Got myself a DRO

I've been wanting a DRO for my mill since right after I got it, but have been getting by without one because it was more of a want than a need, and I had other places the money was needed. Lately I've had several projects where a DRO would have made the setup, if nothing else, a lot faster, and easier. Plus I want to start getting a little deeper into the types of millwork I can do, as a hobby, that can help me out with the business as well. Between this, and the indexing head I got from Dad's and have been trying to learn lately, I can see a lot of project possibilities that weren't there before.

My mill already had the x, y, and z axis scales attached, so all I needed was a display. A new one was going to be around $700, so I've been looking for a good, used one. I found one on Ebay last night.

It was a complete, NOS, Acu-rite setup, that included both the scales and the display. Like I said, the display was all I really needed, but with the scales in this kit, I can now mount one of them on the knee, and use it as an alternate to the quill, for the Z axis reading. This will allow me to have the digital depth reading if I'm drilling to depth with the spindle, or change to the extra scale, and use it if I'm milling something to a certain depth and feeding with the knee.

I think I did pretty good as, shipping and all, I came in just over $100 less than the new display I had been looking at.

Hopefully it will be here by the end of the week so I can set it up and start playing with it next weekend. That way I can get one of the 80% AR lowers I've got setup and milled out, the easy way, and then start finding more small stuff to get into to put it to use.

You will love it! You'll wonder how you got by this long without it!

Getting along without it was my biggest problem. When Dad and I were working together, and using his Bridgeport, it had a DRO... and I got used to it. When I wound up working on my own, and bought the mill I've got now, I missed the heck out of the one on his. Trying to count turns over a 40x16 work area is a royal PITA....

Many common mill set ups go so much faster with the DRO. I have become mind lazy and wouldn't want to be without it now. I don't have a scale on the quill and frankly have not very often wanted for it.

You will never regret the purchase of a DRO. I have two mills. One mill has all 3 Axis and the big mill has just DRO on the quill. X and Y have dial indicators.

How about a picture when you get it set up?

if you're like me, it'll pay for itself very quickly in savings from lost material and time due to stupid mistakes!

(reply to post at 20:39:09 10/12/15)

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The biggest advantage to me is the DRO doesn't care about slack in a lead screw, you can always return to the same position reliably. My mill is old but came with a Sony DRO. Had ot make my own three phase converter, though.

Fortunately the only thing I've screwed up yet was the AR lower I tried milling out for myself. I had the print in front of me, and saw the dimension, but miscounted my turns and went too far. I believe I can fix it without a lot of problems by milling a block to go in the over run spot, and tacking it in. If I do that I'll do it just to show myself I can, as I can get another one for $29 (as long as I order three or more...LOL). I got three the first time, so I've got two more to try on..... before I buy a few more.

Then I want to get my dividing head setup and teach myself how to use it to it's potential.

I had a friend come by tonight that is into doing custom engine parts, etc, and selling them. He said to let him know when I get things set up as he will throw some more 'side work' my way making some stuff for him.

OK I will asked since it has me wondering??? What the HECK is a DRO????

it's something to make us ask a question about it.

they are talking about a digital read out

Just be careful- it's usually best to not let anybody know you can do that kind of work - otherwise you'll be asked to do a LOT of favors for "friend prices" (free).

So.....
The DRO, made the mill right?

Larry lol

All I know is if you can't make it on a Bridgeport with a DRO then you probably need something that spins the stock,not the tool!!(Oh crap,now you need a lathe too)......gtm