Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] reducing the encoder line count

I think I need to toss a little bit in on the P-W Tape-O-Matic. I am an
engineering type out of the aerospace arena and we had lots of these around.
I think the last ones I used were '62 models. They did indeed have the
encoder on the opposite end of the shaft. It was under a simple cover and
just a basic plastic wheel about 4" in diameter that ran between a reader
head. The machines worked very well for what they were designed to do. That
is the thing they were not mills but drilling machines. They positioned the
table and waited until the operator cycled the quill then moved on. I think
the later ones had power down but I was never had to program one of them. We
did try to mill with one but it had 3 "feedrates" and none were in the range
to mill even aluminum. The thing was as I said a fine positioner but that
was it. The torsional effects of the leadscrews were not a worry as the
thing was done with motion when the cutting began. I remember thay hunted a
bit and would fail to locate when the encoders were not kept clean.
Scott