SHERLINE Vertical Milling Column

P/N 3050 (Inch) and P/N 3053 (Metric)
P/N 3480 (Inch) and P/N 3485 (Metric) with Zero Adjustable Handwheel

With this attachment the SHERLINE Lathe can be quickly and easily converted into a small milling machine. The attachment consists of a dovetailed vertical column with a solid aluminum base that attaches to the bed of the lathe in place of the headstock. The headstock then mounts to a dovetailed saddle on the vertical column. The saddle is raised and lowered to control the depth of cut by turning a handwheel. Calibrations on the handwheel enable depth control to .001 inch. Parts to be machined are mounted on the lathe's 2.75" x 6.00" crosslide. The headstock may be locked in position by means of a lever on the leadscrew behind  the saddle. (See P/N 40175 and 40177 on the exploded view.)

This is a good way to get into milling. All standard vertical milling operations can be performed with this attachment with size being the only limitation. Conversion from the lathe to the mill takes less than one minute. Just about all Sherline milling accessories may be used with this setup. (NOTE: Due to the size and weight of the P/N 3200 indexing attachment and the P/N 3700 rotary table, it is not recommended they be used with the lathe and vertical milling column combination. We recommend they be used with a full Sherline vertical milling machine or XYZ base.)

Remove headstock from lathe by loosening set screw (P/N 4054) located below name plate. Lift the headstock vertically from the bed.

Mount the Vertical Milling Column on the lathe pivot pin (P/N 4024) on the lathe bed.

Mount the headstock on the pivot pin located on the saddle of the Vertical Milling Column in the same manner as it is mounted on the lathe bed.

Angles can be milled by rotating the headstock with the alignment key removed. Move headstock to desired angle and tighten the set screw (P/N 4054).

HELPFUL HINTS

1. This is a small, light duty mill, and should not be used to remove vast amounts of unnecessary stock that could be easily removed with a hacksaw. Get stock as close to size as possible before starting.
2. Loads involved for milling are higher than for lathe turning. The vibration level is also higher, therefore, more attention must be paid to gib adjustments. They should be kept snug.
3. End mills must run true and must be sharp. Holding end mills in a drill chuck is a poor method. Use milling collets or our end mill holders. For cutting aluminum, run motor top speed and take light cuts.
4. Fly cutting is an excellent way of cutting stock from flat surfaces.
5. Normal machine alignment is good for most work, but if the work is exceptionally large or has to be extremely accurate, shims may be required to improve machine alignment.
6. Learn to use a dial indicator.
7. A good vise is a must.
8. Often, more time will be spent making fixtures to hold work than doing the actual machining.
9. Always try to have one point to measure from. Don't machine this point off half way through the job and leave yourself without a way of measuring the next operation. PLAN AHEAD.
10. A good rule for all machining operations is, "if the tool chatters, reduce speed and increase feed."

It takes a long time to accumulate the knowledge, tools and fixtures to do the tremendous amount of different type of operations involved in milling. Don't get discouraged by starting with a job that is too complex or by using materials that are extremely difficult to machine.

Joe Martin, President and Owner
SHERLINE Products

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