Chinese 3 axis DRO

[Megar arc 5040dd]

I tried searching the forum but I just get an error so I figured I will just ask.

I am looking for a budget 3axis DRO to put on my RF45 clone mill. Other than that I have no idea what to look for and when I search aliexpress it gets complicated fast. I was thinking about magnetic scales because I am nervous about trying to cut down glass scales but most of the adds don't seem to say what the scales are. I also don't know what I need for resolution or does it make much of a difference on a hobby machine? I'm just wondering if anyone has purchase one recently that you are happy with and what is was? Budget is my main concern. Is there a way to get something that works for a hobbyist that isn't expensive but will get the job done.

 

[combustable herbage]

This is the one I bought for my pdm30 round column mill you have to measure the travel of the axis and then add whatever amount is specified for that scale to get the total length, with mine I didn't have to do any cutting the numbers were very close and I didn't loose any travel length. For this example the length to add is 140mm.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004735529647.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.4206546030Xuvn&gps-id=pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40050.362094.0&scm_id=1007.40050.362094.0&scm-url=1007.40050.362094.0&pvid=2a504690-01c6-4de3-b5ff-dcf11823b8d7&_t=gps-id:pcDetailTopMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.40050.362094.0,pvid:2a504690-01c6-4de3-b5ff-dcf11823b8d7,tpp_buckets:668%232846%238108%231977&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%21334.31%21167.15%21%21%21236.21%21%21%402101e7a316989779431457608ecf10%2112000030284406453%21rec%21CA%21700940613%21

 

[Susquatch]

I am looking for a budget 3axis DRO to put on my RF45 clone mill.

What does "budget" mean? Do you have a price target? That will help us help you.

An RF 45 is big enough to handle, (and benefit from), a full sized full featured DRO. They don't need to cost a fortune but they are not cheap either.

 

[Tecnico]

Measure the actual full travel of your axes, add a small fudge factor that gives you latitude for mounting location and tell the vendor your travel. They will add their own over travel safety distance. That should put you in a zone where you can build brackets & mount without worrying about cutting or stretching scales. Glass scales will be your lowest cost.

I can’t give advice on an RF mill but there are a bunch of them in the house and no doubt someone will pipe up.

There are a few tricks to tricking the search function to do your bidding to look up past threads, biggest problems seem to be too short a search term etc.

Gotta run!

D

 

[Megar arc 5040dd]

What does "budget" mean? Do you have a price target? That will help us help you.

An RF 45 is big enough to handle, (and benefit from), a full sized full featured DRO. They don't need to cost a fortune but they are not cheap either.

Ideally in the $200 - $300 range. Doesn't need to be anything fancy I don't care if its a touch screen or not as long as it can do all the basics.

 

[Tomc938]

I bought a set from Ali, and had no trouble cutting the glass scales. Used a small mill to cut down almost to the glass (carefully) and then used a diamond cutter for my Dremel. Cut slowly so as not to overheat. Worked real slick.

 

[Susquatch]

Ideally in the $200 - $300 range. Doesn't need to be anything fancy I don't care if its a touch screen or not as long as it can do all the basics.

Although I could be wrong, I think the only 3axis DRO in the 300 dollar range is the igaging system.

Here is the 3-axis version. It is available on Amazon and BusyBee - maybe elsewhere too.

EZ-View DRO

Thank you for interested in iGAGING products. iGAGING® is a part of the International Precision Instrument Corporation (IPIC). IPIC is one of the largest precision measurement tool manufacturer and importer in North America. We have a very large customer base which includes: Boeing, Lockheed...

www.igaging.com

You could probably improve the functionality of that with the TouchDRO system configured for the igaging scales and an old tablet for a display.

Perhaps another member knows of other products in that price range.

 

[YYCHM]

I paid $300 cad delivered for a 3-axis DRO with glass scales from AliExpress in 2020. You're probably looking at $400+ these days.

 

[MikeANW]

I too have been searching ( I have an rf45 clone as well) You can get 3-axis and glass scales on Amazon for 350-400. Good variety of scale lengths as well. Seems a small price to pay for the convenience.

 

[Susquatch]

I too have been searching ( I have an rf45 clone as well) You can get 3-axis and glass scales on Amazon for 350-400. Good variety of scale lengths as well. Seems a small price to pay for the convenience.

Interestingly, you can get Ditron systems on Amazon. Kate is the Ditron Amazon Rep. She will match the Ditron price on Ali and she is extremely helpful. Just post a question to the seller.

 

[MikeANW]

Interestingly, you can get Ditron systems on Amazon. Kate is the Ditron Amazon Rep. She will match the Ditron price on Ali and she is extremely helpful. Just post a question to the seller.

Clearly i need to speak to Kate!! Ill post a question and see how it goes....hoping to order this weekend.

 

[DavidR8]

Although I could be wrong, I think the only 3axis DRO in the 300 dollar range is the igaging system.

Here is the 3-axis version. It is available on Amazon and BusyBee - maybe elsewhere too.

EZ-View DRO

Thank you for interested in iGAGING products. iGAGING® is a part of the International Precision Instrument Corporation (IPIC). IPIC is one of the largest precision measurement tool manufacturer and importer in North America. We have a very large customer base which includes: Boeing, Lockheed...

www.igaging.com

You could probably improve the functionality of that with the TouchDRO system configured for the igaging scales and an old tablet for a display.

Perhaps another member knows of other products in that price range.

Yuriy of Touch DRO no longer recommends using the capacitative (iGaging) scales with TouchDRO because of issues with lag and jumping digits. With the advent of cheap, reliable glass scales I can't see a good reason to use the iGaging scales unless they are paired with their readouts.

 

[Susquatch]

Yuriy of Touch DRO no longer recommends using the capacitative (iGaging) scales with TouchDRO

I didn't know that. Good info.

 

[Megar arc 5040dd]

Clearly i need to speak to Kate!! Ill post a question and see how it goes....hoping to order this weekend.

Post what you end up ordering and how it goes. I won't be ordering one right away but hopefully in the next couple of months.

 

[Tecnico]

@Megar arc 5040dd

I’m a bit under the weather today so it gives me the excuse to take some time to write more to give you a better answer about scale and DRO shopping while I’m lazing around.

Here are a few threads to look up and have a read:

Tips/Techniques - DRO Glass vs. Magnetic Scale Accuracy Etc.

I just noticed that Yuriy of TouchDRO has put up an interesting and informative posting on Hobby-Machinist about his recent testing of glass and magnetic scales. DRO Scale Recommendations He has also updated his site at Recommended DRO Scales with lots of good information. Regarding...

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

The links to the TouchDRO site are good reference even if you’re not going that way for your display.

Need Help in selecting a DRO for Craftex CX 601 mill drill

Folks I am totally ignorant in selecting a unit all assistance would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance Al

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

9x20 lathe DRO or No?

My eyes aren't as good as they once were, I like shiny things, and I have a penchant for upgrading/modifying my belongings. So this feeds a few needs lol. However, does anyone have experience mounting a DRO setup to a 9 x 20 lathe? Just looking for advice on what might fit the best. I am also...

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

And finally, my thread where I document my projects including TouchDRO installation on my lathe & mill.

Tecnico's Shop Window

I’m always making something in the shop so I thought I’d open a window so people could peer in and see what mischief I’m up to. Starting point: I received a nice Vertex BS-01 dividing head and an equally nice 6” Burnerd 4 jaw chuck with my First mill. I also received a grotty looking 3 jaw...

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

Just a thought about scale length. With Ditron and probably the others, they will tailor your (requested) working length to the mm if you engage them rather than just buying off the shelf on one of their Aliex pages. If you ask for 432mm that’s what you’ll get (plus their safety space) so you should not have to worry about cutting scales. Ask them for their drawings of scale dimensions do you can design your installation before committing to the purchase.

Enjoy!

D

 

[Susquatch]

Ask them for their drawings of scale dimensions do you can design your installation before committing to the purchase.

They will also send you the manual if you ask for it.

I'd add www.dropros.com to the list of sites with good info. They have decent install videos although I didn't use their hardware or the install cuz the DRO pros stuff costs too much and I didn't like the flimsy brackets. But still lots of great info written in english. I made my own brackets custom to my own install and did a 4 axis x, y, z & quill. Then I added quill plus knee to get total Z.

Here are my two main threads on my install and decision making.

Thread 'DRO Mounting System' https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/dro-mounting-system.4761/

Thread 'Installing a DRO on a Hartford Bridgeport Clone.' https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/installing-a-dro-on-a-hartford-bridgeport-clone.4852/

Here is a thread on the first time I used it to do something. Some good comments in there from other members too.

Thread 'First Major DRO Job' https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/first-major-dro-job.5870/

Please ignore the pricing I got. That was all before the latest round of price increases, supplier costs, inflation, and exchange rates. But you still get what you negotiate......

 

[whydontu]

My experience with iGaging has been mediocre. Jumping digits, sensitive to interference with nearby motors. I've installed CDCO, eBay, DrDRO, TouchDRO, mTech, and the original Shumatech DRO350. Best budget one so far has been the mTech from http://www.thedrostore.com/, but might be a bit more than you want to spend. My guess is mTech is the same as the ALI or eBay China sources, but based in the US so a bit more user-friendly.

 

[MikeANW]

They will also send you the manual if you ask for it.

I'd add www.dropros.com to the list of sites with good info. They have decent install videos although I didn't use their hardware or the install cuz the DRO pros stuff costs too much and I didn't like the flimsy brackets. But still lots of great info written in english. I made my own brackets custom to my own install and did a 4 axis x, y, z & quill. Then I added quill plus knee to get total Z.

Here are my two main threads on my install and decision making.

Thread 'DRO Mounting System' https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/dro-mounting-system.4761/

Thread 'Installing a DRO on a Hartford Bridgeport Clone.' https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/installing-a-dro-on-a-hartford-bridgeport-clone.4852/

Here is a thread on the first time I used it to do something. Some good comments in there from other members too.

Thread 'First Major DRO Job' https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/first-major-dro-job.5870/

Please ignore the pricing I got. That was all before the latest round of price increases, supplier costs, inflation, and exchange rates. But you still get what you negotiate......

Thanks for this. i have reviewed most of those posts.....will review further this weekend and hopefully place an order.

 

[Garyt]

Have you made any progress or decisions with regards a system?

 

[MikeANW]

I’m looking at a 4 axis Ditron with magnetic scales. Got sidetracked moving stuff around and making more room in my garage for my 2 “new” machines. Also the draw bar on rhe milk is stripped so fixing that. It wiii likely be next weekend when I order the kit.