Sherline Lathe Vertical Milling Column CNC Ready

• Sherline Lathe Vertical Milling Column CNC Ready
• Transforms lathe into a compact milling machine
• Offers precise depth control to .001 inches
• Equipped with a CNC-ready stepper motor mount
• Ensures leadscrew lubrication with oil reservoir
• Converts from lathe to mill in under a minute

The Sherline Lathe Vertical Milling Column CNC Ready is an innovative attachment that transforms a Sherline lathe into a compact milling machine. This conversion is facilitated by a robust steel dovetailed vertical column and a solid aluminum base, which replace the lathe’s headstock. The headstock is then mounted onto a dovetailed saddle on the vertical column, allowing for precise control of the cutting depth through a handwheel, with calibrations accurate to .001 inches (.01mm). The workpieces are secured on the crosslide for machining.

This CNC-ready model is equipped with a stepper motor mount and coupling, designed for the integration of a NEMA-23 frame-size stepper motor, which is not included. The mount features two flanged ball bearings and a preload nut to eliminate end play, ensuring smooth operation. For manual control, a dual shaft motor is recommended, allowing the use of the included handwheel when CNC control is unnecessary.

A notable enhancement is the inclusion of an oil reservoir on the saddle nut, which ensures the leadscrew remains well-lubricated. This attachment provides an economical entry into milling, capable of performing most standard vertical milling operations, with size being the primary constraint. The conversion process from lathe to milling and vice versa is remarkably swift, taking less than one minute. Additionally, the setup is compatible with nearly all Sherline milling accessories and can be upgraded to a complete vertical milling machine by fitting the column to a 10-inch or 12-inch XY-base, offering significant cost savings by eliminating the need for a second headstock, motor, and speed control.