What type of DRO is this

Sorry but I've made a mistake in sorting out this post, I spotted this lathe a SEIG 7x10 with this DRO on it can they still be purchased.

Not an ideal one.

They just count the turns of the handwheel so do not take into account backlash in the screw/nut

I had two sets on my Axminster 7x12, they are a bit rubbish as Jason says because of the backlash, but even worse both died (appears to be cold/damp related), which was not ideal as no manual dials on machine ....

Would definitely not recommend.

They are DROs to run away from!

If it's all you can get then fair do's, Sherline have a system that counts the handwheels, but it acknowledges the shortcomings of this, allowing you to program an axis offset. and it reads it all from one "readout" hence the name.

Glass scales, with an independent readout are normally considered the ideal. I use the system sold by arc. 

If you want one on the cheap, I believe you can get some magnetic, Vernier type scales with a little readout unit from machinedro. This would also take into account the backlash of the slide. But they probably wouldn't last as long, as well as the batteries to contend with of course. 

Michael W

Edited By Michael-w on 27/08/2017 23:53:57

I bought a 2 x glass scale dro from cheap as chips china and cant fault it, once youve got one you wonder how you ever managed to get anything done before you had it - absolutely brilliant accessory