Improvements To My Lathe/Mill Combo

[snub]

I never trusted the dials on my machine . They read in metric and inch, so if I want to go more than one revolution in inch, I have to reset it to zero, or convert my measurements to metric.  So, I came up with this solution. Forgive me if it is not original, but I don't recall seeing this done before. Ond dial indicator mounted on a piece of 3/4" by 3/4" aluminum, and three different aluminum plates is all it takes.

Indicator on the tailstock:



On the bed, measuring left/right travel.



On the crossfeed:






On the compound slide:



And the secret to my success. Neodymium magnets. Also known as 'rare earth.  I used these little ones because I had them. They are 3mm x 8mm. About 40 cents a piece. They are amazingly strong.




One more thing before I go.  I made this gadget for the mill.

[Brass_Machine]

Nice mods. Like the addition of the magnets!

Eric

[Trion]

Nice mods! I have considered doing the same to my lathe as all the handwheels have strange graduations such as 0,14mm per line etc..

[Stilldrillin]

Snub,
That's neat! A really great/ simple idea. 

David D

[sparky961]

Some excellent ideas there, Snub.  I have had the same or similar machine sold under the Craftex label (thought I was the only one!) for the past 7 years or so, and have come up with some tricks too.

I've also modeled much of the machine in SolidWorks in order to try out certain ideas.

I'd love to swap ideas some time.  I have a low parts count method for converting all 3 axes to CNC that I'd be willing to share.

-Sparky