Adding Digital Readouts to my Mill/Drill

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cfellows:

--- Quote from: gbritnell on December 28, 2011, 07:26:28 AM ---Chuck,
When I sold my Enco mill I had taken a bunch of pictures for the new owner to use when he put the machine back together. Sadly I deleted them as I didn't think there would be any use for them. I do have a couple from years ago. One show the X reader head and how I attached it to the machine. It was not a direct bolt up but rather an angle plate with a slot cut into it. I then mounted a round post with 2 flats on it to the saddle. When it protrudes through the bracket it can be turned slightly to take any slop out of the connection but still allow a slight bit of movement for any misalignment.
For the Y axis I made a couple of mounting blocks and shimmed them to get the scale reasonably plumb and level. I then added an aluminum arm to the saddle casting. As you can see I added the linkage which has a swivel joint which again will allow for any misalignment.
I hope these help.
George

--- End quote ---

Thanks for the pics, George. Seeing what others have done helps a lot.

Chuck

cfellows:
I've got the X-Axis readout so it's functional now. I made a two piece bracket following George's mounting assembly although there's no room for adjustment on mine. However, I think I have it very well positioned so adjustment shouldn't be necessary (famous last words!!!). Let's hope.

I tested the accuracy over 5" using the lead screw as the basis. The difference was about .004" over 5". The mill is 16 years old so the lead screw might be off that much.

Next I'll install the protective covering over the X-Axis assembly using a piece of 1/8" x 1.25" aluminum angle. Wish I had some 1/16", but the 1/8" will have to do.

After that I'll get started on the Y-Axis assembly. I doubt if I'll wind up with anything that looks as clean as the X-Axis. Guess I'll also have to start thinking about mounting the readouts and routing the wire leads.

Chuck

jgroom:
Nice clean install Chuck, looks great. I need to get off my rear one of these days and get mine installed on my Index mill. :palm: As to testing the accuracy, I wouldn't trust the dials. I'd set up a dial indicator on the table and compare to that.

Cheers

Jeff

Pete.:
I tend to agree with that - my install showed dead-on for the first three turns of the dial then was more in error with successive turns where it got onto the more worn part of the leadscrew.

75Plus:

--- Quote from: cfellows on December 28, 2011, 02:31:16 PM ---
I tested the accuracy over 5" using the lead screw as the basis. The difference was about .004" over 5". The mill is 16 years old so the lead screw might be off that much.

Chuck

--- End quote ---

Chuck, let me suggest a simple test to determine how accurate the DRO is in the area where the lead screw is worn.

First, place two objects on the table that you can use an edge finder on. Next determine the edge at one place then set the DRO to zero. Now move the table until the EF contacts the second object. Note the reading but do not reset. Return to the first position and you should be back to zero. Run the check again to check for repeat ability. This setup will allow you to check any part of the travel or section of lead screw.

Joe

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