I never bothered to protect mine, but I mounted it vertically rather than horizontal. Never had any problems, and figured they are so cheap I'll just replace it if it messes up.
Brian
WOT Designs
That is a good point. It wasn't more then $30 or so, but I figured it would be a smart idea to keep filings off it so it doesnt get jammed up. You mounted vertically on a quill?
It is on the opposite side of the carriage than the cutting so chips should be minimal anyway. A simple piece of plastic or sheetmetal if you really thought it was necessary.
A lazy man does it twice.
What those scales REALLY don't like is anything wet. Get even a tiny bit of coolant or any kind of oil on the rail, and it'll stop working until you take it apart and clean it all up. I would definitely put a sheet-metal shield over the whole thing.
Regards,
Ray L.
One of the biggest things to guard on is pushing your tail stock up. I have bolts in the saddle to stop the tail stock before it can get to the scale.