My DRO install

[mike-sid]

The Z axis. This is where I need help.  Not sure what way I should go??  

First here is the area where I need to mount the scale/read head.  



Do I mount the scale to the knee and let half of it "hang" in the air unsupported?  That is the backer plate that I would mount and level and align, then the scale which is about 4" shorter mounts on that. The read head would go on the base of the mill with a bracket or two



Or do I mount the scale to the base and the read head to the knee?  This looks like a better way, except the side of the scale which the read head goes into and has the rubber wipers to keep the swarf out will face to the right. That is my only concern. Where the backer bar sits in this picture is about the spot where it will go, maybe up an inch. So most of the time the scale will be below the table.  What do you think?? Maybe I can make up a Lexan gaurd for the scale? Bend it up nice