I think i posted a pic before
Yes you did. And you can rest assured that I noted that install with GREAT INTEREST. I believe I even commented about how did you avoid smashing the scale with your tailstock.... LOL!
While I'm dealing with the mill, I'm also keeping track of good ideas for my lathe. It's up next.....
But again, it's not about simply mounting the scale. That's easy peasy. It's about making a chip guard, doing a way cover, and making sure I don't lose any y-travel - all at the same time.
Even my factory installed Mitutoyo glass scales on my mill don't have guards. No issues so far. They aren't subjected to physical damage where they are mounted. Some aluminum flashing from Home Depot would probably keep the chips off well enough.
Excellent idea for a guard. Prolly better than my U-channel idea.
Re - no worries about the magnetic scales attracting chips.
Hmmmmm..... Not saying you are wrong cuz I sure as heck don't know or I would not ask. But you have glass scales. How do you know I don't need to worry about attracting chips with a magnetic scale?
The other issue is that I often use a strong magnet to pick up swarf. It allows me to avoid mixing steel and aluminium. I keep separate garbage cans in my machining area to separate steel, aluminium, stainless, copper, and brass swarf. I get a bit more at the scrap yard that way. Beats the heck out of mixing it all up in a shop vac.
So that brings up another question. Will a magnet hurt the scale? Or should that practice die?
