By adding a Sherline DRO to your lathe or mill you get a readout of RPM in addition to the X, Y and Z position readouts. However, they cost $325 and $395 respectively. If you want just the RPM readout, here is a way to get it for less money. You also get the bonus of a readout of engine run time and a reminder of lubrication intervals. Normand Ouellette shows you how.
The readout unit is glued to the top of the headstock on the lathe. (On a mill it is glued near the pulley so it reads properly with the headstock held vertically.) The second photo shows the sensor glued in place using epoxy. The last photo shows the readout box on a mill headstock.
Normand says, “I just finished installing a rpm/hr meter on my new lathe and mill. I ordered the “SenDEC” rpm / hour meter. This will allow to keep track of the oil interval on the lathe/ mill and set the closest rpm needed. I ordered from SenDEC the unit that sell for about $70*, took it out of the wrap and glued it to the headstock with epoxy. Here’s how:
1. Glue the meter on top of the headstock with a dab of epoxy as shown in photos #1 and 3
2. Glue the magnet on the shaft with a drop of epoxy as shown in photo #2
3. Glue the probe on the headstock out of the way with some epoxy as shown in photo #2
That’s it. Installation took about 10 minutes.
The part number is Part#: SFT806-0222 hr and rpm meter. Here is the link: http://www.sendec-products.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=110&Itemid=136
It keeps track of RPM from 10 to 6000, total hours count of the unit up to 10,000 hrs (then it needs replacement) and it in reminds you of a service interval every 4 hours of operation for lubrication.”
—Normand Ouellette, Laval, Quebec, Canada
*NOTE: Current price of the gauge on their web site is $89.95 US. It may be available from other sources. (5/20/10)
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