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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    589

    Default DRO Recommendations

    I have finally got my Fexac UP mill wired and working. I would like to put a 3 axis DRO on it. Something on the cheaper side but accurate and reliable.

    Anybody have any recommendations?

    Anybody fitted a DRO to one of these mods before?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Southern Flinders Ranges
    Posts
    1,536

    Default

    I put one of the 3axis Sino package deals that HAFCO sell on my RF45 early last year. It works, pretty happy with it.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
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    589

    Default

    That one is at the top of my list at the moment. I would assume it is at least accurate to a thou or just under.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Southern Flinders Ranges
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    1,536

    Default

    The resolution of the scales is as quoted.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    574

    Default

    I fitted the 3 axis version of this one a few years ago, still going ok with no issues, might pay you to watch a lot of youtube videos on installing on various types of machines just to see how others do it and where they mount them.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPeZu3RaFec

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default

    I got this over the xmas break. Just installing it atm: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3270...58c511a3DdQ32W. Seems alright, but installation takes some time - lots of brackets to be made and drilling and lining stuff up. Still working on z axis ...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    South of Adelaide
    Posts
    1,225

    Default

    we have a Sino on our slotter and a Jenix on the vertical borer at work both have been very good. Main thing is to mount the scales solidly, and with good alignment.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Healesville
    Posts
    2,129

    Default

    You can get an easson dro kit with lcd screen from the dro store for 530 bucks, the sino kit at hare and forbes is 600 bucks.

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000...archweb201603_

    https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/K5202

    There is plenty of cheapies on ali express if that is what you want.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    589

    Default

    Although the LCD is much better looking I think I need to stick with known quantities and buy what others can confirm work. At this stage the Sino is the front runner given that an Accurite is too exy but that Easson looks nice

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Healesville
    Posts
    2,129

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mk1_Oz View Post
    Although the LCD is much better looking I think I need to stick with known quantities and buy what others can confirm work. At this stage the Sino is the front runner given that an Accurite is too exy but that Easson looks nice
    I have a easson 12 B on my mill, the lcd touch screen is nice and it is easy enough to use and has a few functions that i have not used yet such as milling radius's and angles, the pcd hole function has nearly put my dividing head into retirement.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    589

    Default

    Ok good to get the thumbs up. I did note the long scale is 1000mm whereas my Fexac table travel is slightly over that. Grrr

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,436

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by StrayAlien View Post
    I got this over the xmas break. Just installing it atm: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3270...58c511a3DdQ32W. Seems alright, but installation takes some time - lots of brackets to be made and drilling and lining stuff up. Still working on z axis ...
    Hi Greg,

    I've just ordered one of those for the mill !
    What do you think about it ?
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Healesville
    Posts
    2,129

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mk1_Oz View Post
    I did note the long scale is 1000mm whereas my Fexac table travel is slightly over that. Grrr
    Dont worry about the length as the sellers will make any length you want, just tell them what your travels are and they will make the scales to suit.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Tamworth, NSW
    Posts
    202

    Default

    I'm also very interested in the recomendations here. For my mill being so small I think I am going to need compact scales so this is another consideration and teh Ali express site is often hard to determine just which scale and the dimensions they are offering.

    I'd be interested to hear from anyone who bought some more compact scales to get their thoughts.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default

    baronj,

    The unit seems alright especially given the price. The actual DRO unit feels pretty light but it'll do the job. The actual scales themselves seem very well made. The dust sealing is really good and the movement feel good too. I've nothing to compare it to, but, my amateur opinion is, as long as it all keeps working, it'll do me. The DRO unit has some real troubles if plugged into the 4-way power board as the VFD. It just goes stupid so just needs to plugged into a different power socket. The scale leads are made of a kind of wound metal, like a shower head hose, and I thought it might snag on things but really, they just slip over and accross stuff without snagging - so pretty good. The leads lengths are pretty generous as well.

    The scales are cut to whatever length you like. I think they add a little extra. Be wary though, you tell them the TRAVEL, not the total length you need. The total length they make is the travel you specify + some extra + about half the length of the reader head + the mounting points. Their site will say what total extra length all that comes to.

    The supplied mounting brackets were useless for me. Though for other machines they may apply. The mounting arm is also useless for me. I went with another means that meant not drilling into the side of the (bridgeport) mill.

    Depending on your mill, be prepared to start making brackets and some means to mount and align the scales to make sure the reader movement aligns with them. Honestly, that can take a fair bit of time, measuring, measuring again, and again ...

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