DRO for Boxford AUD

[Mike Barnard 1Participant @mikebarnard1]

Hi all,

I've just bought my first lathe – a Boxford AUD – and would like to fit a DRO. eBay lists DRO kits from fastobuy2021at £150, from valuedro for £318, and direct for the Boxford from machinedro at £415. Would be grateful for recommendations, ideally based on actual experience.

[Mike Barnard 1Participant @mikebarnard1]

[Micky TParticipant @mickyt]

Hi Mike I have a boxford AUD and I fitted DRO from Arceurotrade DRO. Find the size you require. For fitting look at the following vid on YouTube Link

MickyT

[John Paton 1Participant @johnpaton1]

Hi Mike, I plumped for Machine DRO with the smaller magnetic coder on the cross slide and made some detailed modifications to retain maximum travel and access to lubricating points and gib adjustment screws. Fiddly but worth the effort. I also fitted a cable carrier to the rear of the lathe bed to keep the wiring out of harms way. With some materials I get a lot of springy swarf just where the cables run!

This kit has transformed my life and I can now machine to much closer tolerances first time so I would say ' go with it'!

[Mike Barnard 1Participant @mikebarnard1]

Thanks Micky. The DROs look a little lightweight and as I'd never remember to keep the batteries fresh I'd want a mains-powered version The video is a brilliant heads-up to fitting – not exactly straightforward. I've not collected my lathe yet so unsure whether the AUD presents the same or different mounting challenges.

PS – which encoder lengths did you use for yours?

Mike

[Mike Barnard 1Participant @mikebarnard1]

Hi John,

Many thanks for that. Like you I'd want to retain maximum access and I guess Machine DRO's higher price tag reflects the use of the smaller magnetic pick-ups. Would you be able to post a few pics of your installation?

Mike

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