Need a Dro what one to get

[thriller007]

Have a Craftex Cx-601 that has 14” travel on the Z 11.5” in either direction on the X and 8.5” on the Y.
What inexpensive dro do you recommend and what are the correct scales? Also if it gets orders from China then will it make it here?

 

[YYCHM]

I got the ones that are on the CX605 from AliExpress and they shipped quick but that was before this Covid crisis.

I'll be looking to get a set for RF30 from the same outfit when I'm at that point. I'll see if I can get you a link. The choices available will make your head spin.

Craig

These guys https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32848258811.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.913f21f2qDpoJ9&algo_pvid=4642e8e2-5861-49cd-b9ab-13cec99d97e5&algo_expid=4642e8e2-5861-49cd-b9ab-13cec99d97e5-36&btsid=0ab6f82215914577564405393e43b0&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

It was a really quick and easy purchase. No regrets.

 

[Johnwa]

I did a quick look on aliexpress. The one I saw had free shipping through DHL or UPS. I‘d avoid UPS!
Check with DHL on what to expect. Everything coming by ordinary mail doesn’t seem to be moving.
Definitely get 3 axis.

 

[DavidR8]

This is the unit that I installed on my RF clone.
I chose the YH800 primarily because of the LCD display which doesn't require you to navigate through numeric menus.
I am very happy with it and the vendor was very responsive. It shipped via DHL. As John said, avoid UPS like the plague.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000006632582.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.447d4c4dNurQqm

 

[DPittman]

Ha ha I was just researching the same for my new mill also and was going to post the same question. The info so far offered above has been helpful. I'm pleasantly surprised how cheap (under $300) a full 3 axis system can cost. Is there any downside to the lcd screen...don't they eventually burn in/out after many years? I know nothing last for ever and maybe I'm not being reasonable.

 

[DavidR8]

Ha ha I was just researching the same for my new mill also and was going to post the same question. The info so far offered above has been helpful. I'm pleasantly surprised how cheap (under $300) a full 3 axis system can cost. Is there any downside to the lcd screen...don't they eventually burn in/out after many years? I know nothing last for ever and maybe I'm not being reasonable.

I’ve had mine on for hours on end and can’t detect any burn in. There’s a button on the front that turns off the display but maintains the readings.


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[DPittman]

Has anyone here installed a dro on a 6x26 mill? I would be interested in seeing pictures of the installation.

 

[DavidR8]

Has anyone here installed a dro on a 6x26 mill? I would be interested in seeing pictures of the installation.

http://www.boysungrain.com/mill-dro.htm


https://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=7281.0


http://www.gimbal.com.au/2009/09/mounting-dro-on-6x26-mill.html?m=1


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[Tom Kitta]

aliexpress - if you get UPS sign up for border bee service so you don't pay huge import fees.

There is no reason I can think of getting a US made or expensive DRO even for bigger machines or more professional setup. Maybe it matters for accuracy of sub 1 tenth or something but definitely not for BP style mill application. Chinese stuff works great and DRO has many functions.

 

[DavidR8]

aliexpress - if you get UPS sign up for border bee service so you don't pay huge import fees.

There is no reason I can think of getting a US made or expensive DRO even for bigger machines or more professional setup. Maybe it matters for accuracy of sub 1 tenth or something but definitely not for BP style mill application. Chinese stuff works great and DRO has many functions.

I didn’t pay any fees when I bought my DRO from AliExpress.


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[YYCHM]

I didn’t pay any fees when I bought my DRO from AliExpress.

Neither did I.

 

[thriller007]

Ha ha I was just researching the same for my new mill also and was going to post the same question. The info so far offered above has been helpful. I'm pleasantly surprised how cheap (under $300) a full 3 axis system can cost. Is there any downside to the lcd screen...don't they eventually burn in/out after many years? I know nothing last for ever and maybe I'm not being reasonable.

What machine did you get?

 

[thriller007]

Have a Craftex Cx-601 that has 14” travel on the Z 11.5” in either direction on the X and 8.5” on the Y.
What inexpensive dro do you recommend and what are the correct scales? Also if it gets orders from China then will it make it here?

I guess I need clarification on what DRO lengths I have to order for my machine. Might as well do @YYCHobbyMachinist machine as well unless he already knows. When they have the length listed is that how much travel or is that total length including the ends?

 

[YYCHM]

Have a Craftex Cx-601 that has 14” travel on the Z 11.5” in either direction on the X and 8.5” on the Y.
What inexpensive dro do you recommend and what are the correct scales? Also if it gets orders from China then will it make it here?

Boy that machine of yours has a lot of travel. Something to be aware of is that you might loose a scales width of Y-axis travel. I lost a little on the CX605. The scale bumps into the column before full Y can be achieved.

Craig

 

[DPittman]

What machine did you get?

I got a 6x26 mini knee....Craftex cx602

 

[Janger]

Some other options discussed: https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/igauging-linear-scales.1949/

I also have an igaging DRO set installed on my mini mill. It's ok. cheaper. much better than no DRO. kms or busy bee has (or had) them.

 

[YYCHM]

Man I hate navigating AliExpress. Too many choices and by the time you have something in your cart your not sure what you ended up selecting.

@David_R8 Why the LCD one? How is it easier to navigate?

Craig

 

[DavidR8]

Man I hate navigating AliExpress. Too many choices and by the time you have something in your cart your not sure what you ended up selecting.

@David_R8 Why the LCD one? How is it easier to navigate?

Craig

The display when you’re programming bolt circles, linear hole, arcs or plane is just so easy to navigate.

Here you move between the fields using the four arrows just visible on the right side. Below I programmed four holes in a quarter circle on 4” radius. That took 15 seconds or so.

The F1, F2, F3 etc buttons correspond to the data entry fields on the screen or are used to select different values such as which plane on the incline plane program. F2 selects the XY, F3 selects XZ etc.

I just really prefer the graphical layout plus the numbers are nice and easy to read.
The red button in the lower right turns off the display but doesn’t shut off the unit.


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[YYCHM]

Well I may have to go that way. Overhead light or light behind the operator doesn't wash the screen out? My recollection of LCD was that some conditions washed out the display.

 

[DavidR8]

Well I may have to go that way. Overhead light or light behind the operator doesn't wash the screen out? My recollection of LCD was that some conditions washed out the display.

The screen is very bright with good contrast.
I’m very happy with the system. My X-axis scale was too long (because I measured wrong...) and I cut it using my horizontal bandsaw. Just put it in and cut it. No fuss. The scale didn’t shatter, I needed to make some clearance for the end cap to fit back on so I just nibbled the glass away with needle nose pliers.
Putting the end cap back on was a trick though as I had to drill and tap for some teeny holes. No idea what size they were, I just picked a tap that was close. I broke it off of course so I ended up using epoxy to hold the cap on. Works fine.


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