Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Rick Kernell
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: druid_noibn
   To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 2:44 PM
   Subject: [lathemaster] Thanksgiving



   Hi All,

   This is just a Thank You and wishing all the best of Thanksgiving.

   Kind regards,
   DBN





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi All,

This is just a Thank You and wishing all the best of Thanksgiving.

Kind regards,
DBN

I didnt say or even IMPLY its perfect..  after all it is somewhat of a DIY
kit...

Hoever, I feel comfortable saying from reading the group..  the 'happy'
heavily out weigh the 'un-happy'.. (by alot)

and its just a little cheaper.. its HUNDREDS cheaper!..  I mean if it were
50 or even 100 less.. maybe not having the trouble woudl be worth it..

but kits can be had for under $200.. easy.

NOW..this was all for the DRO-350..

the latest announcement is about the DRO-550  more scale protocols accepted,
and even LESS soldering.

he also even said it will probably be at an even cheaper price point...
hmmm..

I dont know.. any way you slice it.. IMHO, the Shumatec DRO-550 is a bargin

   _____

From: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lathemaster@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Teri B
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:23 PM
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [lathemaster] Re: Shumadro not all that




If you read the postings on the shumadro site it isn't all roses with the
"chinese scales" or the assembly process itself (flicker, flicker, dead this
dead that). The Canadian Shooting Star and the dros coming from the ChiCom
have linear measuring devices/scales that do have some protection from oil
and water, and are grounded! The displays come assembled and tested (unless
your an electronic tech/or serious electronic hobbiest your not going to
solder better than a solder wave machine or surface mount oven in your first
four hours of soldering, unless your blessed). From my estimation the not so
"cheap" scales (when you need 'em over 12"), the cables, the reworks, the
constant dubious "upgrades", and the seeming dirty tricks being pulled on
the dealers who really provided more than a pcb board and a pdf assembly
manual make for more of an unreliable headache than it is worth to have a
digital readout. The Easson on my mill was a big enough of a headache to
mount (the "solutions" for mounting a scale on the crosslide of these
smaller lathes makes me just wish for a bargin on a travadial)with out
having to have had to put the display together too. I just wrote this to
offer another perspective that really should be considered when deciding
what dro to get, I know some people really like the shumadros, but if one
reads the groups it does have it's share of problems that may more than make
up for the initial seeming savings.






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

If you read the postings on the shumadro site it isn't all roses with the
"chinese scales" or the assembly process itself (flicker, flicker, dead this
dead that).  The Canadian Shooting Star and the dros coming from the ChiCom have
linear measuring devices/scales that do have some protection from oil and water,
and are grounded! The displays come assembled and tested (unless your an
electronic tech/or serious electronic hobbiest your not going to solder better
than a solder wave machine or surface mount oven in your first four hours of
soldering, unless your blessed).  From my estimation the not so "cheap" scales
(when you need 'em over 12"), the cables, the reworks, the constant dubious
"upgrades", and the seeming dirty tricks being pulled on the dealers who really
provided more than a pcb board and a pdf assembly manual make for more of an
unreliable headache than it is worth to have a digital readout.  The Easson on
my mill was a big enough of a headache to mount (the "solutions" for mounting a
scale on the crosslide of these smaller lathes makes me just wish for a bargin
on a travadial)with out having to have had to put the display together too.  I
just wrote this to offer another perspective that really should be considered
when deciding what dro to get, I know some people really like the shumadros, but
if one reads the groups it does have it's share of problems that may more than
make up for the initial seeming savings.

Very cool. to know of others..

the DRO-550 KITS  (minor assembly I gather).. around the $200-$250 mark..

however this is without scales..

BUT, it use almost ANY scale you want..  so the cheaper HarborFreight scales
for around $10-$50 work great!

makes the WHOLE package VERY affordable..  not to mention if using it for
MILLING.. it has a TON of extra features..center finder..tach..etc.. hole
pattern

just as an FYI

   _____

From: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lathemaster@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Carl Carlsen
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:16 AM
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info




I really don't know anything about the DRO-550. Haven't been interested in
another one, so have not really been paying any attention.

It does seem a little "high" from their old price, but I'm not sure? Seems
as though I might have paid around $550. for the 2 axis? BUT, at the time
I bought mine, there wasn't anything else available for less than $750. -
800. or more.

Carl

From: whispers [HM]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:44 AM

WOW!...


thay aint cheap are they?

Are there any advantages to this over the DRO-550?








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I really don't know anything about the DRO-550.   Haven't been interested in
another one, so have not really been paying any attention.

It does seem a little "high" from their old price, but I'm not sure?  Seems
as though I might have paid around $550. for the 2 axis?   BUT, at the time
I bought mine, there wasn't anything else available for less than $750. -
800. or more.

Carl





From:  whispers [HM]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:44 AM

WOW!...


thay aint cheap are they?

Are there any advantages to this over the DRO-550?

WOW!...


thay aint cheap are they?

Are there any advantages to this over the DRO-550?



   _____

From: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lathemaster@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Carl Carlsen
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:36 AM
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info




Yup, just Google "shooting star DRO" ........

Which reveals:

http://www.star- <http://www.star-techno.com/> techno.com/

They are in British Columbia.

I installed a 2 axis one on my old vertical mill (similar to a Bridgeport)
several years ago and am quite happy with it.

Carl

-----Original Message-----
From: lathemaster@ <mailto:lathemaster%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com
[mailto:lathemaster@ <mailto:lathemaster%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com]
On
Behalf Of whispers [HM]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 6:43 AM
To: lathemaster@ <mailto:lathemaster%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info

links or reads on this 'shooting star' line of DRO'?

Thanks






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yup, just Google "shooting star DRO" ........

Which reveals:

http://www.star-techno.com/

They are in British Columbia.

I installed a 2 axis one on my old vertical mill (similar to a Bridgeport)
several years ago and am quite happy with it.

Carl




-----Original Message-----
From: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lathemaster@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of whispers [HM]
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 6:43 AM
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info

links or reads on this 'shooting star' line of DRO'?

Thanks

links or reads on this 'shooting star' line of DRO'?

Thanks

   _____

From: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lathemaster@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of arthurok
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:11 AM
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info




i personally like the shooting star line of dros
their position sensor is unique and quite novel

----- Original Message -----
From: Roy
To: lathemaster@ <mailto:lathemaster%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:57 PM
Subject: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info

What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and
hardware) and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them
out of business. I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a
thought.

There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only
parts that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All
parts look to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to
update his BOM.

I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with
his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never
have happened.

I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.

--- In lathemaster@ <mailto:lathemaster%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com,
"metalmill52" <wacleary@...> wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
>
> "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
> thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
> has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
> to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
> processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
> current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
> the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
> significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
> combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
>
> Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
> all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
> plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
> tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
> available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
> to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
>
> I'll post more details as they become available.
>
> Cheers,
> Scott"
>
> Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word. No
soldering! Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they
come out.
>
> Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
>
> Bill C.
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

there a lot of techno babble and maybe a bit of Tommy rot  and a lot of hot air
spoken about nothing about nothing lets move on  BB have you sorted that  big
Cincinnati out yet
Charles . WA

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Roy
   To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:19 PM
   Subject: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info



   That is fine if you are producing 12,000 boards per hour.

   I know that we (are you) are talking about the hobby market, where it appears
that 100 units are a large number. (An example is $10,000.00 dollars US a large
number to you?) Maybe not, but to someone that is trying to support the hobby
market, I would guess that is a large amount.

   I am saddened to think you feel that "innovation and technology advances
referred to as unethical".

   I agree, but in the correct context. Should we be talking in the real context.

   --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "bluzboy" <bluzboy@...> wrote:
   >
   >
   > I don't think that I've ever heard of innovation and technology advances
referred to as unethical. In the tech racket, if you don't innovate and upgrade
your products, you go out of business. A vendor might obsolete his old
technology (and a 6 year life span for a digital board is a long time), but if
he doesn't do it, someone else will.
   >
   > It probably won't be long before it will be hard to find a PC that has the
RS232 interface!!!
   >
   > BB
   >
   >
   >
   > --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Roy" <dchobby@> wrote:
   > >
   > > What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.
   > >
   > > There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only
parts that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts
look to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update
his BOM.
   > >
   > > I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue
with his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never
have happened.
   > >
   > > I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.
   > >
   > >
   > >
   > >
   > >
   > > --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@> wrote:
   > > >
   > > > Folks,
   > > >
   > > > I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
   > > >
   > > > "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
   > > > thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
   > > > has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
   > > > to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
   > > > processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
   > > > current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
   > > > the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
   > > > significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
   > > > combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
   > > >
   > > > Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
   > > > all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
   > > > plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
   > > > tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
   > > > available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
   > > > to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
   > > >
   > > > I'll post more details as they become available.
   > > >
   > > > Cheers,
   > > > Scott"
   > > >
   > > > Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word. No
soldering! Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come
out.
   > > >
   > > > Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
   > > >
   > > > Bill C.
   > > >
   > >
   >





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That is fine if you are producing 12,000 boards per hour.

I know that we (are you) are talking about the hobby market, where it appears
that 100 units are a large number. (An example is $10,000.00 dollars US a large
number to you?) Maybe not, but to someone that is trying to support the hobby
market, I would guess that is a large amount.

I am saddened to think you feel that "innovation and technology advances
referred to as unethical".

I agree, but in the correct context. Should we be talking in the real context.





--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "bluzboy" <bluzboy@...> wrote:
>
>
> I don't think that I've ever heard of innovation and technology advances
referred to as unethical.   In the tech racket, if you don't innovate and
upgrade your products, you go out of business.  A vendor might obsolete his old
technology (and a 6 year life span for a digital board is a long time), but if
he doesn't do it, someone else will.
>
> It probably won't be long before it will be hard to find a PC that has the
RS232 interface!!!
>
> BB
>
>
>
> --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Roy" <dchobby@> wrote:
> >
> > What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.
> >
> > There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only
parts that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts
look to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update
his BOM.
> >
> > I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with
his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never have
happened.
> >
> > I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Folks,
> > >
> > > I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
> > >
> > > "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
> > > thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
> > > has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
> > > to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
> > > processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
> > > current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
> > > the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
> > > significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
> > > combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
> > >
> > > Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
> > > all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
> > > plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
> > > tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
> > > available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
> > > to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
> > >
> > > I'll post more details as they become available.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > Scott"
> > >
> > > Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word.  No
soldering!  Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come
out.
> > >
> > > Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
> > >
> > > Bill C.
> > >
> >
>

i  personally  like the  shooting  star  line of dros
their position  sensor  is unique and quite novel

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Roy
   To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:57 PM
   Subject: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info



   What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.

   There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only parts
that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts look
to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update his
BOM.

   I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with
his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never have
happened.

   I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.

   --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@...> wrote:
   >
   > Folks,
   >
   > I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
   >
   > "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
   > thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
   > has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
   > to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
   > processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
   > current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
   > the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
   > significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
   > combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
   >
   > Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
   > all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
   > plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
   > tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
   > available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
   > to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
   >
   > I'll post more details as they become available.
   >
   > Cheers,
   > Scott"
   >
   > Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word. No soldering!
Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come out.
   >
   > Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
   >
   > Bill C.
   >





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I don't think that I've ever heard of innovation and technology advances
referred to as unethical.   In the tech racket, if you don't innovate and
upgrade your products, you go out of business.  A vendor might obsolete his old
technology (and a 6 year life span for a digital board is a long time), but if
he doesn't do it, someone else will.

It probably won't be long before it will be hard to find a PC that has the RS232
interface!!!

BB



--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Roy" <dchobby@...> wrote:
>
> What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.
>
> There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only parts
that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts look
to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update his
BOM.
>
> I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with
his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never have
happened.
>
> I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@> wrote:
> >
> > Folks,
> >
> > I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
> >
> > "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
> > thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
> > has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
> > to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
> > processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
> > current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
> > the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
> > significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
> > combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
> >
> > Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
> > all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
> > plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
> > tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
> > available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
> > to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
> >
> > I'll post more details as they become available.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Scott"
> >
> > Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word.  No soldering!
Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come out.
> >
> > Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
> >
> > Bill C.
> >
>

On Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 7:57 PM, Roy <dchobby@...> wrote:
> What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.
>
> There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only parts
that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts look
to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update his
BOM.
>
> I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with
his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never have
happened.
>
> I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.

You're right, there is nothing obsolete about the 350, but technology
has advanced to the point where manufacturing the more advanced one is
actually cheaper than manufacturing the old one. The unethical thing
would be continuing to sell the customer an underpowered, overpriced
product.

This is no different from what every other manufacturer in the world
does whenever they come out with a new product. As a small business
person myself, I understand that when I invest in inventory, there is
no guarantee that I will sell everything I buy before something
changes to make my inventory obsolete or overpriced. It is my
responsibility as a business person to manage my inventory levels so I
don't get stuck with material that I can't sell. Expecting my
suppliers to hold off on innovating to cover my bad business
management seems a bit unrealistic.

Roy,

Good observations, I would certainly hope that Scott is coordinating his update
effort with his dealers.  I figure that is between them to work out a solution
that is fair to all concerned.

Meanwhile, please post any photos you can of your set up.

Thanks, Bill C.

--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Roy" <dchobby@...> wrote:
>
> What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.
>
> There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only parts
that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts look
to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update his
BOM.
>
> I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with
his product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never have
happened.
>
> I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.
>
>
>SNIPPED
>
>
>

Russ,

Awesome, I'll call you soon. BC.

--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Russ Revels" <n4ft@...> wrote:
>
> Bill that sounds good to me.  I just have to figure out what else is needed
and how to set it up.  You need to come over sometime and see the cnc router in
the shop.
>
> Russ
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: metalmill52
>   To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:12 PM
>   Subject: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info
>
>
>
>   Folks,
>
>   I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
>
>   "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
>   thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
>   has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
>   to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
>   processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
>   current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
>   the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
>   significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
>   combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
>
>   Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
>   all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
>   plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
>   tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
>   available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
>   to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
>
>   I'll post more details as they become available.
>
>   Cheers,
>   Scott"
>
>   Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word. No soldering!
Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come out.
>
>   Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
>
>   Bill C.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

What Scott Scumate is doing is (IMHO) very unethical. He has sold dealers
thousands of dollars worth of inventory (350 and 550 Lite boards and hardware)
and now he wants to stick them with that inventory and put them out of business.
I do not stake much on someone that can do that without a thought.

There is nothing out dated (obsolete) about the DRO350, period. The only parts
that are not available are the part numbers he lists on his BOM. All parts look
to be cross referenced, it looks like Scott just does not want to update his
BOM.

I have to tell you, Scott has helped me in the past when I had an issue with his
product. Had there been better documentation, those issues may never have
happened.

I am sad that (IMHO) Scott feels the need to do what he is trying to do.





--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@...> wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:
>
> "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
> thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
> has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
> to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
> processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
> current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
> the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
> significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
> combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.
>
> Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
> all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
> plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
> tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
> available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
> to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.
>
> I'll post more details as they become available.
>
> Cheers,
> Scott"
>
> Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word.  No soldering! 
Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come out.
>
> Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?
>
> Bill C.
>

Bill that sounds good to me.  I just have to figure out what else is needed and
how to set it up.  You need to come over sometime and see the cnc router in the
shop.

Russ
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: metalmill52
   To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:12 PM
   Subject: [lathemaster] Re: DRO Info



   Folks,

   I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:

   "The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
   thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
   has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
   to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
   processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
   current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
   the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
   significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
   combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.

   Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
   all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
   plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
   tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
   available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
   to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.

   I'll post more details as they become available.

   Cheers,
   Scott"

   Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word. No soldering!
Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come out.

   Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?

   Bill C.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Folks,

I was just over at the ShumaTech Group site and saw this blockbuster
announcement from the inventor of the DRO-350, Scott Shumate:

"The DRO-350 has had a great run over the last 6 years with several
thousand systems in active use. In that time, the technology industry
has moved forward and many of the parts on the DRO-350 are now difficult
to source or obsolete. Also, the limited resources inside of the
processor has made it impossible to add new software features. To give
current DRO-350 owners an upgrade path, ShumaTech designed and released
the DPU-550 which adds several hardware features as well as
significantly expanded software capabilities. It seemed logical to
combine the DPU-550 and the DRO-350 into one seamless product.

Now, we are pleased to announce the DRO-550 which will give newcomers
all of the features of the DPU-550 at a cost point well below that of a
plain DRO-350! That even includes a near fully assembled board so
tedious soldering is now a thing of the past. The DRO-550 should be
available for purchase by the end of the year so you will probably want
to hold off buying a DRO-350 until then.

I'll post more details as they become available.

Cheers,
Scott"

Well, it ain't April first, so I guess that is the real word.  No soldering! 
Guess I'll wait a few more weeks and get me a DRO-550 when they come out.

Hey Russ, why don't we both get one and build 'em together?

Bill C.

Roy, thanks for letting us know.  I'd love to see photos of your setup if you
could post them. Bill C.

--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Roy" <dchobby@...> wrote:
>
> I have an update on my 350/550 Lite DRO.
>
> My DRO is working as a standard DRO as I expected.
>
> Since completed I have been trying to get the tachometer function to work. I
have not been able to accomplish that. I purchased and assembled the components
as per the Shumatech website and have not been able to get that function.
>
> I assume I have made an error or that 350/550 lite just does not support the
tach function, who knows.
>
> I wanted to report the latest in my quest for a great dro.
>
> Roy
>

I have an update on my 350/550 Lite DRO.

My DRO is working as a standard DRO as I expected.

Since completed I have been trying to get the tachometer function to work. I
have not been able to accomplish that. I purchased and assembled the components
as per the Shumatech website and have not been able to get that function.

I assume I have made an error or that 350/550 lite just does not support the
tach function, who knows.

I wanted to report the latest in my quest for a great dro.

Roy

Roy,

Thanks for the scoop on the Shumatech.  Four hours, eh?  Sure sounds tempting. 
I'll give it some consideration.  My buddy Russ is an electronics whiz, I'll ask
his opinion on my skill level...

Anyone out there ever use the Shars unit?

Bill C.

--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "Roy" <dchobby@...> wrote:
>
> Hello, new here.
>
> Can not speak to the Shars readout I looked at that unit myself and you can
see what I did. I can speak for the Shumatech 350/550 Lite.
>
> I'm 59 years old have no electronics experience at all. I did own a small
soldering iron and a cheap volt meter. I just completed my Shumatech 350/550
Lite. If you can read and see, you can assemble that DRO. It took me about 4
hours to complete and I purchase everything I needed from
http://www.wildhorse-innovations.com
>
> The DRO has everything I'll ever need in a DRO and more.
>
> Wish you the best.
>
> Roy Simpson
> Elkhart, IN USA
>
> --- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > This is an exciting time for our group, we have welcomed several new members
this past few weeks - many with experience as professional machinists.  We look
forward to hering from you all.
> >
> > I just finished making a batch of cast irom wheels for my Allen Mogul Tender
(live steam).  During the process, I found it a bit tedious to keep measuring
the wheels with micrometers.  I guess I am spoiled by the Grizzly 3 axis DRO on
my 1968 Bridgeport, and now am looking at the best and most cost effective way
to put a DRO on the 8 x 14 Lathemaster.
> >
> > I don't want to spend as much as the Grizzly DRO system, so I've looked at
the offerings from SHARS and some others.  I can fix machines, but don't have
time or skill enough for a ShumaTech dro.  Would like to stay under $300 total.
> >
> > I'd like to hear from anyone who has installed a DRO system on one of these
lathes.  I'm especially curious if the SHARS 3 axis display ($200) has a
radius/diameter feature to account for the fact that a 5 thou cut reduces
diameter by 10 thou.  Any one have first hand experience with this unit?
> >
> > Best Regards, Happy 234th B'day to all US Marines on 10 November, and Happy
Veterans Day to all Vets,
> >
> > Bill C.
> > Co-Moderator
> >
>

hallo mark
they are hardened bit hot that hard   try tungsten carbide end mill  cutter of
the size that you require  mount the shaft in v blocks on the milling bed and
take very fine cuts and a slow feed rate  until you reach the required depth 
the x3 will handle it
Charles

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Mark D
   To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:32 AM
   Subject: [lathemaster] Machining a keyslot on small engine



   Hello,

   I need to machine a 3/16" keyslot on a small honda horizontal edger engine.
The shaft is hardened which I discovered when I shortened the length. I had to
use a grinder to cut through the metal. I own a Super X3 Mill, but my experience
is limited to soft materials like aluminum, delrin and brass. I noticed keyseat
cutters on Grizzly's website, but am not sure how well this will work on
hardened steel. Any advise is greatly appreciated, I don't want to ruin the
engine.

   Thanks, Mark





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello,

I need to machine a 3/16" keyslot on a small honda horizontal edger engine.  The
shaft is hardened which I discovered when I shortened the length. I had to use a
grinder to cut through the metal. I own a Super X3 Mill, but my experience is
limited to soft materials like aluminum, delrin and brass.  I noticed keyseat
cutters on Grizzly's website, but am not sure how well this will work on
hardened steel.  Any advise is greatly appreciated, I don't want to ruin the
engine.

Thanks, Mark

Hello, new here.

Can not speak to the Shars readout I looked at that unit myself and you can see
what I did. I can speak for the Shumatech 350/550 Lite.

I'm 59 years old have no electronics experience at all. I did own a small
soldering iron and a cheap volt meter. I just completed my Shumatech 350/550
Lite. If you can read and see, you can assemble that DRO. It took me about 4
hours to complete and I purchase everything I needed from
http://www.wildhorse-innovations.com

The DRO has everything I'll ever need in a DRO and more.

Wish you the best.

Roy Simpson
Elkhart, IN USA

--- In lathemaster@yahoogroups.com, "metalmill52" <wacleary@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> This is an exciting time for our group, we have welcomed several new members
this past few weeks - many with experience as professional machinists.  We look
forward to hering from you all.
>
> I just finished making a batch of cast irom wheels for my Allen Mogul Tender
(live steam).  During the process, I found it a bit tedious to keep measuring
the wheels with micrometers.  I guess I am spoiled by the Grizzly 3 axis DRO on
my 1968 Bridgeport, and now am looking at the best and most cost effective way
to put a DRO on the 8 x 14 Lathemaster.
>
> I don't want to spend as much as the Grizzly DRO system, so I've looked at the
offerings from SHARS and some others.  I can fix machines, but don't have time
or skill enough for a ShumaTech dro.  Would like to stay under $300 total.
>
> I'd like to hear from anyone who has installed a DRO system on one of these
lathes.  I'm especially curious if the SHARS 3 axis display ($200) has a
radius/diameter feature to account for the fact that a 5 thou cut reduces
diameter by 10 thou.  Any one have first hand experience with this unit?
>
> Best Regards, Happy 234th B'day to all US Marines on 10 November, and Happy
Veterans Day to all Vets,
>
> Bill C.
> Co-Moderator
>

Hi All,

This is an exciting time for our group, we have welcomed several new members
this past few weeks - many with experience as professional machinists.  We look
forward to hering from you all.

I just finished making a batch of cast irom wheels for my Allen Mogul Tender
(live steam).  During the process, I found it a bit tedious to keep measuring
the wheels with micrometers.  I guess I am spoiled by the Grizzly 3 axis DRO on
my 1968 Bridgeport, and now am looking at the best and most cost effective way
to put a DRO on the 8 x 14 Lathemaster.

I don't want to spend as much as the Grizzly DRO system, so I've looked at the
offerings from SHARS and some others.  I can fix machines, but don't have time
or skill enough for a ShumaTech dro.  Would like to stay under $300 total.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has installed a DRO system on one of these
lathes.  I'm especially curious if the SHARS 3 axis display ($200) has a
radius/diameter feature to account for the fact that a 5 thou cut reduces
diameter by 10 thou.  Any one have first hand experience with this unit?

Best Regards, Happy 234th B'day to all US Marines on 10 November, and Happy
Veterans Day to all Vets,

Bill C.
Co-Moderator

All,

A little more info on the idler pulley and alignment. The idler pulley spindle
has a threaded section for the nut that holds it to the heavy steel mounting
plate, then a section that has flats 180-degrees opposite to each other, and
then a boss about 1-inch in diameter.  The section with flats rides in the slot
in the heavy steel mounting plate.  When the mounting nut is tightened the boss
is supposed to be pulled against the steel plate to hold the pulley rigidly.

On my 8x14 I found a small step in the face of the boss that looks like a
leftover from the machining of the two flats. When the mounting nut is tightened
the step prevents the full face of the boss from bearing against the steel
plate. What this means is that the alignment of the idler pulley assembly might
not be as repeatable as it would be if the full face of the boss were
supporting it.

This is not a show stopper. It could be improved with a very thin washer or by
filing/grinding off the step. I will leave it alone for now unless it proves
to be a problem.

Rick:  Thanks for the tip about checking how the belt runs at speed in BOTH
directions.

Steve




________________________________
From: Rick Gallus <rtgallus@...>
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, November 10, 2009 3:09:58 PM
Subject: Re: [lathemaster] Lathemaster 8x14 Pulley Alignment

 
Steve:

Instead of two nuts and the wave washer, I used a lock nut to replace the
existing nut. Works fine.  Also, I did do some minor realignment of the motor
so that the timing belt is now centered when running forward.  However, the
belt still tracks to the edge of the pulley when the motor runs in reverse.

Happy turning,

Rick

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail. yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Steve:

Instead of two nuts and the wave washer, I used a lock nut to replace the
existing nut. Works fine.  Also, I did do some minor realignment of the motor so
that the timing belt is now centered when running forward.  However, the belt
still tracks to the edge of the pulley when the motor runs in reverse.

Happy turning,

Rick

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Steve,
Sounds like all is working well.
 
FYI - I "added" two items to the 8x gear assembly 1) an extra retaining nut
and 2) a wave washer.
 
The wave washer keeps the gear(s) in place and the double-nut is so I can just
snug-up on them so nothing loosens up.  So far, all is well.
 
Take care,
DBN

--- On Tue, 11/10/09, Stephen Shyvers <sshyvers@...> wrote:


From: Stephen Shyvers <sshyvers@...>
Subject: [lathemaster] Lathemaster 8x14 Pulley Alignment
To: lathemaster@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 4:37 PM


 



All,

A quick update on the 8x14's pulley alignment. This past weekend I removed the
idler pulley and the thick steel plate to which it mounts. I inspected all the
mating surfaces, removed some small burrs, and smoothed the mating surfaces
using the end of a file as a scraper. There were a couple of spots where the
paint thickness was uneven , and the file took care of those.

After reassembly, belt installation, and proper belt tensioning the toothed belt
is now fully on the toothed wheel of the idler pulley assembly.  Putting a
straight edge across the faces of the various pulleys shows the idler pulley to
be in good alignment to the motor and headstock spindle pulleys. Next I need to
test how the tooth belt runs at speed with the motor on, but need to reassemble
things a bit more before applying power to the motor.

I had already obtained, and modified, a couple of large washers to use as shims
but won't use them. It's a relief that a clean up and reassembly seems to have
taken care of the toothed belt alignment. Thank you all again for your advice.

Steve Shyvers

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

All,

A quick update on the 8x14's pulley alignment. This past weekend I removed the
idler pulley and the thick steel plate to which it mounts. I inspected all the
mating surfaces, removed some small burrs, and smoothed the mating surfaces
using the end of a file as a scraper. There were a couple of spots where the
paint thickness was uneven , and the file took care of those.

After reassembly, belt installation, and proper belt tensioning the toothed belt
is now fully on the toothed wheel of the idler pulley assembly.  Putting a
straight edge across the faces of the various pulleys shows the idler pulley to
be in good alignment to the motor and headstock spindle pulleys. Next I need to
test how the tooth belt runs at speed with the motor on, but need to reassemble
things a bit more before applying power to the motor.

I had already obtained, and modified, a couple of large washers to use as shims
but won't use them. It's a relief that a clean up and reassembly seems to have
taken care of the toothed belt alignment. Thank you all again for your advice.

Steve Shyvers





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]