Been wanting to fix up the DRO on the lathe, at least on the Z axis, for a long time. The Igaging scales have been sitting underneath the bench for several years waiting to be used. The main reason for the scale? I've been missing count when turning, resulting in inaccurate parts being made. Since I've taken a new job to make some wheels for slot cars, I might as well use the opportunity to get this going.
Ok, here go the pics:
 The older model of the Igaging DRO. The newer ones are much better looking and the screens are stackable. More expensive of course. |  The Proxxon PD400. This is where the scale is going onto. |
The cross slide taken off. Good time to do some cleaning up.
 Getting a feel of how much space I have. The lead screw was taken off. The half nut can be seen in this pic. |  Marked the hole location to drill and tap for M5 cap screw.  This was the 2nd time I drill into one of my machines. The first was the Sherline lathe when I was installing the CNC kit. |
Tapping... I used a homemade centre in the keyless chuck to hold the tap. Slight pressure was applied using the quill.
 Test fit. |  Some adjustments can still be made to ensure I get the scale lined up properly. I may cut off the protruding bracket once I've everything in the right place. |
The 10.8V Makita could only make slightly more than a dimple... It was 2am and using my power drill will draw too much attention at this hour. I'll do it tomorrow.
Being stupid and clumsy, I dropped the Mitutoyo DTI. The problem moved side to side after the accident. When I tried tightening the screw next to the probe, the wiggle didn't go away. So I decided to remove the screw to see what may be the problem. Big mistake! Several micro size steel balls started dropping out... Arghhhh... I've 3 dial indicators but only 1 dial test... Why?!?!?!?!
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