If you’re interested in improving productivity and saving money, you might want to invest in an Acu-Rite Digital Readout (DRO) as an accessory to your LeBlond RKL series manual lathe.
A DRO is a precise measuring system that serves as a “communication device between the operator and the machine tool,” according to Acu-Rite materials.
The DRO system includes a readout (either a VUE, 200S or 300S), mounting brackets and precision glass scales to measure movement on a table and the saddle in terms of direction, distance and location. Direction refers to movement along the X-axis (left and right), cross slide and the longitudinal Z-axis. Distance refers to the drawing dimension and location is defined by the “actual point at which measuring takes place,” according to Acu-Rite materials.
The DRO improves productivity by reducing the amount of time a LeBlond RKL series manual lathe operator needs to make measurements and perform calculations on the side. More time goes into actually cutting and shaping a piece instead of “tedious setup, positioning and checking operations,” according to Acu-Rite materials.
The DRO system cuts down on wasteful scrap parts and Acu-Rite estimates that a machine shop can earn a return on investment (ROI) in as little as a month. Furthermore, experienced lathe operators can teach newer machinists the basics of operating a manual lathe faster and more efficiently with the digital measuring system.
The 200S is the most common Acu-Rite DRO model. The 200S features a 1, 2 or 3 axes 5.7” transmissive LCD display, preset and zero reset capability as well as tool offsets. The 300S allows for up to four machine tool axes and offers the LeBlond RKL series manual lathe operator assistance with cutting a metric thread on an English lead screw.
So if you’re looking to improve the precision of your LeBlond RKL series manual lathe and want to spend more time machining and less time measuring, the Acu-Rite DRO may be an essential accessory to your new lathe purchase.
For more information on the performance benefits of an Acu-Rite DRO as well pricing information, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663. If you’re interested in a new LeBlond RKL series manual lathe or K.O. Lee machines or require original OEM parts for your LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663.