Author Topic: New DRO's (Read 36976 times)

John Stevenson · « **on:** December 12, 2011, 06:53:12 PM »

See these ?

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Digital-Readouts-with-Dedicated-Remote-Display

Reads in metric, imperial, fractions and geordie.

John S.

bp · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2011, 07:13:44 PM »

"Reads in metric, imperial, fractions and geordie."

Apart from having no equivalents (my wife is a Geordie) so what is a "Geordie"

cheers
bp
ps the DROs look good don't they

jgroom · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2011, 08:45:53 PM »

I actually picked up a set a few weeks ago, but haven't installed them yet. They seem nice enough. We shall see.

Cheers

Jeff

dwentz · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2011, 11:11:36 PM »

I have installed these on my 12x40 Lathe, I ordered mine from Grizzly. I am happy with them, not as good as the DRO I installed on my mill, but were less than $100.00 for the pair. They only read to .001 The 34 inch I installed on the lathe is very repeatable. Can not tell you how accurate it is as I do not have anything to measure down to a .001 that long. The small one I installed agrees with the dial indicator.

The ones that I received are manufactured by i-Gaging.

Dale

ibuildstuff4u · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2011, 12:44:30 AM »

I bought three from Grizzly my self and am in the process of installing them on my X2 mill. I have the X and Y working and should be done with the Z axis by tomorrow. I will post pictures when I'm done. The most important part is making covers for them so swarf doesn't get on them.

I'm going to install a pair on my 9X20 lathe next!

Dale P.

sparky961 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2011, 10:09:05 AM »

Is that just a USB connector used incorrectly, or is it actually a USB device? Maybe some other potential applications there if it is?

-Sparky

-steves- · « **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2011, 10:12:45 AM »

I have to admit to liking these, far easier than anything I had in mind to bodge up to work. I think come the new year, a few of these could be coming my way.

As for the USB option, my guess was also an incorrect use of a USB connector rather than anything useful, but in the back of my mind, I was kinda hoping they might be able to plug into a mutli display device or something of the like?

ketanswali · « **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2011, 10:19:57 AM »

As for the USB option, my guess was also an incorrect use of a USB connector rather than anything useful, but in the back of my mind, I was kinda hoping they might be able to plug into a mutli display device or something of the like?
[/quote]

As far as I am aware, so far, it is an incorrect use of a mini-USB, more for convenience. In the U.K., I beleive that Lester Cane has or is working on connecting the bars to the Shumatech remote units. He originally put me on to these bars.

ketanswali · « **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2011, 10:36:47 AM »

Commercial question for the guys in the U.S.:

I saw this link for these bars at Grizzly:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/24-Remote-Digital-Readout-Inch-Metric-Fraction/T23013

It shows price at **USD45.00. Then it says:
** Final prices will include state sales tax for items shipped to WA, MO, or PA. Shipping charges for items not shipped via truck freight will be added according to our shipping rates.

So, should I presume that the price of US$45.00 excludes tax?, and if shipped toWA, MO, or PA, Grizzly will add tax to this price?
In the U.K., we have to state prices including 20% VAT - U.K. tax. I often have to point this out to our U.K. customer, so any calrification from you guys will be appreciated.

Grizzly states: Shipping charges for items not shipped via truck freight will be added according to our shipping rates.
So does this mean that if you the customer accepts shipping by truck freight, there will be no shipping charge?

Finally, has anyone in the U.S. purchased this 24" bar. If so, does their bar read 24", or is the total bar length 24"?. I had a big arguement with the original manufacturer over this. They sent us bars which are 24" in length-approx., but they read 20". Needless to say, I was not happy, as rest of the bars - 6", 8", 12" read the lengths stated correctly. At the end, they accepted that they had made a mistake.

Thanks, Ketan.

Rob.Wilson · « **Reply #9 on:** December 13, 2011, 10:55:51 AM »

Quote from: John Stevenson on December 12, 2011, 06:53:12 PM

See these ?

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Digital-Readouts-with-Dedicated-Remote-Display

Reads in metric, imperial, fractions and geordie.

John S.

MMMMM looks a nice DRO John ,,,,,,,,,,,if it can it be re-calibrated to Chains

Rob

Fergus OMore · « **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2011, 11:35:10 AM »

My question is whether the scales can be used on Shumatech units, the ones which Ketan used to supply with the little blackboxes and the cheap 'Chinese' scales from 'supermarkets'

ketanswali · « **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2011, 11:59:16 AM »

Quote from: Fergus OMore on December 13, 2011, 11:35:10 AM

My question is whether the scales can be used on Shumatech units, the ones which Ketan used to supply with the little blackboxes and the cheap 'Chinese' scales from 'supermarkets'

I believe that Lester Cane will have the answer...soon....hopefully.

lsces · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2011, 12:51:54 PM »

Quote from: Fergus OMore on December 13, 2011, 11:35:10 AM

My question is whether the scales can be used on Shumatech units, the ones which Ketan used to supply with the little blackboxes and the cheap 'Chinese' scales from 'supermarkets'

I'm just waiting for one from Ketan to play with to check, but the DRO550 has a mod to handle the 21bit protocol that the igaging units produce and these have been working fine. Using them with the DRO350 will need a dongle of some sort, and it may be worth doing a three channel one rather than needing three single channel ones.

Just to complete the picture ...
The scale is using a MiniUSB connector but only as an alternative to the crude one fitted to the earlier scales. The battery is fitted to the display module and provides 3V down the cable to the read head, along with a clock signal, and this reads the 21 bit packet from the read head. They will certainly blow if plugged into a USB port, so would need a converter of some sort to use direct with a computer.

Fergus OMore · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2011, 12:58:29 PM »

Lester,

Mine is a 350 which you made up- hence my initial comments. I have no doubt that others will have similar concerns.

Regards

F O'M

BillTodd · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2011, 01:23:35 PM »

Quote

the 21bit protocol that the igaging units produce

Hi Lester,

Is the protocol available anywhere? I'd just like to keep my own DRO effort up to date

Bill

Jasonb · « **Reply #15 on:** December 13, 2011, 01:29:06 PM »

Ketan I would not worry too much about the tax, you are far cheaper than the only other UK supplier that I knew of

I've linked to ARC on a few of the woodworking forums, there may be some call for teh longer scale as they like fitting them to tablesaw fences.

http://intelligentworkshoptools.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=430

ketanswali · « **Reply #16 on:** December 13, 2011, 02:19:33 PM »

Quote from: Jasonb on December 13, 2011, 01:29:06 PM

Ketan I would not worry too much about the tax, you are far cheaper than the only other UK supplier that I knew of I've linked to ARC on a few of the woodworking forums, there may be some call for teh longer scale as they like fitting them to tablesaw fences.

http://intelligentworkshoptools.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=430

Thanks for that Jasonb. I presume you mean the 35"one, and I guess it reads 35". At first I wasn't sure what it was used for. I will probably look at adding the 24" and 32 or 35" to the range in about four/five months time.

Pete. · « **Reply #17 on:** December 13, 2011, 06:09:30 PM »

Those are super-cheap. I think I'll buy a set for my lathe. Might not be as good as the DRO I got for the mill but it'll be a damn site easier to fit.

John Stevenson · « **Reply #18 on:** December 13, 2011, 06:56:50 PM »

Tried to convince myself i wanted one but could come up with a use for one, yes I know sad bastard aren't I ?
[Don't answer that ]

Anyway bought one of these instead.

Got a broken motor shaft in today with a taper on it for a fan to mount, extract new toy from stocking and measure taper - 6 degrees, set top slide and make new shaft.

Simples.

John S.

ibuildstuff4u · « **Reply #19 on:** December 13, 2011, 08:04:25 PM »

Grizzly will only charge sales tax if you have the item shipped to the same state where they have a store or warehouse located other wise its tax exempt. So you shouldn't have any sales tax when shipped over seas. If you want a price quote with shipping, just add the items you want to the cart along with your shipping info and the web site will let you know the total.

Dale P.

black85vette · « **Reply #20 on:** December 13, 2011, 09:00:30 PM »

I have had these X, Y and Z scales on my X2 for well over a year and love them. The one thing I did learn is that you need to keep swarf away from the pickup sensor. I ended up making some clear plastic shields that took care of it. These scales were originally designed for the woodworking hobby, so they are OK with wood dust. The metal swarf gets inside and scratches the aluminum rail. That makes the readout erratic.

I got one of the early long scales and needed to cut it down. The scale cut just fine on a band saw and does not affect the function of the DRO. If you need a specific length just order longer than you need.

It has been awhile but as I recall (and that is getting harder to do) the display and sensor are a matched set and cannot be used with other systems. I put an O-scope on the signal and it appeared to be BCD format and gives relative rather than absolute measurements based on when it was zeroed. It did not appear to be in a serial (RS232) data stream. Hope I remember that correctly. That was just an observation on a cheap scope since I do not have a digital or storage scope at home.

I bought mine through Eagle America. They have them on sale right now.

http://www.eagleamerica.com/product/v424-0160/measuring_and_layout

lsces · « **Reply #21 on:** December 14, 2011, 03:30:01 AM »

Quote from: BillTodd on December 13, 2011, 01:23:35 PM

Is the protocol available anywhere? I'd just like to keep my own DRO effort up to date

http://www.shumatech.com/web/21bit_protocol?page=0,1
( I am not getting email notification of posts here even though it's selected ... I don't waste time scanning on-line forums ... if it does not work with an email interface I don't use it! )

ketanswali · « **Reply #22 on:** December 14, 2011, 04:14:42 AM »

Quote from: ibuildstuff4u on December 13, 2011, 08:04:25 PM

Grizzly will only charge sales tax if you have the item shipped to the same state where they have a store or warehouse located other wise its tax exempt. So you shouldn't have any sales tax when shipped over seas. If you want a price quote with shipping, just add the items you want to the cart along with your shipping info and the web site will let you know the total.

Dale P.

Thanks for the clarification.

BillTodd · « **Reply #23 on:** December 14, 2011, 09:56:54 AM »

Quote from: lsces on December 14, 2011, 03:30:01 AM

Quote from: BillTodd on December 13, 2011, 01:23:35 PM
Is the protocol available anywhere? I'd just like to keep my own DRO effort up to date

http://www.shumatech.com/web/21bit_protocol?page=0,1
( I am not getting email notification of posts here even though it's selected ... I don't waste time scanning on-line forums ... if it does not work with an email interface I don't use it! )

Thanks

dwentz · « **Reply #24 on:** December 15, 2011, 08:56:55 AM »

I posted from work the other day, and did not have the photos uploaded to my web site. Here are some photos of these installed on my large lathe.

I have not had a problem with metal chips getting into them, but I guess I could glue some felt wipers to them, that might not be a bad idea!

Dale

John Rudd · « **Reply #25 on:** December 15, 2011, 09:37:05 AM »

Nice job!

I'm just waiting for funds to accumulate to a sufficient level to buy some for mine, after Ketan relieved me of £500 for a mini lathe the other weekend....

-steves- · « **Reply #26 on:** December 15, 2011, 09:42:09 AM »

That makes two of us waiting for sufficient funds to build up to get some of these, the problem I have is I need 5 of them, 3 for the mill and 2 for the lathe, I might just have to do the mill first and then save up again, decisions, decisions

ketanswali · « **Reply #27 on:** December 15, 2011, 10:44:48 AM »

Dale,

Does your 34" bar read 34"?. If possible, could you please measure and advise what is the overall length of this bar?

Jasonb · « **Reply #28 on:** December 15, 2011, 02:06:59 PM »

Ketan, I think the size stated is the reading range, have a look at this post about getting an extra 60mm of travel at each end of a 900mm scale, guy says it now READS 1020mm

J

http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/stretching-digital-scales-t54824.html

ketanswali · « **Reply #29 on:** December 15, 2011, 02:28:39 PM »

Brilliant,
Thanks for the link J. Very helpful. Ketan.

John Stevenson · « **Reply #30 on:** December 15, 2011, 02:33:56 PM »

Quote from: Jasonb on December 15, 2011, 02:06:59 PM

Ketan, I think the size stated is the reading range, have a look at this post about getting an extra 60mm of travel at each end of a 900mm scale, guy says it now READS 1020mm

J

http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/stretching-digital-scales-t54824.html

Jason,
When you quote links can you at least say what they are for.

The one above is for a WOODWORKING forum [ hawk, spit - ding ] now I will have to reformat my hard drive to get rid of all the damn sawdust....................

ketanswali · « **Reply #31 on:** December 15, 2011, 03:40:09 PM »

Quote from: Jasonb on December 15, 2011, 02:06:59 PM

Ketan, I think the size stated is the reading range, have a look at this post about getting an extra 60mm of travel at each end of a 900mm scale, guy says it now READS 1020mm

J

http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/stretching-digital-scales-t54824.html

Jason,
Any idea if there is an average or maximum length of reading range that woodworkers are looking for?

Jasonb · « **Reply #32 on:** December 16, 2011, 02:26:14 AM »

As its mostly going to be the home woodworker I would have thought the 900mm/35" would do for most.

Here are a couple more posts from the same guy about teh scales if its of use, watch out for teh sawdust!!!

http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/display-stand-t54544.html

http://www.woodworkuk.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7296

ketanswali · « **Reply #33 on:** December 16, 2011, 05:17:01 AM »

Thanks again Jason. Still trying to get the sawust out

.........

jim · « **Reply #34 on:** December 16, 2011, 12:23:22 PM »

i bought some of these last week, 6",12" and 20" for my mill.

Had some bother with one of them not staying switched off, turns out i'd not aligned one of them very well

Used them today and i'm impressed with them!!

I've finally got around to doing some jobs that needed the chuck taking out to clock up a bore, so easy to zero out and wind off, sure beats standing there counting turns etc!!

very happy with them!!

mgnbuk · « **Reply #35 on:** December 16, 2011, 01:08:42 PM »

Has anyone checked the accuracy & repeatability of these scales in a metalworking environment ?

The quoted accuracy is quite a lot worse than the other (non-remote readout) scales that Arc sells e.g. a 300mm remote scale is stated as +/- 0.1mm, where the built-in unit is +/-0.03. There is no mention of repeatability, though other sellers are suggesting 0.025 ?

These errors are negligable to the sawdust-eating user, but may be more critical in metal machining ? I realise that these scales are a good price & may well be more accurate than the leadscrews on some machines, but I have not seen any comments regarding accuracies that users have actually achieved (i.e. the quoted values may be far lower than the scales actually achieve in practice) .

Regards,

Nigel B.

jim · « **Reply #36 on:** December 16, 2011, 01:48:58 PM »

i just checked they repeat, i.e. went to set point, zero'd out and moved away and back.
i'd guess that the stated error is over the full travel??

either way they'll do me.

Pete. · « **Reply #37 on:** December 16, 2011, 02:47:45 PM »

How much worse would they be than a worn screw? My cross-slide screw is not so accurate in the middle as it is at the ends. Use these to get you (very) close, mic the diameter and finish with the dial.

Davo J · « **Reply #38 on:** December 16, 2011, 10:08:40 PM »

I have 3 glass scale DRO's and always keep my eye out for anything new or new mounting ideas etc, because I am interested.
A few weeks back over on HMEM, Bogs brought something to my attention about the magnetic scales being sold by DRO UK.
He posted a chart from their website that shows the magnetic scales to be far lower accuracy than glass scales, which surprised me as a lot of people are paying more to have magnetic scales over glass scales.
Going by their chart below it states the magnetic scales are plus or minus 0.015mm in accuracy.

So if ARK are coming close to these numbers with their scales, it is around the same accuracy as the magnetic scales, but at a much cheaper price.

Dave

HS93 · « **Reply #39 on:** December 17, 2011, 02:26:50 AM »

I thought the amount they where out over the distance stated was such a small amount that the fact that they are not effected by swarf and coolant plus are easy to fit as they are so much smaller MAY outweigh the disadvantage, for me they are good enough as putting a full sized glass scale on my lathe would be difficult.

Peter

stovebolt · « **Reply #40 on:** December 17, 2011, 10:24:22 AM »

I installed and have been using almost daily, 4 of these on my X-3 last Feb. . No illusions that they would be as good as glass scales, just a poor mans DRO. I haven't had any problem yet. I have drilled one part for 2 press fit pins and the mating part and it was so close that the parts would only go together if they were square to each other, this is repeatable ( for me that's an accomplishment) . The only complaint I have is, my unit of measure is 1 inch = .999 , I tried the function for setting zero a few times, nothing changed , I've checked this against the dials and a 1" dial ind. , but I can live with it. I've drilled and tapped a series of 1/4-20 holes over a 6" length , I.E. drilled all the holes, then slightly counter bore , then tap, without any alignment/repeatability problems . I'm also still using the original batteries. Your mileage may vary.

Jonny · « **Reply #41 on:** December 17, 2011, 08:19:44 PM »

I reckon they will sell well for the average diyer.
Its when swarf collects and builds up constantly ripping the USB plugs out plus they wont handle liquids without giving errors.

Quite easy to fit glass on X axis on every lathe i have ever seen, its the Y axis where the trouble starts.

There are reasons why the magnetic scales are used, mainly due to the mounting arrangement, size and little room they take up still enabling existing lengths with little losses or monstrous bulk.

For the average installer of glass scales a few microns wont be held, have seen mm of play to a lot more than 20 microns due to machine flex.

HS93 · « **Reply #42 on:** December 17, 2011, 10:16:12 PM »

Quote from: Jonny on December 17, 2011, 08:19:44 PM

I reckon they will sell well for the average diyer.
Its when swarf collects and builds up constantly ripping the USB plugs out plus they wont handle liquids without giving errors.

Quite easy to fit glass on X axis on every lathe i have ever seen, its the Y axis where the trouble starts.

There are reasons why the magnetic scales are used, mainly due to the mounting arrangement, size and little room they take up still enabling existing lengths with little losses or monstrous bulk.

For the average installer of glass scales a few microns wont be held, have seen mm of play to a lot more than 20 microns due to machine flex.

I think you may have miss read I was asking about the magnetic scales from http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/digital-readout-systems/magnetic-tape-linear-encoders.html and the differnce between them and the glass scales as in the chart posted by Davo J

Peter

Davo J · « **Reply #43 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:20:05 AM »

Hi,
I don't want to run this topic off track and the only reason I posted that was as a compliment to ARC, as their scales are close in accuracy to what the expensive magnetic scales are at a fraction of the price. Fair enough that might not be as durable, but that comes at a cost of glass or magnetic scales. If you added covers similar to what the glass scales have, they would be able to stand up to a fair bit of abuse from swarf etc without any worries.

From what I have read on a lot of forums, is guys that are wanting something cheap and accurate, and the ARC scales fit the bill. A lot of people just cant afford, or don't want to spend the money on an expensive DRO system.

The off topic bit
With the glass V's magnetic, I was just surprised to see less accuracy, but at a higher price. I have been running glass scales for 4-5 years now and I have not had one problem, even with flood coolant.
If they are mounted properly and protected with the factory covers they are fine. There are those installations where a glass scale wont fit and magnetic are great for that, but you do loose accuracy.
On a lathe cross slide that 0.015 mm accuracy of the magnetic scale ends up 0.03mm on diameter. A fair way away from the Sino/Meister 5um glass scale accuracy of plus or minus 0.01mm on diameter in the same situation, or 0.002mm on diameter for the 1um scales at only $20-$25 each extra an axis, which is still under the magnetic price.

If you have a lathe that a glass scale wont fit on the cross slide, you will need to go with a magnetic, or if you want the accuracy of glass a lot of people with confined space are making a extended bar off the back of the cross slide to mount the scale out of the way.

I am not knocking any system here, I only brought this up for the reason I said above, and also that I was surprised to see these latest model expensive magnetic scales being advertised as 1 and 5 micron, when their accuracy is only 0.015mm, sort of makes paying the extra for the 1 micron scales useless in my opinion.

Sorry for the OT bit, I think if we are going to discuss these scales any more we need to start our own thread.

Jonny you have the axis's mixed up their, the X is the cross slide and the carriage is the Z.

Dave

dwentz · « **Reply #44 on:** December 18, 2011, 11:02:36 AM »

The scale advertized length is the usable length. They are repeatable, as far as accuracy goes. The shorter one on my lathe is within .001 of the dial readings on the compound. I do not know which is off I would suspect the lathe as it has both metric and imperial markings on the top side. The longer scale on the lathe the cable is too short to allow the bed of the lathe to make its full travel, but that is because of where I located the displays, and I don't think I have ever used the lathe out that far anyhow. I will extend the cable when I have a job I need that much reach for. I think I will order some F1 Felt from McMaster-Carr and build a holder to wipe the scales off based on some other comments here, I have not had any problems yet, but it won't hurt thats for sure. For the 7x10 I am going to have to cut one of the scales, which I have read is not a problem.

Dale

lsces · « **Reply #45 on:** December 19, 2011, 05:42:23 PM »

Good news ...
I've got a scale working on the DRO350 via a modified QCC100 dongle using Les Jones's code. Just needed to change one resistor on the LM317 to get 3.3 Volts out, and swap the output signals as Les has them wrong ... and the display fired up.
Just need to check prices on the USB socket assembly, and then I can add them to the Scale options page on the website.
Should just work with the DRO550 ... but I forgot I had shipped the last built one, and I've not assembled the remaining board yet

Pictures to follow ... up to Leicester in the morning to sort out a another Taig CNC mill ...

modeng200023 · « **Reply #46 on:** December 20, 2011, 02:19:38 AM »

Good work Lester, I knew you could do it. Thanks.

John

lsces · « **Reply #47 on:** December 20, 2011, 03:08:19 AM »

Quote from: modeng200023 on December 20, 2011, 02:19:38 AM

Good work Lester, I knew you could do it. Thanks.

Les Jones did the important stuff ... He deserves the praise ;)

modeng200023 · « **Reply #48 on:** December 20, 2011, 04:58:38 PM »

Thanks Les, I didn't know.

John

ibuildstuff4u · « **Reply #49 on:** December 20, 2011, 11:17:38 PM »

Here is a sneak peek at my DRO system on the X2 mill. The scales are installed, but the chip covers are not on in this photo as I still have some milling to do on them before they are ready to be installed.

I was worried about the life span of the watch batteries in the readouts so I soldered wires to the battery terminals and hooked them up to two "D" sized batteries. Two "D" batteries cost $3.00 and should last over a year, while six watch batteries are around $19.00 and if they are like my calipers they will only last 6 months so making the up grade was an easy decision.

I should have the chip covers done by the end of the week and post pictures of the whole project.

Dale P.

-steves- · « **Reply #50 on:** December 21, 2011, 02:09:38 AM »

Quote from: ibuildstuff4u on December 20, 2011, 11:17:38 PM

Here is a sneak peek at my DRO system on the X2 mill. The scales are installed, but the chip covers are not on in this photo as I still have some milling to do on them before they are ready to be installed.

I was worried about the life span of the watch batteries in the readouts so I soldered wires to the battery terminals and hooked them up to two "D" sized batteries. Two "D" batteries cost $3.00 and should last over a year, while six watch batteries are around $19.00 and if they are like my calipers they will only last 6 months so making the up grade was an easy decision.

I should have the chip covers done by the end of the week and post pictures of the whole project.

Dale P.

Absolutely awesome, thats just what I would like to do with mine, given the time and money to do so. I like that very much, great thinking on the batteries too

Davo J · « **Reply #51 on:** December 21, 2011, 02:43:19 AM »

You did a good job on that, and those covers will keep anything off them.

Dave

Pete. · « **Reply #52 on:** December 28, 2011, 09:14:12 AM »

Wow, all sold out. Looks like they were very popular.

I'll have to wait until they are back in stock I guess..

ketanswali · « **Reply #53 on:** December 28, 2011, 09:26:29 AM »

May be...Perhaps...Hopefully...end-March 2012....Sorry!

Jonny · « **Reply #54 on:** December 28, 2011, 01:58:25 PM »

Thanks for bringing X and Z up up Davo, had to check even though use daily and yes two Z axis Z0 and Z1 http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/images/detailed_images/ae10_3l_web.gif
Mills are X, Y and Z though.

I am one of the few that can actually compare glass to magnetic but dont want to disturb the glass Sino on the mill that play up. Would yo settle as an accurate comparison a Mitutoyo IP67 caliper firmly clamped?

Davo J · « **Reply #55 on:** December 28, 2011, 10:33:52 PM »

Hi Jonny,
No need for a comparison, I was just quoting the accuracy off the manufacturers specs and don't want to run this thread off track, as I am sure it will be added to latter when new stock come in from ARC.

Dave

-steves- · « **Reply #56 on:** December 29, 2011, 09:39:09 AM »

Quote from: Pete. on December 28, 2011, 09:14:12 AM

Wow, all sold out. Looks like they were very popular.

I'll have to wait until they are back in stock I guess..

Indeed, they did sell out quick, I too am waiting for the next stock to arrive so i can get hold of some

Jonny · « **Reply #57 on:** December 29, 2011, 01:41:09 PM »

If you are going to install any cheap scale dont use the supplied brackets, rather defeats the object of having a readout.

It got the better of me today and decided to compare cheap scale, magnetic and glass scales of which i'll start a new thread with piccies that dont lie.

jim · « **Reply #58 on:** December 29, 2011, 01:44:35 PM »

i'm still chuffed with mine

if i want real accuracy i'll break out the Drop Clocks!

Jonny · « **Reply #59 on:** December 29, 2011, 02:01:57 PM »

One mans accuracy is another mans inaccuracy, i dont call an error of .27mm accurate. All these brackets are the same they flex before actually moving.

fixerup · « **Reply #60 on:** December 30, 2011, 08:26:37 PM »

I've just finished installing a 6" Igaging from American eagle on my mill Y axis. I made sure there was no binding between the scale beam and the reader the whole 5.5" travel. I've compared the accuracy with my mill dial and I get a +.010" over 5" travel.
I double checked with a 1" dial indicator and got a .003" error over an 1"
Here is my numbers
Milling dial 1"dial indicator Igaging
.000" .000" .000"
.100 .100 .099
.200 .200 .199
.500 .501 .498
.800 .801 .798
1.000 .999 .997
2.000 1.994
3.000 2.992
5.000 4.990

I've bought all my linear scale to do my mill and one for the lathe apron (6", 12",24" and 35")
But I'm debating installing the other scale if the resolution is going to be .011" per 5" travel. ( spec are - + .002" per 6")
I need to investigate more.
I've pull and push on the mill table and there was no change in the DRO and my dial indicator. (somewhat checking gib and worn screw nut ?? )

Has mention in the previous post, I will mount a dial indicator on the provided scale mounts to see if I get any deflection while moving along the total travel on the Y axis.

Any advise is welcome!

Thanks!
Phil

Update

Well after looking at the bracket deflection (none was found)I realize my initial mounting was not that great after all. The digital scale beam bracket installation was off of parallel to the y axis by .020" DuH! So after some shimming I managed to improve the accuracy to .003" over the 5" travel. I'll be tweaking some more when I get some more shop time available

Cheers!
Phil

Jonny · « **Reply #61 on:** December 31, 2011, 06:54:34 PM »

In all fairness this is what i am refering to, piccies dont lie.

Cheap scale registers 0.01mm because thats initial movement registered from zero.

This is the actual movement minus the 0.01mm = 0.135mm. This is the supplied bracket flexing in one direction and same again in opposite direction. Brand new brackets never used, when i did use the readout was bolted direct.

All i am saying is dont assume because you have a dro of some sort its accurate. Quick easy method of checking is a DTI as well.
Incidently the glass and magnetic gave the same result within 0.005mm in favour of the magenetic as that moved first.
X is the glass scale plugged in.
Z0 middle is the Magnetic wound in until the glass started to register.

So that answers all the concerns over magnetic not being accurate, well in relation to the Sino glass.

BarryG41 · « **Reply #62 on:** December 31, 2011, 10:15:18 PM »

Many Thanks black velvet.
I ordered from Grizzly and because my order was less than $200 they would not ship to Australia. Eagle America has accepted the order and a better price anyway.

Barry G

ibuildstuff4u · « **Reply #63 on:** January 03, 2012, 12:56:15 AM »

I read this post before I went to bed and couldn't sleep. I had to get back up and check my machine to see if my new scales were accurate or if they had issues as some of you suggest.

I ran the table back and forth on the X and Y axis and verified the scales with the dials. On the longest travel, 7.5" the scale only deviated .0005 to .001 during my tests. I also checked the table with a dial and could only see a .0005 difference in 1" of travel which could be simply due to the placement of the dial indicator. For a crappy little mill such as the X2 I think this is good enough. I really only trust this milling machine to + or -.005 anyway.

I'm not sure how some of your guys are mounting your scales, but they MUST be mounted parallel to the table or you will have an error in your readings as well as put undue stress on your scales as the table moves back and forth. They also must be mounted in a rigid manor so you can't see any movement on the LCD screen when you wiggle on the black box attached to the scale. I made my own mounting brackets, but can't see how the supplied brackets would flex unless you have some kind of undue stress being put on to the scales as they should move very easily and shouldn't be flexing a metal bracket.

*** If you need a more accurate gauge Grizzly now sells a stainless steel version of these gauges and they claim an even better tolerance than the aluminum ones.

The 6" scale is $43.95 and is .001 in 6"
The 12" scale is $61.95 and is .0015 in 12"
The 24" scale is $99.95 and is .002 in 24"
The 38" scale is $109.95 and is .003 in 38"

I wish I would have known about these stainless steel scales before I bought mine as I would have up graded them. The three scales cost me $110.00 plus shipping for my milling machine. If I bought the new stainless scales it would have cost $168.00 plus shipping. The extra $58.00 would have been worth it for a more accurate gauge.

I'm about to buy scales for my lathe and will have to consider the stainless steel ones.

Aluminum scales for the lathe will be $75.00 plus shipping, and the stainless steel ones will cost $145.00 plus shipping. So $70.00 more for a more accurate DRO.

OK it's off to bed!

Dale P.

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Author Topic: New DRO's (Read 36976 times)

Rob.Wilson