US Digital linear strip...

Hi all.

I just got ahold of a small length of US Digital linear encoder
strip, 360 lines/inch, and the reader head to go with it.

I am looking to experiment a bit, and ultimatly want to mount this
on my lathe for a DRO.

Just wondering if anyone else here has used this setup, and for
ideas as to the best way to mount the strip. Should the entire area
above the part with the encoder lines be fastened down (sandwiched
between 2 plates, or whatever)? Or should it just be held by the
ends, that way such strip is mounted in printers, etc?

I don't mind experementing, but am hoping to not "reinvent the
wheel", as it where.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for any guidance/ideas.
-AL