Installing a DRO on the Clausing 8520 Milling Machine Part I

Part I - Preparing to install the DRO
Links to the DRO Hardware, Software, etc are on my blog at
chipmaker1066.b...

[@douglasbattjes3991]

Have the same Mill,,,,mine was from a fellow he had for personal use,,don't think he used it much,,,I mounted the scale on the front of the table,,used the channels and set it out a bit,,,doesn't interfere with anything,,,extended the locking lever out just a bit. The back was a issue because of the Y travel as you know. Love this old mill,,,you would think it was new. Like to put that motor on it ,,,cool idea with the variable drive.

[@douglasbattjes3991]

Have the same mill, built mine is made in Kalamazoo MI, mounted my x on the front, in the back it's in the way of the y axes. have to mount my z on the side like you, but going to taper two blocks for the tower mounting, now have to watch the rest of you video. Can send pictures if you like. Thanks so much. Doug

[@djhal7961]

I've found that if I use a long pry bar, I have an easier time moving the belts to different positions. That said, I really like your VFD and bigger motor, and I will probably be moving in that direction; if only to add some more power on the fly.

[@BleuJurassic]

would add a stop at the back of the table to stop the oops to far crunch Grins

[@ChipMaker1066]

+Bleu Wolf That's an excellent idea. I think I'll drill and tap a couple of extra holes in the table and install some brass bolts as an adjustable stop. I did notice when I took the vise off that it was already hanging off the back of the table about 3/4", so I definitely wont be missing the slight bit of travel I'm losing.

[@minskmade]

beautiful motor upgrade. perfect. great video. what's the biggest part you can make on this machine...approx

[@spongerich]

The biggest limitation is the short distance between the head and the table... only about 6" The column is split, so it's not terribly difficult to add a riser block

[@anthonyscarnici2224]

I have the rebuild instructions for the head of the 9520 with part numbers if you want it.

[@TheDieselmb]

hi my name is pete im also from the new york area (long island) i have an 8530 clausing its a great mill i am looking to put a riser on column it already has a 1 3/4 in riser any ideas great videos i enjoy them all thanks pete

[@ChipMaker1066]

+TheDieselmb Hi Pete, I've been contemplating adding a riser on mine as well. I have the table casting from an old Atlas shaper that I've been thinking about cutting down and using. Another good option is to use some MIC 5 aluminum plate. It comes in thicknesses up to 4" and is extremely flat. Offcuts show up on eBay frequently and it's not terribly expensive. There's been quite a bit of discussion of risers over on hobby-machinist.com