Most full-sized shop mills used by machinists are now available with a digital readout.
They are popular because they make your life as a machinist much easier. Readouts on the X-Y- and Z axes can be reset to zero at any time with the push of a button. From there, as you move the handwheels, you can read the table position to 3-1/2 decimal places (.0005") on the digital readout. (Metric versions read to .01mm) You no longer need to count handwheel revolutions or make difficult calculations when cranking in a negative number.
As long as Sherline was designing the electronics package, Sherline went the extra step to include an RPM readout, adding an additional function to the package. The sensors are easy to install and require no modification of your Sherline mill. A two-axis DRO. package is also available the lathe P/N 8200. A three-axis package for using the lathe with the vertical milling column can be purchased, or a third axis can be added later if you add the vertical milling column to your lathe. For those with both a lathe and a mill, the electronic readout box can be shared between machine to offer a cost savings if you buy just the additional handwheels and cables for the second machine.
CA Prop 65 WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance know to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13