Vertical Milling Columns for use on Sherline Lathes

With this attachment the Sherline lathe can be quickly and easily converted into a small milling machine. The attachment consists of a steel 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" (.01mm). Parts to be machined are mounted on the crosslide. On the deluxe version, P/N 3480 (3485 Metric), a 2-1/2" adjustable "zero" handwheel replaces the standard handwheel. If you order a CNC-ready version of the vertical milling column, P/N 3050-CNC (3053-CNC) it is fitted with a stepper motor mount and coupling ready for the installation of a NEMA 23 frame size stepper motor. For use with our recommended dual shaft motors we also include a handwheel for manual control. The mount includes two flanged ball bearings and a preload nut to eliminate end play.

Standard P/N 3050 vertical milling column mounted to Model 4000 lathe. The P/N 3480 looks identical except for the addition of an adjustable "zero" handwheel in place of the standard handwheel on the column. (Click on photo for larger image.)

This is a good way to get into milling. Most standard vertical milling operations can be performed with this attachment, with only size being the basic limitation. Conversion from the lathe to milling takes less than one minute. Almost all Sherline milling accessories may be used with the setup. At a later date, should you wish to upgrade to a complete vertical milling machine, the column will fit the Sherline XY bases (P/N 5200/5210, or 5401/5411). This offers a cost savings compared to purchasing a complete vertical milling machine, because you save the cost of a second headstock, motor and speed control.

The multi-direction vertical milling column provides all the movements of the Model 2000/2100 8-direction mill. The entire Z-axis column can be swung, rotated, tilted or moved in and out for machining or drilling from just about any angle. At any time, you can purchase the new P/N 5600/5610 deluxe XY base, which has been designed to accept this special column. In doing so you have duplicated a model 2000/2010 mill while enjoying the cost savings of not purchasing a second headstock and motor unit. This incremental approach allows you to start machining now and add to your shop as your projects become more demanding or your budget allows.

Upgrading a standard column to 8-direction capability...

Any standard mill column or vertical milling column for the lathe can be converted to 8-direction capacity. The 5650/5660 base is for use on a mill only. The 5680/5685 base can be used on a lathe or a mill, as it has both the two-hole 1/4-20 hole pattern for a mill and the mounting hole for the headstock pin on a lathe. The conversion does not include a mill column and saddle, as that is already present. It is simply transferred from your existing column to the rotating portion of the column upgrade, thereby making up a complete column.

READ INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE VERTICAL MILLING COLUMN (Click on your choice.)

.html Version (Web site version)

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

READ INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE MULTI-DIRECTION VERTICAL MILLING COLUMN

.pdf Version Only