Drill Press DRO

[PJs]

I'm finally posting a recent project here on this great forum...to add another DRO to the big list here. I've been wanting some kind of DRO for my drill press for quite a while now and finally came up with something for my Cheep and Cheerful modus. It ended up being a bit more convoluted than I thought with some obstacles to get through but here it is. I have added a full write up on my website with more pictures and dissertation. Hopefully some might find it useful. ~PJ

[C-Bag]

Good job PJs and thanks for the tip about the screws. That must have really thrown you for a loop to have the caliper quit on you. I also have experienced the intense head scratch of how to adapt existing materials into the desired end. I put a dro on my mill drill but had a stop mechanism to attach to unlike your drill setup.

There are so many novel ideas out there for modding HFTs. One of the best ones I got was putting this circular LED light array that's usually put on cars called "angel eye" running lights on the quill of the mill drill. I think it's like 30 LEDS and runs on a little 12v power wall wart encircling the quill. Nice and bright, nothing to look around and best of all no shadows! I think the lite and power pack were somewhere around $30.

[Paul Jones]

PJs,
I like the insight provided on your website about the screws. The combination of your spindle clamp and hose clamp solved a tricky assembly problem and looks great. I have been considering adding a DRO to my drill press. Thanks for the posting and new ideas.
Paul

[knoba]

That is completely wicked! What a great mod. Nicely executed too, PJs!

[PJs]

Thanks C-Bag! Glad to be of service on the screw torque issue, just my nature not to give up and toss something. Much rather figure it out...then toss it in spares bin if need be. Each case is pretty unique I think but sometimes a spark can send someone in the right direction. That's what I love about this forum!!

I try not to limit myself to HFT mods but they always need something and there are a lot of creative ones out there! I've been eyeballing one of those angel eyes, mainly for my brothers new mill, but the 50-60mm might work for mine. For me another wall wart might shut off the lights in Cincinnati! But have some LiPo's left from another project that might work...have to check the current draw first.

[PJs]

Thanks Paul, the clamp did seem the quick simple solution to a cheap and cheerful project. Glad to share on the screw issue. Looking forward to what you come up with!

[PJs]

That is completely wicked! What a great mod. Nicely executed too, PJs!

Thanks for the kind words Knoba...Wicked from you, makes my day!

[kbalch]

Thanks PJs! I've added your Drill Press DRO to our Digital Readouts and Drilling and Drill Presses categories, as well as to your builder page: PJs' Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Drill Press DRO by PJs

tags: drill press, DRO

[PJs]

Thanks Very Much, Ken!

[C-Bag]

. For me another wall wart might shut off the lights in Cincinnati! But have some LiPo's left from another project that might work...have to check the current draw first.

LOL, I know that problem very intimately! My garage shop is all on castors to be able to reconfigure for the process at hand. That's the only thing that keeps the electrical situation from getting out of hand. But that is on the list for a complete redo. I think you'll be shocked at what a difference those angel eyes make and they don' draw anything but the wall wart is a little inconvenient. So there's always a trade off.