Installing my 3 axis DRO on my round column milling machine ( part 1 )

Hey guys so I got my 3 axis digital readout through, time to install it.

Traditional a 3 axis dro would never be installed on a mill such as this but that’s not gonna stop me.

Join me and watch to see how I get on, maybe you have a round column mill and you want to do something similar.

Thanks guys check out my other videos if your new to the channel.

[helenmcgarry]

I do love how excited you get, it's so good to see you so happy and enjoying what you do. I'm so thankful that you were able to build that workshop and accumulat all the tools you have done over the years. I'm proud of you Mr Barclay xxxx

[StevesDaimlerV]

Hi Darren. One of the better DRO instructional videos, very informative and the best solution to the Y axis mounting I've seen, simple and neat. Thanks for the inspiration.

[robertwalker]

I am in the process of installing a DRO on my Busybee column mill and this has been a great help thanks mate.

[brianvogel]

Loving the fact your using a mill to upgrade the mill. Lol brilliant as always mate and I carnt wait for part two. Cheers Darren.

[bryansbasement]

Great video buddy and very interesting, gutted for you about the break but these things are sent to test us buddy and I am sure you will overcome the problem 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Wisdomseeker]

Hi Darren, Darren here, just did my dro on my amadeal mill, same brand as yours. The bracket is light but so is the display, I think it'll be fine. Anyway good job pal 👍

[jonsworkshop]

Hi Darren, all good so far (apart from the break of course, happens to us all). You may have already fixed it, but if not, might be worth you watching my quill plate video, might give you some ideas. Not sure on your lathe swing but you should be able to do the boring in the lathe. Final friendly tip, when clocking your vice in, do it on the fixed jaw surface, not on the rear casting. Would not have mattered for this job but worth remembering. Keep up the good work buddy. Cheers, Jon

[todayintheshopbanksy]

3 phase motor and VFD next for me, fed up having to keep moving the belts about. always have to remove both to get the speed I need

[bernardreilly]

Hi Garry just subscribed to your channel today very impressed with your mill and DRO installation. As we say in the Glasgow area I like your style especially the very tidy workshop. Can I ask where you are located Bernard Reilly Glasgow area.

[tinaliebe]

Thanks Darren I just brought one of these secondhand and I’m going to do the same question do you have any tips on how to get the head inline again after winding it up or down cheers👍🏻🍺🇦🇺

[rauloswalt]

It would be wonderful if you were to put in the comments where you purchased your DRO set. or even a link would be wonderful, thanks for the video

[BumpMusicUk]

Thanks for sharing the install, I have a similar machine and im looking to do the same. Did you have the scales custom made to size when ordering or was it an off the shelf package ?? My machine is in my lockup so cant take measurements at the moment.

[Hereford]

Get yourself a bottle of dychem marking blue. Brush it on your metal and then scribe your marks. So nice and clear. Easy to clean off too.
Also, did you get hit with any customs duty to pay with it coming from China?

[todayintheshopbanksy]

I have one of those! Put a DRO on it too

[mati]

I don't understand, why everybody installs the X axis scale behind the table? It reduces the Y travel quite a lot.

[georgedennison]

No reason not to install a DRO on your mill. Don't sell the size or quality of a tool short.

I've rarely had 2 extra nickels to rub together, most of my 70 yrs, but I've created jewels from everything from leather to stone by being patient & meticulous in my processes & practices. It's more the user than the tool.

Besides, if you move to a better mill later, you can always use them for it. May have to get a new, longer Z-axis scale, but that's cheaper than all 3.

After watching what you went through to mount the Y-axis scale, I understand why the previous owner of my RC mill mounted the Y scale upside down.

He removed the DRO before he delivered it; told me I should use an indicator to level/align the scales. (Likely a bit more accurate than measuring w/ calipers.)

I'm watching install vids looking for upgrade/improvement ideas.

As thanks, here's an old wood butcher tip: I've been measuring in 64ths for decades w/ a tape measure &/or rule.

Don't rely on a tape measure's hook or a rule's end, (even a 'good' one).

1. You can't rely on their accuracy.

2. It's very hard for even young eyes to align the hook or end; use the 1" increment. To avoid +/- 1" brain cramp errors, use the 10" mark on a tape, (+/- 10" is so obvious, you'll catch it... hopefully!)

Use this tip, & when your eyes start failing in 30-40 yrs, you'll be ahead of the problem.

If you give me a mailing address, I'll send you a CARE package of fasteners. (I have an abundance, a cheap, personal source & don't have enough years left, due to cancer, to use what I have.

GeoD