Acorn FAQs

Click the questions below to find the answers.

I’m having trouble installing the Acorn software on my computer. Does Centroid have any troubleshooting documentation?

Yes. Click on the following links to configure Centroid CNC12 for Windows 10/11.
Instructions: Setting up Your PC for Acorn Mill or Lathe Software
Download: Centroid CNC PC Tuner Installer (Zip file)

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Where can I find out more about Centroid Acorn CNC control?

Centroid has a start-up guide for the Centroid Acorn CNC Controller Installation that includes written instructions, links, and videos to help get you up and running with your Acorn CNC controller. Centroid’s Quick Start Guide includes a list of minimum components and tools needed to build an Acorn-based CNC control.
Instructions: Acorn CNC Controller Quick Start Guide

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Does Centroid have a library of their complete Acorn documentation?

Yes. The Centroid Community CNC Support Forum has a complete Acorn CNC Controller documentation list.

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How do I configure Centroid Acorn to work with my Sherline Lathe or Milling Machine?

The following document provides step-by-step Acorn screen instructions for configuring input settings such as homing, axis travel, and axis configurations for Sherline lathes and milling machines.
Instructions: Download the Configuring Centroid Acorn for Sherline Lathes and Mills instructions

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Does Centroid have any operating manuals for their Acorn CNC12 software?

Yes. Click the links below to download Centroid’s mill or lathe manuals. The software is board-specific.
Instructions: Download the Centroid M-Series Mill Operators Manual
Instructions: Download the Centroid T-Series Lathe Operators Manual

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Can I change parameter settings with the Acorn software?

The Acorn Parameters screen provides a method for changing various parameters used by the control. You have access to 500 parameters spread across 5 tables. Click the links below to download the PDF instructions.
Instructions: Download the Accessing the Acorn Parameter Settings Page instructions
Instructions: Download the Centroid Acorn Parameter Settings

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How do I install the Acorn Pro License software?

A free version of Centroid CNC12 is included with each Acorn kit for setup use. However, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase the Centroid Acorn “Pro” CNC12 Software License. Click the link below to download the PDF instructions.
Instructions: Download the Acorn Pro License Software Upgrade instructions
Video Instructions: How to Install an Acorn CNC12 License

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How do I set the axis travel limits for Acorn?

Click the links below to download the PDF instructions.
Instructions: Download the Setting Axis Travel Limits for Acorn instructions

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My machine isn’t responding correctly to the Acorn controller. Do you have any troubleshooting steps to get me back on track?

Yes. Whenever you have problems with your machine, you should first call up the “Input Page.” This page will help you diagnose and correct any faulty signals. Click the link below to download the PDF instructions.
Instructions: Download the Troubleshooting for Acorn information

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Do you have any documentation to help get started with Acorn CNC?

BEGIN HERE FIRST! Read our Sherline/Acorn CNC Control Quick Start Reference instructions first. They go over how to connect everything on our Sherline control.
Instructions: Sherline/Acorn CNC Control Quick Start Reference

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Do I need to supply anything beyond the 9400 Sherline/Acorn kit?

Yes. Centroid has a list of hardware and software required to configure a Windows 10/11 PC with Centroid CNC12 software. Click the link below to download the PDF information.
Instructions: Download the What Customers Need to Supply to Use Centroid Acorn information

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What is the signal isolator board, and why do I need it?

The Signal Isolator Board (P/N 94310) is used in conjunction with our Sherline Speed Control. If you are using our Sherline Speed Control, you will need to have the isolator board. If you are using a different motor speed control, you may not need the isolator board.
The isolator board allows the Acorn to send voltage to our speed control via G-code. The higher the RPM, the greater the voltage. The max voltage that the isolator board will send is 10vdc. If you are buying a new machine, all of the wiring and adjustments will be done in our factory. If you are buying the Acorn control as an upgrade to an existing machine or a DIY system, click on the link below to download the PDF instructions.
Instructions: Download the Wiring the Isolator Board to the Speed Control instructions

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How does Acorn control the Sherline speed control unit?

Acorn controls the Sherline speed control and the resulting RPM. Click the link below to download the PDF information.
Instructions: Download the Sherline/Acorn Spindle Speed-Control information

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I want to add the External Encoder supplied by Sherline to my machine. Do you have installation instructions?

Yes. Click the link below to download the PDF information.
Instructions: Download the Installing the External Encoder on a Sherline Headstock information

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Can other CNC devices be controlled with the Sherline/Acorn controller?

Yes. The Plug-and-Play relay module allows CNC-controlled connections to various CNC devices such as VFDs, solenoids, lights, fans, pumps, motors, other larger relays, and contactors in a compact format. Click the link below to download the PDF information.
Instructions: Download the CNC Plug-in Relay Information for Acorn

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I want to use your Acorn controller but install my own hardware, such as motors, drives, and an encoder. Do you have schematics for wiring third-party devices to the Acorn control?

Yes. Visit the 9400 Acorn page and click the Specifications tab for DIY schematic diagrams.

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How do I set up my lathe tools?

Sherline user Franco CNC has given us permission to link his video Centroid Acorn CNC: How to Setup Lathe Tools. The video demonstrates tool setup on a Sherline chucker lathe. He has also provided a PDF cheat sheet. Click the links below.
Video: Centroid Acorn CNC: How To Setup Lathe Tools
Instructions: Download the How to Set up Lathe Tools-Centroid Acorn

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Does Acorn have “Conversational Programming?”

Yes, it does. Click the following links for more information.
Lathe Video: Centroid Acorn Lathe Conversational Programming Primer
Mill Video: Centroid DXF Import Using Intercon Conversational Software
CENTROID CNC Control User Training Video: CNC Milling Machine Training

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Can you control more than one Acorn controller from a single PC?

No. The Acorn controller uses a static network port address of 10.168.41.1. It is dedicated exclusively to running this machine. Even if the PC you use has two network ports, one will be used for the Acorn controller and the other for internet access (Windows updates, software updates, TeamViewer, Remote access, etc.). Please see page 19 of the linked PDF file below.
Instructions: Download the Centroid AcornCNC Installation Manual (page 19)

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How do I open the PLC I/O display on my control screen?

Use the link below for instructions on how to open the PLC I/O display.
Instructions: Download the Sherline/Acorn Controller Live PLC I/O Display Screen

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When I turn on my spindle, it begins to ramp up to speed but then shuts down. What is causing this to happen?

Use the link below for instructions on assessing your encoder problem. The likelihood, though, is that the issue is with your encoder, and it will need to be replaced.
Instructions: Download the Acorn External Rotary Encoder Troubleshooting instructions

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