Lathe DRO recommendations

[m_c]

Unless you find somebody who can supply suitable custom brackets, you're going to have to drill holes.
Personally I went for Machine DROs own system, but that was only because I needed it quickly.

For lathe use, I don't think there is all that much difference between the lathe systems, once you move beyond the very basic DROs. All you really need is diameter/radius mode, and the ability to have different tool offsets if you're using a QCTP.

I opted for 5 micron scales, as the 1 micron aren't actually more accurate. They use the same grating as the 5, but interpolate the extra microns in the reader head. Plus you might find yourself continually chasing that micron precision on the DRO, when in reality it makes no difference to whatever you're turning.

I'd strongly suggest you get the proper covers/extrusion, as they make protecting the DROs far simpler, and avoid the need to hunt down suitable extrusion that will might or might not work. They are generally pretty expensive for what they are, but they do make installation far easier.