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  1. #1
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    Dec 2013
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    Default Opinions on DRO display side for a milling machine

    Something I've thought about for many years but done nothing about is the factory installed side of a DRO display on the right.

    I'm just about to make up a full control panel with a DRO built into it, VFD control buttons for both vertical and horizontal spindles along with RPM displays, main power etc.

    In the next week or 2 I'm going to change the DRO to the left side for a trial, as I seem to be always looking over my right shoulder to view it using the quill, and stretching to see it when using the knee.
    The E stop will be located on the knee, so it will always be in the same easy to reach spot.

    What have others done over the years?

    It seems every mill sold today is on the right, where every lathe sold is on the left, which I'm comfortable with.

    Years ago I did try my lathe with the readout mounted to the carriage but didn't like it as it seemed awkward and was in direct line for chips etc.

    Dave J

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

    Default

    I put mine on the left because on a smaller machine like the RF45 I have it’s away from the quill handles

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    6,540

    Default

    Mine is on the left too, as that is the side you stand to operate the feed levers etc.

    Michael

  4. #4
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    Dec 2013
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    Default

    Thanks to you both, pretty much confirms my thoughts.

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  5. #5
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    Dec 2013
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    Quote Originally Posted by racingtadpole View Post
    I put mine on the left because on a smaller machine like the RF45 I have it’s away from the quill handles
    Thank you.
    On a larger mill it's so much more awkward having it on the right side.
    It seems the factories dictate where we have it, but put the actual on off coolant on the left.

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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Riddells Creek, Vic.
    Posts
    831

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave J View Post
    Something I've thought about for many years but done nothing about is the factory installed side of a DRO display on the right.

    I'm just about to make up a full control panel with a DRO built into it, VFD control buttons for both vertical and horizontal spindles along with RPM displays, main power etc.

    In the next week or 2 I'm going to change the DRO to the left side for a trial, as I seem to be always looking over my right shoulder to view it using the quill, and stretching to see it when using the knee.
    The E stop will be located on the knee, so it will always be in the same easy to reach spot.

    What have others done over the years?

    It seems every mill sold today is on the right, where every lathe sold is on the left, which I'm comfortable with.

    Years ago I did try my lathe with the readout mounted to the carriage but didn't like it as it seemed awkward and was in direct line for chips etc.

    Dave J

    Sent from my 5007U using Tapatalk
    I'd be interested in seeing your design, I am in the process of making a control panel for a milling machine that will incorporate an LCD DRO.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    9,088

    Default

    Mines on the right, but I did add an second "arm" to the standard setup.

    I haven't got around to fitting a scale to the quill yet so that's not an issue for me yet

    I stand on the right as I can hit the e/stop with my knee and my X power feed is on the right(though they can be fitted either end right??).

    On the left hand side you'll either be pressing buttons with your left hand or twisting to use your right(not a huge deal most of the time on a DRO).

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    56
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stustoys View Post
    Mines on the right, but I did add an second "arm" to the standard setup.

    I haven't got around to fitting a scale to the quill yet so that's not an issue for me yet

    I stand on the right as I can hit the e/stop with my knee and my X power feed is on the right(though they can be fitted either end right??).

    On the left hand side you'll either be pressing buttons with your left hand or twisting to use your right(not a huge deal most of the time on a DRO).
    Thanks Stuart thanks for the feedback.
    I also added another arm many years ago, as well as to the lathe.

    I have had the knee power feed on the left for over 10 years along with the Y power feed handle to the left as well.

    I'm both right and left handed, though I write right handed.

    My E stop will be where I put it comfortably, easy to reach.

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  9. #9
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    Dec 2013
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    56
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    Quote Originally Posted by Techo1 View Post
    I'd be interested in seeing your design, I am in the process of making a control panel for a milling machine that will incorporate an LCD DRO.
    I'm going with this type of design, only chrome handle lol.
    It will have 2x potentiometers and 2 RPM displays, not sure about jog buttons as I don't use them now.

    I would have liked the LCD display instead but they where not available back then, I've have recommended them to others who have bought them. They have only really came out the last few years so time will tell.

    This 5 axis on the mill and the 4 axis on my lathe are running great for around 9 years now, and the seller sent spare boards as the calculator had a mishap, so should be right for the next 9 years at least, lol.

    Dave J

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  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Port Sephens NSW Southside
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    123

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    All

    I do not have a DRO on my lathe, but I would definitely fell uncomfortable looking to my right for the controls. This is because after driving a car for about 47 years on the left hand side, I am too used to looking to my left for road signs, 2 rear vision mirrors, radio & A/C controls. This would probably be the opposite for people in countries who drive on the right hand side of the road.

    JohnQ

  11. #11
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    Dec 2013
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    56
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnQ View Post
    All

    I do not have a DRO on my lathe, but I would definitely fell uncomfortable looking to my right for the controls. This is because after driving a car for about 47 years on the left hand side, I am too used to looking to my left for road signs, 2 rear vision mirrors, radio & A/C controls. This would probably be the opposite for people in countries who drive on the right hand side of the road.

    JohnQ
    I've never left Australia but actually feel uncomfortable looking to the right myself, that's why I posted about it.

    I looked into it years ago but never changed anything.
    Just lately it's been bugging my using the mill, and I'm also just about to build this control board and install a new electrical cabinet and I don't want to put it all on wrong side and regret it.

    If you install a DRO it will open up a whole new world of machining for any machine.
    You can machine something in the lathe, measure it and put that number into the DRO either diameter or radius, you then know where your going to reduce the part to size and length you just face it, zero the DRO and you know the exact length, similar on the mill.
    Then there is bolt hole pattern on the mill instead of using a rotary table and lots of calculations etc.

    I think it was 2007 I bought 2x Miester DRO's and 7 scales after my injury and selling my Motorcross bikes that I couldn't ride anymore, it was $2150 back then as they where new out other than big dollar items out of the USA.

    Today you can buy a 2 axis DRO set for a bit over $250 and a 3 axis for just over $300 some cheaper.
    I've bought a few more readouts and scales over the years as they got so cheap.

    If your screws are worn it doesn't matter at all, as it gives a 100% positive position of that axis. I found one new screw had a small error in one spot that had me clueless to what was going on until the DRO showed it up after fitting.

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  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
    Posts
    292

    Default

    I don't have a DRO......yet......but maybe someday. Most of the small CNC mills have the controls on the right, mainly I suppose, because most of us are right handed. I would put it on the right for that reason. Having the controls on the left would require me having to move to the left to use the buttons. Awkward. Now seeing as you are setting it up is there any reason you can't make the box on an arm that can swing from one side to the other? Then you could move it to suit you or the work if it is of a size that makes the display hard to read.

    Pete

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default

    Another contribution, all my CNC controls are RHS to try and avoid some of the swarf and coolant fling.
    Motor controls high on LHS.
    Primary E-stop high LHS close to center.

    Keep well,
    John.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Guys,

    I put mine on the right hand side because the mill controls are on the left and would foul the DRO readout !
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by electrosteam View Post
    Another contribution, all my CNC controls are RHS to try and avoid some of the swarf and coolant fling.
    Motor controls high on LHS.
    Primary E-stop high LHS close to center.

    Keep well,
    John.
    Thanks I'm going to give the left a go once my current project is done latter this week which I'll post about.

    It's been many years since we had a chat or seen each other John.
    Hope you and your family are all doing well.
    Also thanks for your invitation and kindness some years ago, I appreciated it.

    Dave J

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