Installation of TDS DRO on Harbor Freight Milling from John (USA)

Here is a great write up from

John Doig

California, USA

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These are the installation photos on my Harbor Freight Milling Machine.

Installation is complete. I mounted the scale and reader on the front of the table as rear mounting limits the table in the Y axis.

X axis front mounting required the shield to be cut down on the bottom to have access to the table tightening screws.

X axis scale and reader mounting with shield removed. Both units are mounted directly to machine.

Y axis installation with shield removed. Scale is mounted on a cut down piece of aluminum angle that has been notched to clear table hand wheel assembly. Reader is mounted on a cut down piece of aluminum angle as well. Hand wheel was removed for photo.

Photo shows mounting of reader onto machine base.

Y axis scale and reader with shield installed.

Mounting of DRO unit and cables.

1216- Joey (USA - FL) - ZX7045, RongFu RF-45

Thanks Joey for the nice photos on the installation fo the DRO system on the RongFu Rf-45 clone, ZX7045.

1216- Joey (USA - FL) - 10x24 Lathe

Thanks Joey for the nice photos on the installation fo the DRO system on the 10x24 Lathe.

1227- Murray (Australia) - TDS- 3i on ZX45 Drill Mill machine

Thanks Murray for his nice photos of his ZX45 Drill Milling mahicne.

He had used :

TDS-3i

Scale 120mm, 220mm, 520mm.

The installation on the Z is a nice touch.

Here's what Murray says:

"Hi,

just finished installing the DRO, that I just bought from you.

A couple of pictures of the finished job.
I might save my penny’s and get one for my lathe.

Cheers
Murray "

Differences between DRO 2L and TDS 2 and TDS 2i, selecting for lathe machine

Below are the difference between mTECH DRO-2L, TDS-2 and TDS-2i

Nature;
the DRO2L is a specific model for lathe machine.
the TDS2 and 2i is a general model, with functions more cater for mill.

special functions;
DRO2L has a buttton for choosing radius or diameter display
TDS2 and 2i display of radius or diameter is done through the setup parameter

DRO2L has a taper calculation function for lathe
TDS2 and 2i has more of the mill fumction, like PCD, linear holes maching...

Physical;
DRO2L is made of cast metal, so it is hard and solid.
TDS2 and 2i casing is made of high impact plastic, it is strong and does not conduct electricity, making it safe.

Accessories;
DRO2L mounting is made specially for lathe mounting
TDS2 and 2i mounting is more for milling maching.



Conclusion;
if your machine is a lathe machine, i will highly recommend you to select the DRO 2L, if your machine is a mill/lathe or you have plan to use the DRO on a mill, i will suggest you choose the TDS2 or 2i.