Simple Tail Stock DRO

This was kept extremely simple (bit of a ''cheat'!), with minimal machining involved. We did machine a small piece of bar to a bevel to allow the display to mount angled upwards a bit for ease of reading. That was stuck to the tail stock with double sided tape, and the display to that, also with tape. The display slider was shortened and an aluminum motion transfer piece made for the quill, into which a neodymium magnet was mounted.
( www.oldmansshop... )

[@caemaridwn]

Nice cheap add on again Chris,when you have an old lathe and limited pocket like mine it all helps. lol

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks Robert, Functional at low cost - something I always like :-)

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

ChrisB257 Many will agree with you. Thank you for sharing this idea.

[@williamhardin5254]

Chris, please quit putting yourself down buy saying your projects are crude. We know you use materials you have laying around your shop and you improvise to build your projects. You have provided a lot of useful projects for your shop and they all inspire us to build our own versions of what we think will work for us. Good, not so good, or bad, doesn't matter at all. What you do and the videos you create are great for your subscribers. The difference from you and most of the rest of us is that you have the balls to put it all on video and share your wins and fails. Thank you.

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks William - I guess self-deprecation is a bit of an old habit as basically I like to strive for better usually! :-)

[@PorkBarrel.]

I totally agree with William on this. You do a fine job and your projects always seem to work well. Give yourself a little more credit.

[@ChrisB257]

I'll try John - thank you.... it's hard not be a fussy old fella :)

[@pieterbotes8938]

Nice idea for a DRO. Two points of interest for viewers: Use two pieces of flat bar (one on each side) of the part you want to slit for support while slitting. The clearance between the hole in the component and the quill of the tail stock must be as little as possible. Just 0.1 mm (which is massive) will probably cause the slot in the component to close up just about completely when turning the lock screw. I have been contemplating this idea with an electronic vernier for a long time on my small lathe on the x & y axis. You surely have a fine piece of vice on your milling machine brother.

[@ChrisB257]

Hello Pieter, Many thanks for the comments :)

[@trits4227]

Hi Chris, Great job, gonna make one for my gear, Where have you been ,(current date 1-5-22) hope to see you soon , have missed your vids!!. Mike

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Mike - afraid age and a lousy back have gotten the better if me these days, so, very hard to spend any useful amount of time in the shop. Ever hopeful for better though not very likely. Best :)

[@shaunwhiteley3544]

I only got my 2nd hand mill last week so VERY new to machining, I was admiring your vice and looks a good size for your mill. Could you please provide any details on it, size, price suggested makes etc? I'm a bit confused on what the dimensions are when they are advertise them online. Any help appreciated thanks

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Shaun, Great you have your mill now. The vise is a 4" on a swivel base - which I don't use a lot but it was very good value. Sorry to say I never actually saw a make - I took a chance thru eBay and I don't think it was more than about $100 or so plus shipping. If you shop around you should be able to find similar. To the right of that one I keep a smaller 3" on the table though don't use that often. Only downside of the swivel base is it loses me a bit of height capacity. Main thing to try and evaluate is not just jaw size but capacity as well - also hopefully there can be mention made of anti-lift on the moveable jaw... forget the correct term right now.

[@diggumsmack2]

2:30 EDIT ok you have great content, but talking about weather? Really? I could be watching this years later, so who cares bout the weather at that point

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

Him mentioning the temperature really chaffed you that badly? Wow. You must be a peach to share space with....

[@MrPragmaticLee]

Nice addition to the lathe. I'm experimenting now with having the arm & magnet attached to the drill Chuck so it doesn't get in the way when turning small diameter stock.

[@ChrisB257]

Hello Lee, Thanks. Your idea is useful - as always, so many ways to skin a cat :-)

[@Gauge1LiveSteam]

A side question. How do you like the G0704 mill? I got one a few years ago and like it a lot. I think your method here could apply to the mill as well. Have to give it some thought. Thanks for putting this together for us.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Robert, For its limited size it has done pretty much all I wanted it to do - certainly never regretted getting it, although of course there is always that wish for a Bridgeport!! I did add a simple DRO to it long ago, for X and Y, the Z of course has one integral. Unfortunately these days I find it hard to manage much shop time any more.

[@Gauge1LiveSteam]

@@ChrisB257 Thanks Chris.

[@pierresgarage2687]

Hi Chris, This is luxury...!!! ;) I'm so used to count the turns on the wheel of the tailstock, not to have that project on top of my list, it would be nice to have it, though... Nicely done and keep on, Pierre

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Pierre, Thank you. Long ago I made a graduated scale behind the handwheel but, it's hard to read so - this new approach will help a lot.

[@BundyBearsShed]

Job turned out well, and functional, just in time for me to fit the one I bought recently. It is good to get other ideas, like the magnets.

[@ChrisB257]

Hey, Well worth doing I reckon - something I'd had in mind for ages. One or two other folks have done this recently - which got me fired up! :-)

[@rayfalcone6897]

same here,nice to see you on this video,thank you Chris,your old friend .

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Ray - thanks for dropping in. Sorry this is now 5 years old and sorry too I haven't had any output for ages. General health and my rotten old back keep me out of the shop these days (as would the heat right now too!). Keep hoping I might manage a bit more one day - ever the optimist :) Best to you.

[@martinolesen9930]

Hi, great video, what was the name of cutter you used instead of a boring head, to make the big round hole?

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Martin - the cutter is one from a small set of annular cutters. I forget where they came from - possibly Banggood - very nice cutters for certain jobs. I eventually made a proper holder for these and may have mentioned more info about them here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5LKooBshaitZ9k

[@martinolesen9930]

@@ChrisB257 hi Chris, thank you for update :-)

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Nice job. It seems like everyone but me has one of those.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi harold, Thanks. Well - now you have another small project to add to your list! :-)

[@shaunwhiteley3544]

And now I know why I want a slitting saw 😀! Cheers. Can anyone guesstimate what size that was please?

[@ChrisB257]

Shaun, That slitting saw was a 3" I think and cuts an approx 1/16" kerf. The arbor takes up about an inch so cutting depth is around 1". BTW - my 4" vise is 4 1/2" capacity. It is a bit large for the small machine but has served me well.

[@shaunwhiteley3544]

Thanks Chris for the info, off to eBay now 😀. Bank account taking a hammering 😪. Ha ha. Hope to see you in another vid soon but take it steady, don't knock your self so much though, your vids are VERY appreciated! You have a great clear way of passing on your knowledge! Wish I had teachers like you when I was at school! Cheers

[@outsidescrewball]

Good quick functional build....nice! ATB Chris

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you Chuck.

[@mauriceeley621]

thanks for telling us what the dro came from iv,e been looking and could,nt recognise one . Looks very good to me Chris . I may have a problem with my Harrison tail stock body becuase it,s round will have to have to have a good study at it , Hope you get back to better health has the weather warms up Chris all the best Maurice

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Maurice, Your rounded profile on the Harrison certainly makes a fix more difficult. Was thinking that maybe you could make/build up an epoxy pad as a way to mount a display. All best.

[@mauriceeley621]

Hi Chris just arrived this am a depth guage from Chronos here in the UK 50% dearer than your side of the pond tho . Ref the round body of my Harrison tail stock i think i will try to cut or file some aluminium to fit the body then fit the indicator to that . Job on hold of for somesun shine in Majorca for 10 days some ones got to help the tourist economy All the best Maurice

[@ChrisB257]

Mo -- Profiled Al will certainly do the job - if you have the needed patience to profile it!! :)

[@mauriceeley621]

Chris nearly half way there quill nearly finished then have to look at the tail stock

[@ChrisB257]

Keep it going Mo :)

[@williamhardin5254]

This was a great project that I need for myself. I have only one question, with it mounted on the quill like that does it still extract your tools ok?

[@ChrisB257]

Hi William, Yes it's fine - the motion transfer piece is slightly shy of being fully on the quill - and that allows for a couple of things that extract further in.

[@daque1960]

Your not cutting corners your chamfering corners to expedite project completion. Hope your up to some shop time soon. Sucks when your body says no not today.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi David, Still hope to manage when I can - the shop is a magnet to my rusty body so - hard to stay away totally. :-)

[@Daledavispratt]

Chris, you've given me a roadmap to making one for my lathe. I've always wanted one on the tailstock. Thanks! :-)

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Dale - well, it certainly isn't that large of a project basically. As I stress, mine is pure functional :)

[@Daledavispratt]

Which is all it needs to be...but you did a nice job and the finish looked good too. :-)

[@bstanga]

that large display is perfect for that application!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Brian, Yes, it suits well and so inexpensive too. :)

[@MegaCountach]

Good work Chris, simple yet effective! I noticed (in another video) you have a Bison chuck, how do you like it? I am in need of a small 4" 4 jaw later on and think I may splurge. Cheers, Doug

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Doug, Thanks. Quite pleased with the Bison - would dearly have liked a 6 jaw but just too expensive. Some cheaper 4 jaw chucks are worth considering I think as there is no self centering to worry about (unless you really pay a lot).

[@MegaCountach]

Thanks for your reply Chris! I just purchased a 5" 3 jaw for my rotary table from Hong Wrong and its not too bad actually... had to rip it apart and clean out all the grinding dust that was in it and the action with the jaws is pretty smooth now, not sure what the TIR is but it shd be fine for what I need. Thanks again Chris, cheers, Doug

[@ollyk22]

Love it. Simple, with the magnet too :-)

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks Oliver. Best.

[@ollyk22]

@@ChrisB257 just one thing, I cannot find your style of Calipers.... All the displays seem to have rotated 90° now!

[@ChrisB257]

@@ollyk22 I bought the small calipers long ago but I think found them on ebay. Forget now but may have shortened this one. Not sure I understand the 'display rotation' you mention.!

[@GarryFullerSr]

Chris Buddy. I think it looks just Fine. Your not selling it to the Government. Good to see you in the Shop. Slow and Steady.

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Garry, Thanks. It's good to be in the shop again for sure but, going to get ever more difficult I fear, other than short sessions. Yes, slow and steady probably. :)

[@scottthornton9237]

Simple and effective, what more can one ask for? I am definitely going to make this x2, one for the tiny home lathe and one for the shop. Thank you for sharing!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Scott, Indeed, a pretty simple approach, and very useful.

[@KyHighlander59]

I got the itch to do something similar a week or so ago. Got up this morning to look and see what videos were available to get some ideas. Just watched this one and Randy Richards' video and got some good ideas. I'll be using this scale, it's made just for the purpose. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LOAXJJE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I'll just need to machine the mounts. I do like the 45 degree angle both of you used on the readout.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi, Thanks - well, this is a pretty simple approach but it works well for very little expense. Randy's was a bit more polished but the result is much same.

[@KyHighlander59]

Not really. He used chromoly is all. I intend to use aluminum as well. Mine has a separate digital readout from the sensor. so that will make mine different. It's all good though. Love to watch your videos. How long you been on this side of the pond?

[@johnkinnane547]

G'day Chris thanks for showing this I'm thinking of doing it on my lathe. Something that has been working me is your health. I know that you have problems standing a long time, I don't won't you to think that I'm prying, but I really enjoy your videos and look forward when one comes up. My thoughts are with you kind regards John

[@ChrisB257]

Hi John, Thanks a lot. Well, progressive degenerative change is quite a challenge unfortunately - sometimes brain says 'do it' and then body says - 'no way' :-).

[@johnkinnane547]

Hi Chris I'm sorry to hear about your health problem, it's a insidious disease all I can say is that I'm thinking of you mate and I hope that you can still do work how ever small and how long it takes kind regards John Kinnane Tasmania Australia

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks John - could be worse. I still count my blessings :)

[@jimarnott9593]

nice quick project Chris, good to see you still managing in the shop allbeit in short pieces.

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks Jim - yes, bit of shop when I can.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice job Chris.

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Randy, Thank you. :)

[@victor25880]

Very good project and very handy thank you vik

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Victor, Thank you.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Perfect solution for the budget conscious. Well done. 👍😀

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks :)

[@barrycass2820]

Long as it does the job. I think it looks awesome.

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you Barry - it does do the job yes. :)

[@nowayjerk8064]

good to see you out and about the shop :)

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks Monte - hope to manage a bit more later if I can.

[@eddymetaldiy4035]

Nice job

[@SuperWazsup]

Nice to see you Chris keep safe and well.

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you Rolf. Trying to age gracefully :-)

[@MaturePatriot]

Giving me ideas.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Nice plan, execution. Thanks.

[@ChrisB257]

Thx Jeffry.

[@jix177]

Nice tidy job.

[@ChrisB257]

Many thanks.

[@long0515]

miss you, sir :)

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you :)

[@jamesbaumann1180]

Works for me!

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks James.