Thread: DRO on knee mill

I picked up a small Sharp knee mill just to do small odds and ends in my garage. It has a Mitutoyo dro on it, but the box doesnt work. The x axis has a 700mm (going from memory) scale and they y axis has a 300mm scale. I also just picked up an Anilam wizard dro (3 axis) in which the scales are shot. Is there any way for me to use the Mitutoyo scales with the Anilam box? I am new to machining and looking for some guidance.

Thanks for your help.

It might be possible you would have to go to each manufacturers web site and get the tech data for their scales. Specifically the signal data and the pin out of the connections, the scale resolution is set in the control during set up. If the signals are close enough to work and the right resolution for the scales is listed in the control it should work. You will probably have to solder new connections on the scales which is a real PITA because the wires are very tiny and easily damaged. IMHO You might just try asking anilam if how much the charge would be for them to repair your anilam scales. This route could save you a lot of headaches and frustration.
Did you check the fuse in the Mitutoyo readout, I would also open it up, its already broke so you cant hurt it. I have seen older readouts that would not boot up that only needed to have the internal connecting cables reseated. Pull them apart and reconnect them, after many years they can get a thin film of corrosion on the connectors that will make them stop working this will clean the connections( a pencil eraser also works ). As for the Anilam scales, the reader heads have to be in near perfect alignment to read. Unfortunatley handling the scales without the alignment tabs on the reader heads often does damage them.
Take some time to carefully check out what you have and decide which system is better to get repaired and go with that. You may also find the extra parts you need cheep in Ebay, as long as the seller has good feedback you dont need to worry. Paypal will refund your money anyway if the seller wont make it right.

Originally Posted by jffigas

It has a Mitutoyo dro on it, but the box doesnt work.

Thanks for your help.

I had a problem with a Mitutoyo DRO box one time, ended up to be something to do with the pin connectors in the back. I took it to a guy that does micro soldering and he repaired it for a few bucks. You might check into that first.