x-axis dro for my vintage lathe.

[Toolmaker51]

Hard to beat a DRO. Adding quick change tools can really show the advantages, worn lead screw or not. A big temptation, adding to a compound!
A recommendation I offer is verifying by other than combination of leadscrew-dial-DRO. On a lathe of that size, should think 4 or 5 inches with 1-2-3 blocks or comparable standard and a test indicator. Simple as laying a bar over ways and using carriage to get indicator tip 'in and out' of contact with chosen standard.
DRO's accuracy relate to attaining 2 planes of square and level travel in accordance with slide being monitored; minimizing sine error(s).