DRO install on my RF30

[djberta]

Finally got a chance to install the dro on my RF30. Eventually I will look at putting touchdro on it some time in the future. I did not cut the scales and opted to cut the belt guard for the z and just use the long one on the y axis. It's a vevor set that came much longer then I thought but it fits mostly. For the z I flipped the casting that holds the depth stop and cut a piece of 1/4 aluminum plate. Some angle pieces from the junk pile and it came together over a few nights. I first started out way over thinking it all.

 

[djberta]

Simple easy dro screen mount and light base from a monitor post. 3d printed a simple bushing for the light to fit on the post.

 

[Don Sipes]

Finally got a chance to install the dro on my RF30. Eventually I will look at putting touchdro on it some time in the future. I did not cut the scales and opted to cut the belt guard for the z and just use the long one on the y axis. It's a vevor set that came much longer then I thought but it fits mostly. For the z I flipped the casting that holds the depth stop and cut a piece of 1/4 aluminum plate. Some angle pieces from the junk pile and it came together over a few nights. I first started out way over thinking it all.

View attachment 59021View attachment 59022

Looks good. I'd be very interested on your review of this unit after some months of use.

 

[djberta]

Looks good. I'd be very interested on your review of this unit after some months of use.

I will for sure give an update after a couple months. I will need to learn how to use the dro to really use it.

 

[FatherWes]

Watching…
Nice clean installation. Looks very similar to what I’d likely need.
Does the x-axis scale doesn’t interfere with y-axis range? It looks like it sticks out front by quite a bit. Just concerned there’d be interference that would restrict outward movement o& the table…

 

[Model Citizen]

I’m curious about the X power feed.
All the mill drill table X power feeds I’ve seen are horizontal.
I’ve never seen one mounted like you did.
To be clear I’ve never seen lots of things.
Would you please post what make & model it is?
BTW the one in the photo is on my RF-31

 

[djberta]

Watching…
Nice clean installation. Looks very similar to what I’d likely need.
Does the x-axis scale doesn’t interfere with y-axis range? It looks like it sticks out front by quite a bit. Just concerned there’d be interference that would restrict outward movement o& the table…

No interference, full motion on all axis. Might be the picture angles I can take some more pics if you wanna see. I looked at the install from the minimalist don’t over think it angle. Not much fabbing, the most work was the z axis mount and me deciding how I was gonna do it.

 

[djberta]

I’m curious about the X power feed.
All the mill drill table X power feeds I’ve seen are horizontal.
I’ve never seen one mounted like you did.
To be clear I’ve never seen lots of things.
Would you please post what make & model it is?
BTW the one in the photo is on my RF-31

Originally I built a drive out of a wiper motor and a socket hex nut kind of setup. It didnt work well so I looked for an actual drive. I would have liked to find a horizontal drive for the x axis, but could only find the vertical ones, I think it’s for a knee mill. It was the cheapest I could find at the time. I had to turn down the bearing mount on that side to fit the drive and then filed the cross screw end for a grub screw. Lathed the drive gear to fit and cut it short. Works as expected. I copied some others that have done similar. Most I have seen mount it on the right but my lathe used to be real close to the right side so it ended up on the left.

 

[djberta]

The drive is this one.

VEVOR PAl-310S Power Feed X-Axis 450 in-lb Torque,Power Feed Milling Machine 0-200PRM, Power Table Feed Mill 110V,for Bridgeport and Similar Knee Type Milling Machines | VEVOR CA

VEVOR Power Feed Milling Machine offers 0-200 RPM speed, high efficiency, low noise, and wide compatibility, perfect for Bridgeport and similar mills.

m.vevor.ca

The dro kit is this one.

VEVOR Digital Readout, 16'' & 18'' & 38'', Linear Scale 3 Axis DRO Display Kit with Support Rod Knife Holder Plate Transparent Watch Case Power Cord Watch Holder Butterfly Piece Screw Pack Ruler Cover | VEVOR CA

Experience high-precision measurements with VEVOR DRO Display Kit's 3-axis linear scale, featuring versatile travel lengths, multifunctional display, and IP54 protection.

m.vevor.ca

 

[PeterT]

All the mill drill table X power feeds I’ve seen are horizontal.
I’ve never seen one mounted like you did.

That style was more common on the lighter duty mills. I had one on my RF45. The mounting was a bit simpler with the angle bracket attaching to the table. You can still get them. It also has some disadvantages but they work