Stereo Microscope and Mount for the Sherline Mill

The purpose of the microscope and mount

There are a number of circumstances that might make extremely close inspection of the cutting of a part on the mill important. First of all, this mount can be of use to those whose failing eyesight makes it difficult for them to work on parts. It is also useful for those with normal eyesight who work on extremely small parts. In addition, those who are tasked with working on very high value parts where a mistake can be costly will want to have the best possible view of what they are doing to assure a perfect cut the first time and every time. Added to the value of the purchase of this accessory is the fact that the microscope comes as a complete unit with its own base, so it can be used apart from the mill for other inspection purposes in the shop or lab.

The high quality Russian-made optics of this scope rival that of much more expensive European-built scopes, and it's sturdy yet precise construction is a perfect compliment to the precision of your Sherline machine. The image through the stereo eyepieces is bright and sharp from edge to edge. In addition, Sherline has enhanced some of the features of the scope by redesigning the universal joint of the light and adding a filter kit to protect the lens from chips and coolant. As is always the case, clear, illustrated instructions for assembly and use are provided in addition to those that come with the scope itself.

The microscope is shown here with the stand and armrests that come with it. When used as a stand-alone inspection scope, the light source can be mounted in the base with a glass slide under the stage and a reflecting mirror for lighting an object from below as shown here or the metal stage can be used and the light relocated to the pivoting mount on the head to light the subject from the top. Two pairs of eyepieces (8x and 14x magnification) are provided along with a bulb and two spares. The third 8x eyepiece contains a measuring scale. An alternate measuring grid lens is provided in the small white case. An instruction book comes with the scope and Sherline provides a supplement with additional setup information. A vinyl dust cover (not shown) is also included. (Click on photo to view a larger image.)

Description of the Mount

The mount is easily attached to the mill headstock using an existing screw hole and a new, longer screw which is provided. No drilling is necessary. The microscope head is slid down the steel post on the mount and adjusted for height using the locking ring and thumbscrew that come with the microscope. It is then focused on the tip of the cutting tool. The mount rolls on four steel balls so it can be pivoted from straight in front of the Y-axis to 90° to the side, aligning with the X-axis. This gives you a way to make sure you are hitting both scribe marks for a hole center, for example, with greater accuracy that you could achieve without the magnification. An eyepiece adjustment is provided to accommodate the distance between your eyes so you can see through both eyepieces at the same time. The power of magnification can be adjusted from about 5x to over 100x, but we recommend you start with the lowest power first in order to maintain a larger field of view. You can increase the power at any time with the turn of a knob if you need an extra-close look.

Because the mount moves with the table, the microscope remains focused on the tool as the cut is made. The light source is attached to the microscope head, so it remains with it when it is transferred to the mill. It is mounted on a universal type joint that allows it to be focused right on the part and tool tip, enhancing your vision even further. We have also developed a lens filter kit that is included with the mill to help protect the microscope lens from chips and coolant.

The mount can be purchased separately if you already own the microscope. (A mount is also available for the lathe as P/N 2126.) Normally the microscope and mount will be purchased together. If you are also purchasing a new Sherline mill at the same time as the microscope and mount, there is a $25.00 discount available on the mill itself. Simply add the letter "M" to the model mill you choose. For example; if you are purchasing a Model 5400 mill along with a 2127 microscope and mill mount, you would designate a model 5400M mill when ordering.

The sturdy Sherline mount attaches to the mill headstock using a longer screw into one of the motor mount holes and a set screw from the opposite side to hold it securely. Steel balls roll in the curved track to allow the mount to be pivoted through over 90° of movement. A thumbscrew locks it securely in place once you have chosen your angle of view. (Click photo to enlarge.)

The Sherline mill mount includes:

• Mount with billet aluminum base and solid steel column

• Mounting screws

• Improved pivot joint for light source to replace the one included with the microscope

• O-ring to secure light source in mount

• Glass lens filter and adapter ring to protect main lens from chips and coolant

The Microscope includes:

• Stereo Microscope head

• Microscope stand with stage and adjustable arms

• Glass and metal stages with hold-down arms

• Light source with flexible mount, 110 VAC transformer and thee bulbs

• 2 eyepieces 8x and 2 eyepieces 14x magnification

• 1 eyepiece 8x magnification with measuring scale plus an optional grid scale

• Instruction manual

• Vinyl dust cover

READ INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING AND USING THE MILL MICROSCOPE MOUNT (Click on your choice.)

.html Version (Web site version)

.pdf Version (The same as our printed instructions. Requires Adobe Acrobat program to view.)

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