6" DRO fitted to the cross slide "  BVB 25 L".

The 6" DRO was delivered by Amazon,  preparations have started as can be seen on the top pictures . The mounting bracket that will hold the DRO is made of cold rolled mild steel 40 X 5 x 210 m/m and bolted to the cross slide with two C/S M 6 x 10 m/m hex head Allen screws.

Picture on the top left hand side the DRO fitted to the machine next step is to make the connection to the saddle .

Picture center and right hand side all brackets fitted and tested ready for  for the first real project.

The last  picture shows the cover over the scales .

Picture above left the digital display mounted on the head stock.

N.B.

Fitting the DRO was the best thing I have done and recommend it to every one looking at this page. If owning any type of lathe , Go for it you won't be sorry. Once fitted one becomes to realize how complicated things where  before this improvement  .

This DRO has been removed and has been refitted to the Mini mill Y axis . A better DRO is on order from Amazon.

A new DRO has arrived and the scales have been fitted and some alterations have been made to fit this Easy-view remote readout DRO as per top centre and top right hand side pictures. It feels and looks  like a better quality. I am in the processes of making a mounting bracket for the display.

Secondary automatic lead screw feed system "  BVB 25 L".

Due to the fact that I am  missing several of the gears for the main gear train , I am making a secondary 12 V electric manual adjustable automatic feed . This will be regulated with a Potential  meter  and fed by a 12 V Bench power supply made from a old ATX computer power supply.

Pictures above the proposed drive Coupling , fitted to the end of the feed shaft. Picture above far right all fitted ready for the electrical variable speed connection.

Pictures below the power supply with the variable speed control. The power pack and variable speed control are build in to a obsolete pool  chlorination control box and this all fits nicely. and seems to work very well. The bottom right hand picture a double pole double trow switch fitted so the feed can be directional.

Saddle lock "  BvB 25 L".

An other small change removed the hex nut from the saddle slide lock ,and replaced it with an home made locking device alleviating the need to look for a spanner all the time. It also gives enough clearance for the compound to travel over it.

Dimensions the body was made from 16 m/m round stock cut to an overall length of  35 m/m  , the ID tapped to M 8.   The handle was made from 12 m/m round stock cut down to 8 m/m and a small ring peening it on the other end. The length of this handle gives enough leverage to lock the saddle solidly when needed.