Yep what Skiprat said, I'll tell DRO's are great I have one installed on the mill and lathe, but I agree learn using the dials first, learn how to read the backlash in your lead screws.
When I started in my machining career there was nothing digital, we had equipment that was so worn out we had to bump the cross slide in and out as we were turning to turn a straight part.
We cut convex radius by putting a bar against the headstock and tool holder on the cross slide, for concave radius we put the bar against the tail stock and the tool holder; we auto feed the cross slide all while putting pressure against the bar with the carriage hand wheel. Fun Stuff
My point is ya had to think and know your stuff the computer wasn't there to do it for you.:wink: It's still a good way to learn, cause ya don't always get all that fancy stuff at home.:biggrin:
main thing is have fun.