DRO Axis

[Richard G]

This question is going to highlight the newbie that I am but here goes! Is there a proper direction to install a DRO on the Y axis of a mill. I am thinking the reading should rise as I bring the table towards the machine (forward) and vise-versa if you look at it as a Cartesian graph layout.
But when you are cutting (milling) with the machine, bringing the table towards the operator causes the machining processes to be up the Y axis of a Cartesian plan.
Same goes for the X axis... moving the table right moves the machining processes left and vise versa.
How does a factory DRO work?

 

[Susquatch]

It's not a newbie question. You can do what you want, but I was told that it's best to make your DRO do the same thing that your crank handle scales do. The CNC folks might not agree with that but it's hard to argue with your own hardware.

 

[Former Member]

When I worked with manual machining I never gave positive or negative axis much though it was a number in the direction I knew needed to go based on what I was machining.

Now that I gone CNC the direction of movement becomes important as you need to tell the machine where to go.

If you have a gantry system number directions and + & - match, however when you have a table moving direction and the + & - are opposite of what would make sense but it reflects direct on the object being machined.

So the + & - for DRO's are what you need to decide on what works for you, if you are thinking of
CNC you need to go the right track or it will mess you up later.

I'm still getting used to this concept after a year.

 

[Susquatch]

How does a factory DRO work?

I just realized I didn't really answer the question you asked.

Factory DROs and aftermarket DROs are all user configurable to go whichever way you want.

Again, for my purposes, I like my dials and my DRO to both go up or down at the same time. It's too confusing if they are different.

 

[Richard G]

Thanks for the info guys, I have it installed and working, just some finishing touches to do!
When the reading on the feeds increase so do the readouts.