Thread: DRO's on Hammer K3

well done!
next step would be automate that fence to the position you ask it to...

Originally Posted by Albert

well done!
next step would be automate that fence to the position you ask it to...

Albert, I have the software and screen to do that but for my limited use I won't bother. Automating the rip fence would not cost much either, I reckon $500 would see it done.

Got any links for the products you have installed? A random search on DRO on AliExpress BangGood et al produces a metric butt-ton of links.

Mark, this is the link for a DRO with a short cord of one meter 7-Bit LCD Display LP02 Digital Radout Dro Magnetic Scales/Sensor Set/Kit for Milling Grinding Stone Wood Cutting Machines - AliExpress When you land on the page it defaults to the 1 metre cable option but there are five other options if they are needed. I was surprised to see the price has fallen to $55 so I am going to buy some more.


If you go to this link on Youtube Dennis explains more about the DRO's and how he used them for his mitre saw and I will be doing much the same thing myself. He gives several links to buying one of which I pasted above.

Gday Chris,

The 'cord' is that the tape that the sensor reads off? Can you cut it to required length?

Looks like a good option.

cheers
Shane

Shane, the 1 metre cord is the data cord between the read head and the digital display, the magnetic read tape is what is specified when ordering and that can be cut if it is too long. I made a mistake and ordered the long cord version when I bought mine, late in the video Dennis talks about two different displays, the grey one he found out about after he finished the mitre saw project and the version he used which has a data cord about two metres long and he supplies links for both. I cut and shortened mine and even the short grey display I linked to in this thread would be too long so it most probably makes little difference anyway if you don't want to coil the wire. The rip fence DRO sits on a base attached to the rip fence head and I made the base big enough to coil the data cord in it uncut. You can buy the DRO head without the magnetic tape from EBAY if needed.

Come down if you want to have a look.

Just a tip for anyone doing this, if the display shows the measurement getting larger instead of smaller flip the read head on its short axis and it will reverse the measurement. The instructions say it can be done in the menu but I couldn't get it to work.

Cheers Chris. I ordered one, at $55 hard to pass up. Unfortunately could only order 1 though.(max per person) might try for another one another day.

I ordered two at the same time as Shane and got them today with a bonus of two read tapes of 1 & 2 metres in each box, $87 for the pair. I have an Incra fence system on each side of my Mitre saw so I am going to remove the tooth measuring system and convert them to digital. With the one I have left over from an earlier buy I will put that on my bandsaw. I finished up with five DRO's for just under $200.

Chris - Do you have an Ebay link to to the standalone DRO? I'd probably get a 2-3m length version, but having another single DRO might be more cost effective that multiple 1-2m length versions.

My crosscut flipstop might not work too well, Pics - https://imgur.com/a/FmAMFJp
The back of the stop essentially slides along the top of the fence, I don't think the magnetic strip would fit into the gap and still let the flipstop slide, can't run it on the back as it will interfere with the brackets.
Might have to look for an alternate flipstop.

I bought the last two from here and I note the price has gone up since I did. I could send you a small piece of the magnetic tape if that helps.

7-Bit LCD Display LP02 Digital Radout Dro Magnetic Scales/Sensor Set/Kit for Milling Grinding Stone Wood Cutting Machines - AliExpress

Thanks for clarifying and appreciate the offer!
For now, I'll do some morel looking around to see if I can find a better flipstop that will work and might go ahead with just one of the DRO's for the black friday price.