1557-Milling / Drill machine Excel tools, model PDM-30, Andy, UK. TDS-3i, 170mm-220mm-520mm

Thanks to Andy from UK for the generous photos.

 

This is a  Drill/MillExcel tools, model PDM-30. This is very similar to machines from Chester tools, Warco, King Canada.

 

It is using :

TDS-3i DRO with scales travel - 170mm, 220mm, 520mm

 
Below is an unedited email from Andy:

 
 

 

Hi Scott,

 

Used the DRO today and it has revolutionised my milling machine, so easy to be accurate now!

 

As promised some details of how I fitted the scales:

 

Cheers

 

Andy

 

My milling machine is a medium size mill/drill from Excel tools, model PDM-30. This is very similar to machines from Chester tools, Warco, King Canada, etc..

 

Fitting the X scale was easy, and only needed a couple of 5mm spaces to bring the scale in-line with the reader head.

 

 

The Y axis was a bit more involved and required a 4mm back plate to attach the scale to the saddle.  Also the side of the bed is angled so I had to mill the end of one of the supplied brackets to get the reader head to mount square.

 

The Z scale was also mounted on a 4mm back plate, spaced 30mm off the quill casting,

 

and the reader head was mounted to another modified bracket screwed to the turret.

 

Celebrating the finished job with a cuppa!