Another Drill Press DRO Using a Powerfix (Lidl) Vernier Caliper

thingiverse

Here's the Vernier Caliper Mount I designed for my brother's drill press. It represents a significant evolution from the design used on mine, and satisfies specific requirements he requested. He was more adventurous than me and successfully drilled his caliper, even going so far as to hack and modify the tool to achieve a minimal footprint. He created a metal bracket held in place by the quill adjuster locking nut, allowing him to use only the lower mount. This bracket was cleverly designed to utilize the existing fixing holes on the caliper body, using longer screws to keep its dimensions moderate. His final criteria were clear: 1. A single (2 piece) column shaft clamp that would securely hold the drill in place. 2. The digital readout should be as close to the drill's body as possible for optimal functionality. 3. Any unnecessary parts of the caliper should be removed to minimize its size and weight. 4. The readings on the physical scale must match those displayed digitally, a feat I couldn't accomplish with my own design. 5. The caliper's attachment to the column shaft clamp should also serve as one of the securing bolts. Although much of the main casting on his Parkside drill was identical to mine, a minor difference emerged after I had printed the part: His existing threaded depth gauge was slightly closer to the drill body than mine. This meant that the guide loop on the existing gauge would be fouled by the threaded depth stop rod. I could have modified the design and sent him a new print, but he chose to file his drill casing slightly to avoid any issues. I've attached a picture of how he did this. With no upper clamp to obstruct it, his column shaft clamp sat higher on the shaft, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The thickness of the clamp was increased, but with a small step added to clear the fixed casting and rubber damping ring when the drill press was at rest. I must say, I think his solution turned out much neater than mine. It looks as though it was always meant to be there, whereas my original design is unmistakably an afterthought! Many thanks to my brother Kes for sharing photos of the finished product.