DRO for mill

[DrPatron]

 Hi All: Question?= Iam in the process of adding a new DRO to my Bridgeport mill, upon researching DROs ,I find considerable variation in price.  Shars tools has a 2-axis for 470.00 which is much cheaper than the 12-1800.00 modesl I was looking at.  Has anyone had any experience with the more economical brands as far as repeatability,etc., Thanks, DrPatron

[Brass_Machine]

I wish I had an answer... my experience is on the cheapest side of a hack DRO... Chinese linear scales cobbed as a DRO..

[Troutsqueezer]

Well, since you asked.... I have experience with the $24 (it might have gone up to $26 by now) Grizzly DRO. Some call it junk, I call it a bargain.  Especially since it works, +/- .001", and has been working for over a year now. Still using the same set of batteries too. I've built three engines with it, all work just dandy.  Cost you that much to feed your family of three at McDuck's.

Truth is, I have three on my mill, one for each axis so in fairness, I guess I paid closer to $85. 

[Anzaniste]

I just bought from http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220523008542&ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:GB:1123 these guys. Communication was easy and the goods arrived in time for me to unpack just before I went on holiday. Everything was there and Iwill be able to check things out fully when I return home in about three weeks.

[d-m]

If you are all ready looking at DRO's in the 500 $ range you should look at the dro pro's I have a 2 axes on my Cincinnati mill its been there for 3 years and it was worth every penny. And I am not disappointed that the cost has come down last time I was at there web site I think it has dropped a few hundred bucks for the 2 axes. The reader head has a nice cast alum housing heavy and well made, brackets and mounting hardware was top notch as well as customer support and it has all the features of the 1800.00$ commercial readouts.
 
http://dropros.com/

Dave