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Tailstock DRO

1

1018Machine

Well-Known Member
Any suggestions for one that won't break the bank? One that's able to withstand a bit of coolant mist....

I started making a mount to hold a cheap linear slide for my tailstock but when a light mist of coolant landed on the slide it almost immediately crapped out and it says it's rated IP57. I know I can but a Mitutoyo 572-613 (4" IP 66 rated) but it's $400.00

I'll likely just bit the bullet and buy it but before I do I'd like to listen to what others have done.

Thanks in advance.
 
Graduated in thousandths. Comes with the lathe!

Works perfect!

Screenshot_20250214_075316_Chrome.jpg

IMG_0485 (1).gif
 
Modifying an existing IP67 digital caliper might be a cheaper solution, the dedicated linear scale configuration are pricier.
I mounted a cheap $20 digital vernier on my tailstock and so far so good (8yrs). It does get coolant on it but very little and a quick wipe seemed to have saved it from going wrong.
I have some Igaging linear scale and they were reasonably price but they don't like any mist of anything.
 
whydontu said:
Remote readout DRO and mount the scale upside down, with the capacitance strip down. Maybe even a little felt wiper like you have on the lathe carriage.

View attachment 59775
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Thanks but I'm skeptical that would solve the issue. That coolant has a way in getting into everything! I currently have a Mit 0-4 coolant proof on the top slide and while it has lasted for 10 years it started to go funny last fall. Upon striping it I found it full of coolant. A good cleaning put it back in service.

The unit you show doesn't go down to half thou., It's ok though, I sprung for the Mit coolant proof, Buy once, cry once I guess!

Thanks for everyone's input.
 
I hacked off a vernier for this purpose but its more trouble than its worth IMO. A better solution might be a generic quill style. Comes in different lengths, 6" is shortest AFAIK & maybe a better fit to typical quill extension. The display is bigger I believe. Not sure about how coolant proof though. In the end I didn't care for it residing open faced on top of the tailstock for the amount I used it. I found my the dial accurate enough for the most part. Also goes without saying you have to be 100% confident the TS is staying put on the slick, oily ways (meaning good clamping mechanics) and same goes for work holding repeatability, otherwise 0.001" resolution can get lost.

accusizetools.com

Electronic Digital DRO Scale Unit Horizontal

When you choose linear digial readout, it works as the following tools (and solutions): linear digial readout, linear dro, linear digital readout, linear drop earrings, linear drop earrings for women, linear drop earrings silver, linear drop earrings gold, linear drop earrings 14k gold, linear...
accusizetools.com accusizetools.com

1739558844762.png
 
Good question. I'll paste the link again to check.

accusizetools.com

Electronic Digital DRO Scale Unit Horizontal

When you choose linear digial readout, it works as the following tools (and solutions): linear digial readout, linear dro, linear digital readout, linear drop earrings, linear drop earrings for women, linear drop earrings silver, linear drop earrings gold, linear drop earrings 14k gold, linear...
accusizetools.com accusizetools.com

this is on the product page, looks a bit more masculine
1739565379606.png
 
Might it help if you mounted the critical parts well off the outboard end of the tail stock, and connected them via an extension to the quill, perhaps ala Blondiehacks? They could then be oriented however you like, and shielded from coolant in some way in addition to the distance factor. (If you have room, the reader could be 4 feet away...! ;))
 
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