Had to butcher scales on smaller mill 9 years ago, quite easy decent drills and get a feel for it cutting. No good forcing if its not cutting, it only generates heat.
Bought a load of boxed calipers some years back £1.50 each, sold em all.
Keep all liquids off ive knackered a good many inc two Mitutoyos.
That scale would be in the way for much of what i have to do, though good work have to query why the ball links.