TouchDRO TABLET MOUNT FOR THE MILLING MACHINE

[@gosolobox]

My Touch DRO had been sitting for well over a year; Thank you for inspiring me to finally get it all set up. I built my tablet mount out of .080 5052 aluminum. 1/2" bend past 90 degrees at the bottom for a shelf that the tablet can't slip off of, and a spring plunger bolt that functions as a quick release holder at the top.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Very well done. A DRO is like going from a ruler to a micrometer. At this point lining things up is very easy. I got the sticker on the board safely this time.

[@Preso58]

I really like the extra functions like the bolt hole circle and step and repeat tools. Glad you got the stickers OK this time. Keep them jokes coming. 😁 Regards, Mark

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

You can also download some apps onto that tablet for tapping charts , fractions calculations , feeds and speeds and conversions etc . I have an old android phone that has these apps on it and it has proven itself to be extremely useful .

[@Bigjobs]

would you have any links to your favourite apps?

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

@@Bigjobs No links but if you go to the app store and search for the following apps: FS Wizard Job shop machinist pro Unit converter I Engineer Fractions calculator 4in1 fractions calculator Thread calculator Kyocera. ( good for carbide insert info ) I also use hague calculator ( just another thread chart app )but this is only for IPad or iPhone.. Some are free some are between $2 and $5 , just watch out for apps that want to sign you up to a subscription ! There are all sorts of useful apps out there like strobe tachometers etc . If i had to choose one app from the list above FS Wizard would be it as it does pretty much everything except fractions.

[@Preso58]

Ian, thanks for the heads up on the apps. I must say I haven't really taken advantage of engineering apps in the past. I think I have one for threads but that's about it. I will check them out. Regards, Mark

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

@@Preso58 I have found them very useful and it saves me from having to go digging through a pile of reference books to find what i want . I pressed an old android phone back into action just for this purpose , i was using an old ipad but it was too big and cumbersome and the phone fits in my pocket !

[@makerdave42]

I like Tap And Drill Chart Calculator (ID: com.principiaprogramatica.tapanddrillcalculator) and Drill Bit Chart-Jobber Length (ID: com.principiaprogramatica.jobberlengthdrillchart).

[@mikemichelizzi2023]

Beautiful work as always. I think this might be the route I take when I finally get around to installing a DRO on my mill. Thanks for the video!

[@nikond90ful1]

Thanks for the video Mark. Looking forward to the rest. Keep safe and stay well.

[@19672701]

Nice unit,did not know these were available. Your attention to detail ,even for pieces someone would take for granted, is refreshing.

[@Preso58]

I also was totally unaware it was an option. I had been looking at Chinese DRO's like the Sino brand which is what I have on my lathe. The TouchDRO system is very much suited to people like me who are visual learners. The diagrams are great prompts when doing things like bolt hole circles. Regards, Mark

[@19672701]

@@Preso58 I'm also a visual learner,thanks much for bringing this to light.

[@garyskowbo3564]

That’s real slick Mark. Thanks for sharing another great video! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.👍😁

[@swdweeb]

as always a joy to watch you work, even when the camera dies :-D

[@Preso58]

Perry, the camera worked fine but I shot way too much footage and as I was editing it together it looked like it was going to blow out to an hour just for the first part. I trashed nearly 95% of the machining clips just to make it fit. 😥 Regards, Mark

[@ke6bnl]

I built the Yuriy kit many years ago, I could not program it and people on the sight were helpful to walk me through it and it has been on my old mill and now on my lathe for maybe 6 or more years and works perfect.

[@Preso58]

Yes, Yuriy has some excellent resources to back up his products. The new board seems to be immune from some of the issues to do with power supplies and ground loops etc. Mine works just fine with a standard Samsung power adapter. Regards, Mark

[@terrycannon570]

I love mine. I have not yet made a mount for the tablet but i intend to just anchor the mount assy to the mill table with a Tee Nut. I like having the tablet laying in my lap because I work setting down in my walker. Great Video I saved it to my favorites. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Preso58]

Terry, I am a very visual person and although I had a full 3 axis Sino DRO on my old mill I hated the cryptic messages that had to be followed to do things like bolt hole circles. Getting a 7 segment display to spell out words is cumbersome and mostly illegible. I much prefer a device that gives visual prompts. I am looking forward to taking advantage of any upgrades that become available for the app too. Regards, Mark

[@lisag2771]

Great job Mark! I have the Touch DRO and I hate the little stand it came with. Thanks for sharing!

[@yvesdesrosiers2396]

Very nicely done Mr P! That will be a very handy setup. Thanks for sharing.

[@DCT_Aaron_Engineering]

G’day Mark. Thank you so much for showing my stickers and putting them up on your board. I really appreciate the shout out mate. Oh I like that digital readout Preso 👏 👏. I can’t wait to see more of this.

[@Preso58]

No worries Regards, Mark

[@AaronEngineering]

Thanks Mark. Aaron Engineering is my second KZbin channel. DCT one has CAD CAM & CNC. Aaron Engineering is for manual machining and fabrication work. Cheers mate 👍🍻

[@Preso58]

Sorry, I figured that one link might lead to another? Regards, Mark

[@tahuyaguy]

I do like your Allen keys. Will be waiting to see the Bluetooth DRO in action. Note my tablet cleans up really well after I use it in the garage, greasy fingers don't seem to be a problem with my Samsung's touch screen. Thanks Mark!

[@Preso58]

Aaron, I am still a bit worried that the el cheapo tablet I purchased will fail fairly quickly. I got 8 years out my first Samsung Note 8 (although I had to replace the battery once) but the one I have now cost $100 and I suspect it will only just outlast it's warranty. As you say though, the screens are robust enough to clean up fairly easily. Regards, Mark

[@billstanley4819]

Well done ! Clean professional design, well executed. Thanks for sharing.

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Looking very nice. Yuriy makes a nice custom board. I have a similar arm holding the DRO screen on the metal lathe which is mounted to my left behind the lathe chuck. My milling machine is mounted on the right of the machine by the original owner. I never thought about handiness of using the DRO screens until you mentioned about mounting the DRO on the right. I write with my left hand, but use my right hand a lot. I just realised I use my right hand to operate the DRO screen on the milling machine and the metal lathe. The acetal material is so easy to machine as you mentioned. The only nuance is long ribbon chips, but at least they are not sharp. Dave.

[@Preso58]

It's interesting that the TouchDRO system is not more widely known. I think that it works out cheaper in the long run if you already own a tablet or a large format Android phone and it has the advantage that it can have new features added as they are developed. A bit like how Tesla roll out upgrades the car management system. Regards, Mark

[@gafaff]

I had planned to fit a TouchDRO setup to my mill - even bought a Lenovo 10" tablet for the job, but in the end went with an Ebay kit. Two reasons: I needed the scales as well, and I wasn't convinced how stable the BT link would be, whether I'd need to be pairing or other faffing around each time I powered up the mill.

[@Preso58]

Well, I can report that my setup is not exactly stable. It does flicker a bit but then so does my Sino DRO with glass scales fitted to my lathe. The BT module boots up quickly and the pairing is a once off thing and after that you just have to connect it with a touch on the screen. I have another video coming out shortly which shows the fitting of the module and a preview of how it looks when running. I will need to do one more video after that to show some of the functionality of the app. Overall, I am happy with it so far but in my view it's not intended to be a substitute for a good quality old school DRO. However it's early days and I still need to get comfortable with what it can do. Regards, Mark

[@gafaff]

@@Preso58 Thanks for that Mark. In principle I did like the idea of a tablet-based DRO as there's so much scope to add more features in software. If I'd gone down the route of adding those iGaging scales first, then it probably would have been a no-brainer.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Inspirational. Thank you for such excellent ideas. 👏👏👍😀

[@CreaseysWorkshop]

TouchDRO is awesome. Calibration may drive you mad. I found 123 blocks and a test indicator worked well. I've had no problems with oil on the screen but I did find the super cheap tablet I had died after a couple of years of being on constantly. The battery swelled up inside it. Mine uses magnetic scales so I have a different board but also from Yuri.

[@Preso58]

John, I started using the calibration method Yuriy shows in his video but it wasn't working for me. A little research on his site however, showed that the iGaging scales use a standard calibration count per inch (2560) that can just be entered for each axis and they then return accurate results. It certainly saved a lot of angst. I was wondering about how long the Laser tablet that I bought would last. The guy who sold it to me at Officeworks actually tried to talk me out of it. I am thinking it will just outlast it's 12 month warranty. Regards, Mark

[@thomasutley]

Excellent project, Marc, and thanks so much for the sticker plug for Von!!

[@Preso58]

Any time!

[@blfstk1]

Good Show Mate. As per usual. I like that you powder coat and paint and polish. I'm lazy. I hardly ever do that. When I get to where whatever I'm working works, I'm done. Looks ratty but it works. I'm able to suppress the artist in me. I don't get notifications anymore. I guess I have lost my most favored status. Good engineering and workmanship. I sure do like your vids. I have a friend in Australia. Who'da thunk it.

[@Preso58]

Yes, something weird is happening with Google and KZbin. I don't get some notifications either. It seems to be hit and miss though. Glad you enjoyed the build. More to come later in the week I hope. Regards, Mark

[@makerdave42]

Nice addition. The TouchDRO is a great application for the hobbyists. I wish I had bought the converter board though. I ended up making one with an arduino, it works well but between the time, printing the board and the parts, I don't think I saved anything.

[@Preso58]

David, I was dead keen to have the DIY board but the ready made board wasn't that much more expensive and I suspect it will be much more durable. I had a bit of a play around with some of the tools today and the think I like most is the graphical representation of things like the bolt hole circle and step and repeat functions. Regards, Mark

[@argee55]

Thanks for another GREAT video.

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hi Mark, A nice build... the home powder coating facility really is a bonus... Take care Paul,,

[@Preso58]

That Eastwood powder coat kit was the best investment I ever made for my workshop. Regards, Mark

[@MattysWorkshop]

Looks great Mark👌🏼👌🏼

[@tomthumb3085]

Great job Mark.

[@joell439]

thanks - looks great and looking forward to part 2 👍👍😎👍👍

[@Preso58]

Thanks 👍 Working on it now. Wait, no I'm not. I am answering comments! Regards, Mark

[@CapeCodCNC]

Nice work! I will probably be adding one to my newly acquired Sharp HMV after some much needed repairs like spindle bearings and fixing all the power feeds and a full KP. No rest for the wicked.....

[@Preso58]

I am thinking I will have to do the spindle bearings in my Bridgeport. It's not going to be a cheap fix but it seems to be at the very heart of how well the machine works and what sort of finishes you can get. Regards, Mark

[@CapeCodCNC]

@@Preso58 look on ebay I just got a set of NOS SKF 7207 ACD/P4ADGA for $125 for the pair! P4 is like abec 7 so should be good enough for a knee mill.... very expensive on retail...

[@Preso58]

@@CapeCodCNC Thanks for the info. I was looking at the prices on H&W Machine Repair. Regards, Mark

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video. Nice engineering and design. So clean. Mahalo for sharing!🐒

[@avibank]

TOT also did a screen mount. I prefer this one

[@Preso58]

I watched TOT's video today. I think he had to store a lot more hardware on the caddy than what I needed to do. I am looking forward to seeing how he uses the MPG's to control the mill though. Dan Gelbart has a completely over the top CNC lathe that uses MPG's to control the manual functions. It seems very cool! Regards, Mark

[@wyohman00]

I was hoping for bright purple anodized aluminum surfaces...or maybe olive drab to match the bridgeport....

[@Preso58]

William, I have settled on three main colours for the Bridgeport. I have stuck with a silver fleck and satin black powder coat and the "Machinery Green" for the paint. Boring maybe but at least it's consistent. 😁 I do like the purple anodising though. Regards, Mark

[@jerryshelton1481]

One suggestion might want to put some fins on back of tablet plate to help dissipate heat from tablet basically making mount a heat sink

[@Preso58]

I wondered about that. I must say that the tablet I purchased was the cheapest and nastiest one I could get. Maybe it's only got a little brain and won't generate a lot of heat. Regards, Mark

[@jerryshelton1481]

@@Preso58 well aluminum is a pretty good heat sink so you might be good I would definitely keep a check on the temperature cause I've heard of those things spontaneously combusting

[@jeffreylehn8803]

nice build thanks for sharing .

[@larrysperling8801]

i have been looking for a way to use a large display with magnetic scales. this is the answer. where is the link to the outfit you purchased your adapter from?

[@Preso58]

Larry, the links are in the description for the video but you can see Yuriy's store here www.yuriystoys.com/p/store.html Regards, Mark

[@larrysperling8801]

@@Preso58 thank you mark

[@warrantyvoid100]

I do like your Allen keys Mark! I want to know more about your Allen keys!

[@warrantyvoid100]

@CurlyG65 TYVM

[@Preso58]

Hare and Forbes has them on special for "a limited time" as they say but you have to sign up to their Mates Rates loyalty scheme to get the notifications. In some ways the little spinny tube on the shank is good but it also is annoying sometimes if you want to spin the key quickly with one hand. Regards, Mark

[@TomMakeHere]

Looks good!

[@Guust_Flater]

Powercacle (usb for tablet) through the swivel arm ?

[@Preso58]

What a great idea! I have been playing around with the position of the Bluetooth adapter. My first thought was to mount it directly on the tablet arm but there are a total of six USB cables that need to go along the arm, four for the scales, one for the adapter power and one for the tablet power. It was starting to look messy but your idea might be the best solution. Thanks for the tip. Regards, Mark

[@CORZER0]

Great stuff, thank you! Do you have any recommendations or good sources for the scales?

[@Preso58]

There are only two suppliers that I know of in Australia and both are low on stock. I purchased all mine from Timbecon.

[@CORZER0]

@@Preso58 Ah, I'm in the US. Found some on Amazon. Thanks for getting back to me!

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ianide2480]

When power dies on all devices - does it remember it's location?

[@Preso58]

Ian, I am not sure. I believe the original iGaging LCD readouts do remember their original positions but I haven't yet had a chance to try it out on the TouchDRO app. We had a massive storm last night and a power outage that has lasted nearly 20 hours so I didn't get any shop time today to do the final installation. The follow up video should be out in a week or so. Regards, Mark

[@CreaseysWorkshop]

Yes.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Luv your work On another matter, shame you were away the day they taught b ku x opening

[@Preso58]

Sadly I am getting to the age when just opening a bag of potato chips is a challenge. 😖 Regards, Mark

[@BorisSpark]

What are those hex drivers? Great video, very informative! Cheers

[@Preso58]

These are the ones that I got, but also available in imperial. www.machineryhouse.com.au/H820

[@michaelschnock3998]

hi, thanks for the inspiration, i d used touchdro for years , but i used a texasinstrument development board as a basic start. it worked like a charm. could you do me / us a favour and provide the link to the t-handles , they look good. i wasnt able to find them im a.azon. . thanks for all the effort and detail you put into your work. all the best to you and yours, stay well.

[@Preso58]

Michael, you can get the hex key sets here www.machineryhouse.com.au/H820 There are also imperial sets and torx keys as well. Regards, Mark

[@rogercrier]

Could I employee you to do videos on how each of the functions works and is used please. Uriyies videos are too quick and skim over the functions assuming you know what you are doing☹️ you even have trouble seeing which area of the screen he is touching to change things! I have one of these on my mill, and also on my lathe, and they have worked faultlessly for a few years now......it is me that needs improving....like setting up all my quick tool posts on the lathe at the same zero etc, so once you have settled in with this new toy, please spread the word on how the buttons work🙂

[@Preso58]

Roger, I am hoping to do some basic functions on the next video which should be out in a week or so. Regards, Mark

[@amymatthews4980]

hoooooooooray! ☝🏼

[@somebodyelse6673]

There's no chance I can use a touchscreen in my shop, just too much oil, dirt, etc.

[@mikebarton3218]

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's tablet DRO. OK, so I have sinned, again...

[@Pest789]

Acetal is pronounced DEL RIN 😂

[@Preso58]

In the same way that poly methyl methacrylate is pronounced PERSPEX? Regards, Mark

[@jdmccorful]

Intetesting project.