Well, I thought it about time I fitted the DRO kit to my F3. I bought the kit from Machine-DRO (part of the Allendale Group) – only because I have bought from them before and found them to be very helpful. The 3 axis kit is suitable for a Bridgeport and seems to costs no more for longer scales, the scales being of the slim magnetic type.
First task is to mount the readout unit. As you can see the arm is longer than required but allows mew to position the unit where I am happy with it. I can then saw off the spare length.
I’m fairly happy with the position but I won’t cut the bar until the last moment.
Now onto the scales…..
hi, I have read and looked at the pictures you have posted for a restoration project I am working on. I have a 1974 Aciera F3. I am about to finish the restoration and thank you so much for all the information you have posted. I have a question. what kind of oil do you use on the parts to be filled with oil and what do you use for all grease nipples?. I hope you have the time and opportunity to answer this. Thanks again for the very good information. Kind regards, Lars from Norway.
Hi, Where applicable, I either use ISO68 slideway oil or ISO30 for other areas as indicated in the manual. The brand is irrelevant and so any decent oil will do. Rgds, Matt
hi
i just finished DROing my f3
pictures can be found under URL
https://forum.zerspanungsbude.net/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=46956
text is in german though, but pics are fairly self explaining
happy to help with advise and dos/donts
cheers
Well done – I’m still not ready to finish mine off – soon!
Hi – I’m also about to fit linear scales to my F3.
I’d be interested in any tips you may have.
My plan was to fit clips to the dovetails where the limit stops are fitted on each Axis. I don’t suppose you know what the dovetail angle is on those things ? The best I have managed to assess so far is around 67 degrees ??!
I’ve fitted Linear scales to my other Mill and Lathe – so no biggie. Trying to avoid drilling any un-necessary holes in the mill though !
I’m interested in whether you sorted the electrics on the power inverter as well.
Barry, have a look at the link by Matthias – still not finished mine off as I’m not ready to do this yet.
Great site fella. I’ve just purchased an F3 and I have no background in machining. I’m quite sure the last time I touched one was in school 20yr ago! I see people saying about you posting videos? Is that on youtube (could you link)? Is there any development on the build. I’m keen to see more updates!
Hi, I moved house a year or so ago and have only just got the workshop underway. The F3 has been working away making bits for my lathe DRO. That is now finished and I will resume the DRO on the F3.
Will update in a couple of weeks as I have a hgoliday looking.
Matt, I am very interested to know your thoughts on mounting the scales, especially the main axis. everything I have seen so for does look a bit “homemade” or very vulnerable, which annoys me!
The Swiss make fantastic machines but everything is a bit close together (too well thought out) making it difficult to add things like this!
I have now moved house BUT the workshop is still ‘wrapped up’ in the garage. I’ll update the DRO setup as soon as the machine is setup!
Copenhagen 5th march 2019
Dear Matt Harrington,
I have from time to time seen your videos showing the very nice Work you have done on your Aciera F3 milling machine.
I have a Aciera F3 in my workshop and am interested in mounting a DRO system.
If possible I would like to see Pictures showing how the scales are placed on the machine and the size of the scales.
I am a retired engineer and enjoy spending time in my workshop and I have been thinking of a DRO system but do not know enough about how to place the scales.
I hope you will see this, and that you have Pictures showing the scales on your F3.
Kind regards
Erik Lomholt Bek
Erik,
I moved house and so the F3 is still under its cover!! 🙁
I need to finish off the DRO install and as soon as I have, I will post onto the site – as soon as I can!!
It will not be for a few weeks, however.
Regards, Matt
Hi
Nice work, do you know anything about how much base casting weighs stripped down?.
Br
Anders Bentsen
Hi,
I don’t. I suspect it is going to be around 100kgs – it is made of steel that is about 10mm thick. The motor on its own is huge and must weigh 50kgs+
Regards, Matt
Been busy on other things?
Yes, I have been packing up the workshop in anticipation of a house move which should happen soon. It will be a while before I can get back onto it.