113- mTech DRO-2L on Harbor Freight HF 40576 14x40 lathe from Ed Boysun (USA)

Thanks Ed for sharing with us his mTech DRO2L installation on his Harbor Freight HF 40576 14x40 lathe.

Here is what Ed had said about the installation :

"I received my DRO package on Monday of this week and started installation Tuesday.
I completed the install on Thursday and took time to take some pics and post them on my website.

You may want to take a look here http://www.boysungrain.com/dro-2l.htm

Feel free to include the link to prospective customers or any who may have questions on installation.

I am very impressed with the quality of the equipment and your prompt shipping. "

1) 1st step for X-Axis scale mounting

The cross-slide has been removed, drilled & tapped, and the scale bracket has been mounted to the tail-stock side

2) Mounting holes for the reader head.

The carriage has been drilled & tapped in preparation for mounting the reader head. Spacer block, shims and mounting bolts are lying atop the carriage.

3) Scale and head mounted.

The scale is mounted and the signal cable has been tied to a bolt. The cable will route beneath the carriage and exit on the chuck side of carriage.

4) X-Axis complete

The protective cover in place and the display setting on the bedways as operation of the scale is tested.

5) Slide plate removed.

The slide plate has been removed from the rear of the carriage. It will be drilled & tapped to serve as the mounting point for the Z-Azis reader head

6) Slide plate prepared

The area that the mounting bracket will contact has been lightly touched with an end mill to remove paint and true up the metal surface. It has also been drilled & tapped.

7) Bracket mounted

The bracket has been mounted to the slide plate and it is ready to be re-attached to the carriage.

8) Z-scale mounted.

The scale has been mounted to the bed of the lathe. Spacer blocks set the scale out .10" from the side of the lathe. A suitable shim has been added to one end of the scale and the scale has also been adjusted vertically so the reader head maintains proper spacing throughout the complete range of travel.

9) X-Axis cable.

The X-Axis cable crosses under the carriage and is clipped in place.

10) Z-Axis complete

The scale guard has been installed and the cables secured to the bracket. The cable is then fastened to the X-Axis and lamp power cable. Install is complete here and the back-splash can be re-installed.

11) Lathe install complete.

Display head has been mounted and the cables suspended from the backsplash to allow them full range of travel and also keep them out of the swarf that collects in the chip tray.

12) Lathe and operator

Ready for work.

Thanks so much for the detail instruction and the photos.

Once again here is the link to his original website :

http://www.boysungrain.com/dro-2l.htm

Ed says "Feel free to include the link to prospective customers or any who may have questions on installation."

Cheers