
Here's a summary of the latest things that have been added to or changed. Bookmark this page so you can check back now and then. It's a quick way to see what has been added since the last time you looked at Sherline's site. (Don't forget to refresh the page to be sure you are getting the latest version.)
SEPTEMBER MONTHLY INTERNET SPECIAL...Each month we offer a selected accessory or accessories at a 20% discount to get you to come back and check out our website often. One of the nice things about the design of a Sherline lathe is that it can be easily converted into a small milling machine with the addition of a vertical milling column. This month we offer all three versions of our standard, deluxe and multi-direction vertical milling column at 20% off. You can get the metric or inch version of either the manual, Digital Readout or CNC-ready configuration of the vertical milling column. That's a lot of choices, but you can save from $30.00 to $86.00 if you order in September. To learn more about how the vertical milling column works, what your options are and to take advantage of a 20% price savings, visit our MONTHLY INTERNET SPECIAL page. (9/1/10)
SHERLINE TOOLS COMPARED IN MICRO MANUFACTURING MAGAZINE—Micro Manufacturing magazine features equipment used to make the extremely tiny components used in today's high-tech manufacturing. The July/August 2010 issue features a comparison of "Desktop" sized tools used by engineers, prototypers and in limited manufacturing. How does Sherline stack up against tools costing up to $250,000? CLICK HERE to read the article. (8/19/10)
DPP ENGINEERING INTRODUCES EXTENSION BOX FOR 8760—The following comes to us from Sherline dealer DPP Engineering: "The Extended CNC box enables Sherline customers who use the 8760 CNC controller with the Windows based MACH3 software to add six limit/home switches and a Digitizing probe. While so far it has been used merely by locksmiths for complex key duplications using a special mounting jig and vise (not supplied by DPP engineering but can be purchased separately), this extended box in conjunction with the 8760 CNC controller can be used for a general purpose CNC applications such as safe cut (limit switches), Home positioning, and a 3D project duplication. The expected installation time of such a box takes less than 2 minutes and it is ready to go! The box is completely isolated from the Sherline 8760 controller and merely uses the DB25 connector inputs pins (10,11,12,13,15 not used by the 8760 and therefore, disconnected from it) with a buffered circuitry to provide a valued added functionalities." CLICK HERE to read more. (8/18/10)
NEW BOOK ADDED TO THE SHERLINE MACHINIST'S LIBRARY—If you enjoyed Frank Marlow's first book, Machine Shop Essentials, this second book will get you even farther down the road to machine shop expertise. Entitled Machine Shop Know-How—The Tips & Techniques of Master Machinists, this 520-page soft-bound book is absolutely packed with practical tips in an easy-to-read format. The expert illustrations make the concepts clear and much easier to understand. Priced at $49.95 it is now offered as Sherline P/N 5307. (6/29/10)
NEW 2-POSTION ROCKER TOOL POST ADDED TO ACCESSORY LINE—One combination of tool posts we had missed in the past is the rocker 1/4-3/8" post. That omission has been eliminated, and we now offer P/N 7603 Rocker 1/4-3/8" 2-positon Tool Post for those looking for a way to quickly switch between a 1/4" tool and a 3/8" tool on the lathe. The new tool post is a rocker style for both tools, so you can easily assure each tool tip is adjusted exactly where you want it in relation to the part centerline before starting your job. Just loosen the tool post's center hold-down screw and rotate the post 180° to quickly change from one tool to the other. (6/10/10)
HOME PAGE UPDATE INCLUDES FACEBOOK LINK...Sherline's own Kat Powell has created a Facebook page for Sherline. Become a friend and keep up with what's going on with other Sherline fans. The newly organized home page is also designed to make navigation of the site a little easier. Let us know if you like it—we can always go back to the old page. (4/30/10)
NAMES SHOW PHOTOS AND STORY...Sherline is an annual exhibitor at the oldest model engineering show in the United States, the North American Model Engineering Society Expo in the Detroit area. Sherline started attending with their 4th annual show in 1993 and has been at every one since. A new page shows some of the crowd and featured exhibits at the show held April 24 and 25, 2010. There is also a section showing the award presentation to Michel Lefaivre by the Joe Martin Foundation. Mr. Lefaiver, a miniature arms maker from Paris, flew to the show (despite the volcano) to accept his award. (4/28/10)
NEW X/Y LEADSCREW OILER ADDED TO CNC MILLS...The rapid feed rates and extended run times associated with CNC use mean more attention needs to be paid to proper lubrication in order to extend the life of your machine. To make this easier for the operator, Sherline has just introduced an oil reservoir that feeds a constant supply of oil to the X and Y leadscrews in the mill saddle. All CNC machines are now shipping with this new feature as standard equipment, and it can be ordered as an option on manual mills. The additional hardware and labor does add $25 to the previous price of a mill. CLICK HERE to learn more about the X/Y leadscrew oiling feature. (3/31/10)
NEW WORKSHOP PROJECT ADDED...A new project has just been added to the Sherline Workshop page. George Baisz built a 1/2 size working model of a 1930's Briggs & Stratton "Y" engine. This fine-running engine is shown during construction and finished. It is the 35th project added to the workshop page. (3/24/10)
NEW PROJECT ADDED TO WORKSHOP PAGE: John Maki collects miniature Victorian woodworking tools. That's not something you can buy at Home Depot, so where do they come from? He makes them himself. He purchases vintage tools on eBay and uses them as models for his tiny creations. When he's done, he sells the full-size tool, keeping just his hand-made miniatures. So far his collection numbers over 50 beautiful miniature tools. Visit the SHERLINE WORKSHOP and take a look at his work as well as that of many other Sherline craftsmen.
NEW PROJECT ADDED TO CNC PROJECTS PAGE...If you've been looking for a way to make a professional looking (and working) Y-axis leadscrew cover, you can find a link to plans on the CNC Projects page (Project #13). iXen-CNC has also provided plans for making a plexiglas mill enclosure to keep flying chips contained while still providing full access to the mill for setup. (11/19/09)
CNC CAM GRINDING VIDEO ON YOUTUBE.COM...An 18 minute video on grinding a cam for a miniature V4 engine using Sherline CNC machine components has been added to YouTube.com. Because of YouTube's limit of 10 minutes for video length, it has been divided into two parts. Eventually, YouTube's search function should soon be able to find them by searching for "Sherline CNC Cam Grinder", but for now you can click on the following links to view the video: PART 1 and PART 2.
TWO NEW WORKSHOP PROJECTS ADDED...Every once in a while we get a request for a saw table for the lathe. Unfortunately, not often enough to consider making one; however, Carl Hammons did come up with one years ago. It has been added as Project #32 on the Sherline Workshop page for those who want to make one for themselves. (10/23/09) A second project was added 10/27/09—Tom Castermans' 1/20 scale Tamiya McLaren F1 model with many custom parts machined on his Sherline lathe and mill.
SEVERAL UPGRADES ENHANCE SHERLINE CNC SYSTEMS...Sherline recently added several hardware and software upgrades to the CNC lathe and mill systems that include a computer. Details of these changes can be found on the CNC Mill and CNC Lathe pages. The big news is that the Debian version of Linux has been replaced by the new Ubuntu version and EMC has been upgraded to EMC2, which includes a lathe program as well as a mill program. A new driver protection circuit has been included on the driver boards and computer production has been brought in-house for better quality control and service down the line. Prices have not changed. (9/25/09)
WE REGRET TO ANNOUNCE THE PASSING OF JERRY HOWELL...Jerry Howell has long been a fixture in the model engineering community, offering an extensive line of engine plans and castings for novice to expert machinists. Jerry is one of the featured craftsmen in the Joe Martin Foundation's Online Craftsmanship Museum, and the Foundation shop is nearing completion of the Howell V-4 engine he designed. He passed away unexpectedly this past Saturday in Colorado Springs, CO. He will be greatly missed in the engine building community. (9/1/09)
WEME SHOW PHOTOS...The Western Engine Model Exhibition (WEME) was held July 18th and 19th in Vallejo, CA. Sherline attended as a vendor, and Craig brought back some photos of the projects on display for those who couldn't make it. CLICK HERE to see the photos from the show. Photos of this and other model engineering shows can always be found on the SHOWS page.
NEW TIP FOR KEEPING TOOLS ORGANIZED...Sherline's web site features a page offering tips sent in by our customers. Tip #57 shows a handy way to keep your Tommy bars and chuck keys always within reach on the lathe or mill. Our thanks to Steven Lang for this simple but effective project. See this and all 56 other tips on one page at www.sherline.com/tipsall.htm or see a menu with links to each individual tip at www.sherline.com/tips.htm. (6/16/09)
NEW PROJECT ADDED TO WORKSHOP SECTION...Geoffrey Rhodes of England sent photos of a beautiful music box with polished brass gears he made on his Sherline lathe and mill. See project #31 in the Workshop section of the Sherline web page. (5/21/09)
2009 NAMES SHOW CONTEST RESULTS POSTED...See the page on the 2009 NAMES show to view the results of the 2009 Sherline Machinist's Challenge Contest. (5/6/09)
NEW TAPER REMOVAL TIP ON TIPS PAGE...Larry Simon has added a spacer ring to Nut Le's design for a 3/4-16 taper removal tool for the spindle. Larry provided photos and a drawing too. To find several ways to remove a stuck #1 Morse taper in the headstock spindle, see Tip 14 and Tip 15 in the TIPS section. (4/9/09)
NEW RH and LH HOLDERS FOR 80° CARBIDE INSERTS AND A STRAIGHT 55° INSERT HOLDER...Several years ago Sherline introduced its own line of insert holders for 55° carbide inserts for those who prefer the advantages of carbide tools. The 2256 and 2257 holders are offset 35° to either side and have a 3/8" shank made to be held in a P/N 7600 tool post. We have now introduced a similar set of 3/8" shank holders as P/N 2253 and P/N 2254 that hold 80° inserts for roughing. Like the original set, the RH and LH tools can be purchased individually or as a set (P/N 2255) to save money. In addition, we have also just introduced a straight (non-offset) holder for 55° inserts as P/N 2262. (2/25/09)
NEW PROJECT ADDED TO "WORKSHOP" PAGE...Mike Fleck of Alaska makes guitars. He turns the bridge pins from a unique material—fossilized walrus tusk. See the Workshop page (item #30) for a look at his fine work. (2/3/09)
FOUR NEW PRODUCTS ADDED TO THE LINE...The New Products page features four new products added in November and December of 2008. They include the P/N 3051 #0 Morse Blank, P/N 3561 Short 90° angle plate and two new DVD videos from MakeCNC.com on the use of the Sherline CNC Lathe (P/N 5340) and the CNC mill (P/N 5345). Visit each link or see the New Products page to learn more about each. (12/31/08)
FREE EXCEL® CALCULATORS ADDED...Two free calculators developed in Microsoft Excel® have been added to make your life easier. The P/N 1270 compound slide instructions now include a calculator developed by Pete Johnson that calculates your angle settings based on desired taper dimensions. Another Excel calculator developed by Danny Vadas is linked from the instructions for the P/N 3200 Indexing Attachment. In it you simply enter your measured rack gear movement for one revolution and the number of teeth you want to cut and it calculates each dimension for you up to 250 increments. Joe Martin spent some time formatting each of these excellent contributions so they are consistent with our style, but our thanks to the contributors. (8/19/08)
FAQ ADDED TO DRO INFO...John Wettroth, developer of Sherline's DRO system has answered a few of the most commonly asked questions about circuitry as it relates to the DRO electronics and connectors. See www.sherline.com/DROfaq.htm for this new page. (8/19/08)
NEW PARAGRAPH ADDED TO WARRANTY SECTION...Some recent customer problems have prompted us to address the issue of changes/modifications to the Linux PC supplied with our 8xxx CNC Packages. (8/8/08)
NEW PAGE ON WEME ENGINE SHOW ADDED...Sherline attended the Western Engine Model Exhibition in Vallejo, CA July 19th and 20th. Here are some photos and a description of the show. (7/24/08)
NEW CNC PROJECTS ADDED...The CNC Projects page now includes a couple of new ideas from Stan Figora. One is a spring-loaded Z-axis counter balance, the other is a way to attach a handwheel to a stepper motor mount without the stepper motor in place. (6/3/08)
NEW DEALER IN THAILAND...Hylax Co., Ltd has just been added as a new dealer in Thailand. (5/29/08)
GEARS FOR ODD THREAD COUNTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR P/N 3100 THREADING ATTACHMENT...Not many people need a 37 TPI thread, but part of the advantage of having the ability to cut custom threads is that unlimited range of options it gives you. Sherline now offers hobbed aluminum gears in odd numbered tooth counts from 21 to 39. Part numbers are 31210 through 31390 with the 3rd and 4th numbers being the tooth count. Prices vary by size. (5/15/08)
NEW ARTIST ADDED TO "WORKSHOP" PAGE...Thomas Kuntz makes some very interesting animated sculptures using his Sherline tools. Check out the Sherline Workshop (Project #28) for some photos of his 9-foot tall animated Alchemist clock. (5/12/08)
2008 N.A.M.E.S. SHOW PHOTOS AND CONTEST RESULTS POSTED...Be sure and check out the results of the 2008 Sherline Machinist's Challenge contest to see who won. Also included are a number of photos from the show for those who couldn't make it. Included are photos of the contest entries as well as a host of photos of the other exhibits and models to be seen there. (4/29/08)
NEW PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS FOR DPP ENGINEERING'S CNC SUPPORT...DPP Engineering was Sherline's first major e-commerce retailer. They offer Windows® based software and support with Sherline lathes, mills and driver components for CNC systems. They also include FREE initial setup by phone (they will help get you started!) and free e-mail customer support thereafter. Call David or Steve for free consultation. Their toll-free number has not changed and is still 800-621-8334; however, their new local/international number is 516-707-7771 and fax is 516-708-1389. You can visit them online at http://discountcampus.com. (4/9/08)
NEW SHERLINE DEALER FOR WATCH AND CLOCK CUSTOMERS...A new dealer in Tennessee, Keith Williamson Clock & Watchmaker Tools has just been added to the dealer list. With the NAWCC clock school in Pennsylvania using Sherline tools in the classroom, Sherline is now the most popular and practical tool for new watch and clock makers. It is not only more versatile than the old jeweler's and watchmaker's lathes of 100 years ago, but you can also get parts, collets and accessories for them instantly. Keith Williamson can be reached at (615) 867-1212 or by e-mail at belgrd@msn.com. (4/8/08)
NEW DVD VIDEO ON BASIC LATHE USE JUST ARRIVED...For years, people have been asking us for a good video covering basic lathe use. The long-awaited video from Mike Rehmus at ByVideo Productions is finally on the shelf and ready for shipment. Entitled Sherline Lathe Basics—How to Set Up and Operate the Sherline Lathe, it offers over 3-1/2 hours of solid instruction. Naturally, a Sherline lathe is featured in all the examples. Whether you are new to metalworking or if it's been a few years since you last used a lathe, every machinist is sure to get more than their money's worth from this well-produced DVD. Sherline is offering it as P/N 5335 at $49.95. Mike is qualified both as an experienced machinist and as a professional videographer. He is not only the editor and publisher of Model Engine Builder magazine, he is also the producer of other outstanding videos like Shop Secrets—Measuring Tools. (P/N 5329). The new video not only covers basic lathe use, it also addresses the use of common accessories like the live center, steady rest, follower rest, threading attachment and various ways of doing milling jobs on a lathe. Backlash, tool grinding, handwheel technique and other subjects are also covered in addition to the basics of turning, facing and boring. (3/28/08)
REVISED SHERLINE HOME PAGE...The new Sherline home page has been slightly reorganized to make it a little shorter and easier to navigate. We hope you like the changes. Nothing has been eliminated, but some blocks of introductory copy are now reached via links rather than having all the copy appear on the home page. It allowed us to get things like the Google search box and Main Menu closer to the top of the page. The main menu has also been slightly reorganized with the link to the lathe cutting videos moved to section 1 and links to the Craftsmanship Museum moved to the top of Secton 4. (3/27/08)
MAKING AN LED RING LIGHT FOR YOUR MILL...The TIPS section included a tip on how to mount a microscope ring light on your mill as Tip 50. That tip has now been revised to also show you how one customer made his own ring light from scratch using LED's. See R.P. Murlless' description of how it's done. (3/11/08)
NEW PROJECT ADDED TO WORKSHOP PAGE...See the Sherline Workshop for projects built by Sherline machinists. A new watch case by Marc-Andre Lemieux of Quebec has just been added. (12/3/07)
MICROSCOPE MOUNT FOR MILL INTRODUCED...Earlier this year we introduced the P/N 2125 stereo microscope with a mount for use on the lathe to surprising success. Jerry Kieffer came up with the original design, which he has used with success on his tiny machined parts for years. He also provided the basic design for this new mill mount. If you already have the microscope and lathe mount, you can purchase the new mount for the mill as P/N 2128 and use your scope on either machine. If you don't, you can purchase the mill mount and microscope together as P/N 2127. If you are purchasing a mill and the scope at the same time, you can save an additional $25 on the package deal. Pricing will be announced soon.
FOUR SHORT VIDEOS OF ENGINES ADDED...See the 2007 GEARS show page for a couple of videos of engines including an old marine engine, a unique model opposed engine and Gene Corl's 1/3 scale Chevy V-8. (9/26/07)
PHOTOS FROM THE G.E.A.R.S. MODEL ENGINEERING SHOW POSTED...Sherline and the Joe Martin Foundation shared a booth at the 2007 Gas Engine Antique Reproduction Show in Portland last weekend. Craig took a lot of photos and you can see them here. To view photos from past shows, visit the SHOWS page. (9/25/07)
JOE MARTIN FOUNDATION TO BE AT GEARS SHOW IN PORTLAND... September 22 and 23 is the Gas Engine Antique Reproduction Show in Portland, OR. Though Sherline will not have a booth at the show this year, Craig Libuse will be attending the show and will have a booth for the Joe Martin Foundation. You can still get your Sherline questions answered, find out about new products, pick up a catalog or order tools and accessories. Just see Craig. Ask about our "Show Special" too. See www.oregongears.org for more details on the show. (9/18/07)
SHERLINE AT THE WISCONSIN MACHINE TOOL SHOW IN OCTOBER...Jerry Kieffer will be representing Sherline and Sherline's industrial tool line at the Wisconsin Machine Tool Show October 9-11 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in Milwaukee. In addition to the machine tool show, your entry ticket gets you admission to the Design-to-Part prototype show and a robotics competition. See the show's web site at http://www.witoolshow.com/ for details. (9/18/07)
TWO MORE NEW VIDEOS ADDED...If you saw the note below and checked out the test cut videos, we have just added two more—cast iron and 01 tool steel. Based on a customer suggestion, I have included a few seconds of Fred turning the handwheel during the cut so you can get a better feel for the feed rate. (9/28/07)
NEW VIDEOS ADDED TO SITE...If you can't get to a dealer to see a demonstration of how a Sherline lathe cuts metal, you can now see it on our web site. The testcuts page features 30-second videos of many materials from Delrin to Inconel being cut. Even the new ceramic insert tool is shown cutting the shank of a hardened tool steel end mill. Titanium, Stressproof, Stainless, wood and other materials are shown along with the RPM and depth of cut. It's a great way to see (and hear) what the machine can do. Also included is a special video showing tool chatter being purposely introduced and then eliminated through proper technique. Both WMV and MPEG1 file types of each video are included so they can be seen on both Windows or Mac machines. A link to the page will be added from the main menu on the opening page tomorrow. (9/11/07)
SHERLINE E-COMMERCE SITE UPGRADED...Sherline's new computer guy, Scott Wolf, has done a great job upgrading our on-line ordering site to make it much more user friendly. The biggest improvements are a new search feature and accurate UPS prices. We are actually now tied directly into the UPS computer, so prices quoted on the site should now be pretty accurate, unlike the previous system that treated each item ordered as if it were being shipped in a separate box. Scott has also added hundreds of replacement parts to the site, so you can now order just about anything we make from there. If you have questions about what part to order, it is still best to call in your order during business hours, but for those who know what they want, the e-commerce site is now better than ever. To try it out, just go to www.sherlinedirect.com. (8/23/07)
G.E.A.R.S. SHOW IN PORTLAND...Sherline will not be bringing a product display to the Gas Engine Antique Reproduction Show in Portland September 22 and 23 this year, but Craig will be there with catalogs and offering a show special for anyone who wants to ask questions or order at the show. Our booth this year will feature the Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship, of which Craig is also the director. It has gotten very expensive to attend these shows, flying several people around the country and shipping a lot of product, only to see pretty much the same people year after year. We are trying some trade shows in other markets this year, but model engineers are still the core of our business, so we didn't want to go unrepresented in Oregon. Be sure to visit the Sherline/Joe Martin Foundation booth with questions, orders or just to say "Hi." (8/23/07)
HUMANOID ROBOT ADDED TO CNC PROJECTS PAGE...What can you make with Sherline CNC tools? See what Matt Bauer did on his first CNC project. An experienced robot builder, Matt took advantage of what CNC has to offer to take his project to the next level. See the CNC Projects page, project #9 for a photo of Matt's 19" tall, 5 pound humanoid robot. (6/7/07)
NEW INSTRUCTION MANUAL POSTED ON THE WEB...Sherline has just published the 6th edition of the 48-page color Assembly and Instruction Guide that comes with each machine. It is available for purchase as P/N 5326, or you can now download and print out the PDF version for free from our web site, or you can have us end it FREE through the MAIL. To download the PDF version, CLICK HERE. The PDF file is about 2.35 Mb in size. Changes include detailed instructions with photos on how to assemble the headstock/motor unit, exploded views of the CNC lathe and mill and color photos replacing many of the line drawings of accessories. (Note that because of the way the file is created in 2-page spreads for printing, the two covers appear last rather than first.) (5/2/07)
SHERLINE MACHINIST'S CHALLENGE CONTEST RESULTS AND PHOTOS...It took a week, but the photos of the 16th Annual Sherline Machinist's Challenge contest entries and a listing of results is finally posted. See the 2007 Results page for the whole story plus photos of the 11th Joe Martin Foundation Metalworking Craftsman of the Year winner, Pierre Scerri and his 1/3 scale Ferrari 312 PB model. (4/30/07)
NEW DEALER IN BROOKLYN, NY...Sherline has a new dealer in Brooklyn, New York. Anthony Pennacchio of VCS Hobbies has placed his initial order and is setting up a web site at www.vcshobbies.com. Give him a call at 718-921-6159.
SHERLINE WILL BE AT NAMES EXPO...As in the past, Sherline will have a booth at the upcoming North American Model Engineering Society Expo in Toledo, Ohio April 21 and 22, 2007. The Sherline Machinist's Challenge contest will be held once again, with up to $2500 prize money available for entrants. As a special treat, the Joe Martin Foundation will also have a booth hosting this year's Craftsman of the Year award winner, Pierre Scerri of Avignon, France. Pierre will be displaying his magnificent 1/3 scale, fully functional Ferrari race car model. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see this car in person in the USA and to meet the builder! (4/3/07)
MICROSCOPE AND MOUNT FOR LATHE INTRODUCED...Micromachining master Jerry Kieffer designed the mount and recommended this particular brand of microscope as being perfect for use with the Sherline lathe. Allow 3 weeks for delivery. The vision this high quality stereo microscope gives you on the lowest power must be seen to be believed. A 0.010" stalk looks like a fence post through the eyepiece. The microscope is also complete with its own stand for separate use as an inspection scope. See the page at www.sherline.com/Microscope.htm for complete details and photos.
THREAD AND GEAR CALCULATORS ADDED...Joe has developed a couple of spreadsheet programs to help you with your helical gear and thread calculations. Just fill in the known numbers and these handy little programs calculate the other factors for you. See the new page at www.sherline.com/calculators.htm for links to the two Excel programs. (1/19/07)
CE COMPLIANT NOISE FILTER...For some time Sherline has offered an electronic noise suppression filter (P/N 45500) so our machines can be sold in countries requiring CE compliance. A page showing and describing the filter has just been added to the web site at www.sherline.com/45500pg.htm for those wishing to learn more about it. The filter adds $45.00 to the price of any machine. Included with the installed filter is a certificate of CE compliance. Although we feel electronic interference from the DC motor is so small that it is not a consideration in most home shops, anyone wishing to minimize electronic interference can also install this filter on their Sherline machine.
NEW PRODUCTS ANNOUNCED...A number of customers have asked for a way to use an adjustable tailstock chuck holder with the Jacobs 5/32" chuck to hold tiny drills perfectly on center in the lathe. We have now added P/N 1204 to do just that. Instead of a threaded boss as is used on P/N 1202 for the 1/4" and 3/8" chucks, this accessory has a front plate that has a Zero Jacobs Taper (0JT) boss. The 5/32" chuck can be pressed onto this boss. The front and rear plates are adjustable in relationship to each other, allowing for perfect centering of the tailstock chuck with the headstock. Should you wish to purchase a 5/32" Jacobs chuck already installed on the holder, the combination is P/N 1016. (1/2/07)
NEW DEALER IN MONTREAL, CANADA...Rick Shousha has added Sherline tools to his line in his shop called The Modeller's Workshop. See the "International Dealers" section of the Sherline Dealers page for links to Rick's shop and all other Sherline dealers in the USA and around the world. (12/12/06)
LONGER MILL COLUMN AND TABLE ADDED TO LINE...A while back we did some special runs of parts for a CNC supplier. Since we had them in stock we told a few people about them. Now they are getting so popular we have added them to the line. The tall column has been in the Replacement Parts Price list for months, but nobody can find them among the columns of 8 point type. Therefore, here they are:
P/N 45261--15" Mill Column Bed. This adds 4" of length and travel to your Z-axis column, giving you over 10" of travel without using a riser block. The column bed part number is P/N 45260 for the manual version and P/N 45261 for the CNC version with mounting holes for the stepper motor. The leadscrews are: P/N 45270 (Manual, Inch), 45280 (Manual, Metric), 45290 (CNC, Inch) and 45291 (CNC, Metric.)
P/N 54182--18" Mill Table. This extends the standard 13" mill table by
an additional 5", giving over 12" of travel. There is only one version, as it
has no lasered reference scale and has holes predrilled and tapped for either
manual or CNC use. The choice of
leadscrews available are:
P/N 50172 (Manual, Inch), P/N 51172 (Manual, Metric),
P/N 50173 (CNC, Inch) or
P/N 51173 (CNC, Metric).
SPECIAL THREAD CUTTING GEARS AVAILABLE...Every once in a while we get a request for a special gear for the P/N 3100 Screw Cutting Attachment that has a different number of teeth than any of the gears that come with the set. Karl recently made a special run of gears with odd tooth counts. We have on hand a very limited supply of aluminum gears with the following tooth counts: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 and 39 teeth. Price is $15.00 for any gear. Thanks to a request from Jerry Kieffer we have also made a few 72-tooth index gears in steel rather than aluminum. The part number is P/N 32221. They are available only direct from Sherline and no dealer discount is offered on these special parts. These parts will not be listed on the price list. (11/15/06)
HARDBOUND COPIES OF TABLETOP MACHINING SOLD OUT...We just sold the last of the copy of Joe Martin's Tabletop Machining (3rd ed.) in the special hardbound edition, but we still have plenty of the soft bound 4th edition available. Since $10 of each purchase for the hardbound edition went as a donation to the Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship, we'd like to thank all of you who purchased a copy. (11/8/06)
G.E.A.R.S. 2006 PHOTOS ADDED...The Gas Engine and Antique Reproduction Show in Portland, Oregon was held in late September. Photos showing some of the interestig projects at the show and a bit of the surrounding area are now posted. Photos from all the past shows can be found via links from the SHOWS page. (10/19/06)
STEPPER MOTOR SPINDLE DRIVE KIT...For some time we have offered a retrofit kit through our Industrial Products Division that allows the DC spindle motor to be replaced by a stepper motor driving through a 2:1 timing belt pulley arrangement. It is P/N 6500 and we have added it to our regular line as well. You will need a 67127 or 67130 stepper motor. (9/13/06)
SHERLINE INVENTOR'S
DAUGHTER VISITS SHERLINE PLANT...Andrena Clisby, daughter of
the late Harold Clisby stopped by the Sherline factory to meet Joe Martin last
week. She was visiting from Australia, where she is continuing to sell the
line of tiny 9-volt DC motor powered Clisby lathes produced by her father. The
new Clisby lathes are far smaller than a Sherline and can be carried in a
briefcase for travel use. Andrena is seen here with Joe Martin viewing one of
the early blue imported versions of the Sherline lathe. Her father, Harold
Clisby was the original designer of the Sherline lathe back in the 1960's,
when it was also called the Clisby Lathe. He took the design to engineer Ron
Sher who helped him find the proper motor for it and who eventually produced
the lathe though his family tool business, Sher Pty. Ltd., renaming it the
Sherline lathe. Joe Martin brought production to the USA in 1974 and kept the
Sherline name on the line. (Click on the small photo to view a larger
image.) (9/13/06)
NEW GUNSMITHING PROJECT ADDED...See the Gunsmithing Page for the latest addition--Roger Ronnie's 1/2 size 1896 Bergmann pistol make using Sherline tools. (8/30/06)
NEW HIGH SPEED AIR SPINDLE ANNOUNCED...Engravers using small, pointed 1/8" engraving bits have asked for speeds higher than the maximum 10,000 RPM that our DC motorized spindle can provide on our CNC mills. We now offer a new headstock that holds a 54,000 RPM air spindle. This efficient spindle can be powered by a compressor as small as 1.5 HP set to 90 PSI. Included are three different engraving bits and seven grinding tips. See the new page on the P/N 8900 High Speed Spindle or read the Instructions for its use. 8/4/06
CNC USERS SHOULD STICK WITH EMC VERSION 3.38 FOR NOW...Although there are downloads for more recent versions of EMC published on some web sites, we have not changed to them yet because we have identified issues with them regarding missing steps that have not been resolved. We are still distributing the fully tested version 4.38 and do not recommend the other versions until these problems are resolved. When a new version becomes available that offers significant improvements in any area and we have tested and approved it, we will recommend upgrading to it at that time. (6/16/06)
STRAIGHTENING AN OUT-OF-SQUARE MOTOR BRACKET...It has come to our attention that a few customers received machines with motor mounting brackets that are not perfectly square. Having a motor that is not aligned with the machine is not visually pleasing, and in extreme cases can cause uneven belt wear. You can return the bracket under warranty or you can use this simple technique to square it yourself with much less down time. This link has been added to the HELP SHEETS page or you can go directly to it at BracketFix06.htm. (6/16/06)
NEW DEALER IN INDIA...We are happy to announce a second dealer in India with the addition of Gujarat Machine Tools to our DEALER LIST. They are located in Chennai Tamil Nadu and can be contacted by e-mail at gujcraft@bsnl.com. (5/22/06)
MORE ADDED TO NAMES SHOW PAGE...Several new contest entry photos and a hotel and restaurant review were added to the page on the 2006 NAMES show, contest and Craftsman of the Year award page. (5/4/06)
PHOTOS FROM THE 2006 NAMES SHOW POSTED...Due to popular demand (many people bugging me) the photos from the 2006 NAMES show and Sherline Machinist's Challenge contest are posted. CLICK HERE to see who won and also to see the display by David Kucer, the Joe Martin Foundation's Metalworking Craftsman of the Year who attended the show. (5/2/06)
PHOTOS FROM JANUARY'S CABIN FEVER SHOW FINALLY POSTED...It took a while, but photos from the Cabin Fever Expo in York, PA held in late January of this year are finally available. CLICK HERE to see some of the show and auction highlights. (4/12/06)
NEW PROJECT ADDED TO CNC SECTION...See Robert Rosenfield's nice supercharger turbine that was cut on a Sherline CNC mill. The turbine is the heart of a supercharger that goes on a restored 1960's Honda 50 mini trail bike. It is Project #8 in the CNC PROJECTS section. (4/12/06)
NEW CRAFTSMAN ADDED TO MUSEUM WEB SITE...See the new section on animator I-Wei Huang's inventive steam powered robots. (4/11/06)
SHERLINE TO ATTEND 2006 NAMES SHOW IN TOLEDO...For all of you planning to attend the 2006 North American Model Engineering Expo April 22, 23 in Toledo, please plan to come by Sherline's booth. Respected model maker Jerry Kieffer will be doing demonstrations, and Milan will be running our CNC mill. Next to our booth will also be a booth for the 10th winner of the Joe Martin Foundation's Metalworking Craftsman of the Year award. This year it is miniature gun maker David Kucer from Canada who will be there to show some of his award winning miniature gun replicas. For more info on the expo, see the NAMES web site at www.modelengineeringsoc.com. (4/7/06)
CLOCK MAKER WILLIAM R. SMITH OPENS HIS OWN WEB SITE...Renowned clock maker and winner of the Joe Martin Foundation's Craftsman of the Year award in 2000 now has his own web site. See www.wrsmithclocks.com or his page on telegraph keys at www.wrsmithtelegraphkeys.com. (3/27/06)
NEW DEALER IN ARKANSAS OFFERS TOOL DEMONSTRATIONS...Sherline is now accepting new dealers once again, and the latest to be added is Red Wing Motor Company in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Red Wing Motors has been around a while and has a good reputation for making motor casting kits of high quality. Under new ownership, Red Wing Motor Co. has recently added Sherline tools to their product line because they are suited to making many of the parts needed for their motor kits. They have a machine on site that they use themselves, and a demonstration can be obtained by calling for an appointment. See their listing under ARKANSAS in the DEALERS section, under both the "Stocking Dealers" and "USA Dealers" sections. (3/22/06)
CE CERTIFICATION APPROVED FOR EUROPEAN DELIVERY...After much research, design and testing, Sherline now offers a version of their machines that is approved for distribution in the European countries requiring CE certification. An in-line electronic filter has been added to eliminate any electrical interference that might be generated by the powerful 90 VDC spindle motor. Other motor and electronic applications are low enough power that they do not require separate certification. For many years CSA certification has been acceptable in Europe, but recent tightening of the standards required the addition of this filter. While the cost of this filter adds $40.00 to the cost of CE certified machines, there is no longer any worry about them being held up in customs due to lack of certification. (Accessory prices remain unaffected.) To order a CE approved machine, simply add the letters "-CE" to the end of any lathe, mill or machine package part number and $40.00 per machine to the price. For example, a 4100A lathe would be P/N 4100A-CE (add $40.00 to price), a 5410-DRO mill would be 5410-DRO-CE (add $40.00) or a 6210 shop package would be P/N 6021-CE (add $80.00 for 2 machines). Please note that we can no longer ship any non-CE compliant machines to EU countries requiring this certification. Customs may seize the machine and refuse to either deliver or return it. (1/11/06)
UPDATE E-MAIL SENT TO ALL CNC PURCHASERS...If you purchased a Sherline CNC system or an 8760 CNC driver box and provided your e-mail address when we put your order in the computer, you should have received an e-mail message that gives links and tips to a couple of useful updates for your 4.xx Linux operating system and EMC. A number of messages bounced back as invalid addresses and some purchasers did not provide an e-mail address originally. The message includes information about adding an UNDO/REDO function to your EMC Editor, fixing freezes that occur when running a short program over and over plus information on the new 4.38 release and how to download it. If you did not receive this message and would like to be put in the mail group for this and future messages regarding changes, updates and fixes for Sherline's CNC software and hardware, please send an e-mail to craig@sherline.com asking to be included in this group.
ROBOT PHOTOS SOUGHT...Sherline will be running ads in the new magazine ROBOT. We are seeking photos of robots or robotic components built on Sherline machines to possibly be used in ads. Your robot could become famous! Attach digital photos to an e-mail and send to craig at Sherline.com (replace "at" with @ in actual email) or mail them to Sherline on a CD or DVD. Please use your camera's highest possible resolution. Include a written description of the parts or complete robot. Include also written permission from the builder and the photographer for use of the photos for commercial purposes. (12/9/05)
HELP THE JOE MARTIN FOUNDATION BUILD A DATABASE OF MODEL SALES VALUES... If you have sold a custom made model gas or steam engine or other valuable handmade model or know of someone who has, please send us the details. As part of the on-line Museum of Craftsmanship, the Joe Martin Foundation is starting a reference database of auction and other sales results in order to help establish values for custom built projects. Send a photo of the item along with details on its construction, the builder's name and when it was made (if known) and what it sold for and when. If you are putting an item up for an on-line auction, send us the link to the page. One of the goals of the Foundation is to help show that custom machined items are valuable in the same way as other works of art like paintings or sculpture and to help establish a system of evaluation. We are mainly interested in custom made items rather than assembled kits. E-mail photos and information to craig at sherline.com. (replace "at" with @ in actual e-mail) 12/9/05
MORE SLIDE SHOWS ADDED...The Slide Show page is now pretty much complete, with links to each model of tool, a CNC section and a "projects" section. This is a great way to take a close look at our tools and what they can do. (10/11/05)
PORTLAND G.E.A.R.S. MODEL SHOW PHOTOS ADDED...See the Shows page for links to photos of all the shows we've attended. The 2005 Gas Engine & Reproduction Steam show in September. CLICK HERE to see some of the displays. (10/5/05)
PRODUCT SLIDE SHOWS...Starting with the 4000 and 4400 lathes, slide shows are now available that show overall views, details, accessories in use and specifications on each of our machines. Within a few days all the links will be active. The files are in .ppt (Microsoft PowerPoint®) format. If you don't have that program, you can download a free viewer that will allow you to open and view these and other PowerPoint presentations. It works much like Adobe Acrobat does for .pdf files. Instructions and a link to Microsoft's site for the download are provided. This is a great way to get familiar with the overall layout, details and quality of finish of each of our machines if you can't see one in person. (9/30/05)
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