first?

[HankDCFC]

Thank you for a good video and for taking the time and effort to make it for us.

[mimlomiani]

I have the same and I have a problem which I hope you know the answer too ? As you have learned until now the most annoying thing with these DRO's is that they turn them selfs off just after a minet or two !! Do you know if there is a way to change that or just set it off all together so that it does not turn off every minut....!? Thank you

[rdsii]

When you installed your DRO, how long was your vertical axis?

[rdsii]

what kind ot tap did use. I just order a 12 inch last night for my vertical axis. Now i'm shoping for a tap and die set.

[duanecody]

Hey colin, you have your x and y mixed up my friend, x is right to left and y is in and out, Z is up and down. Just figured you may need reminded, otherwise your vid is decent. Have a nice day.

[Tripod]

Hey Colin, I have the same mill. Did you purchase all 3 dro's at 12 inches. I want to hook the system up also and was wondering about the lengths I need. Also what did you use to cut the lengths to. Someone told me you can use a mitre saw? Thanks again for your help.

[gregpruitt]

Hay, I really want to do the air spring conversion on my 2X Mini Mill. Have you done the video on the conversion?

[samalverio]

Please more details as name of products and where u purchased them

[samalverio]

Can u be more specific as to where you got your readouts from you didn't say

[MKEMEX]

Isn't it a bit suspicious that there are a few videos like this one showing how to install the scales and all but nobody shows them in operation? I remember reading somewhere that this cheap scales are only accurate to 0.1mm or so (like 0.004"). That's pretty useless for any serious machining.

[Airace]

What brand are the DROs and how much and where?