Product Description
If you wish to purchase a Sherline CNC milling machine but want to use your own computer and software instead of Sherline’s computer with pre-loaded Linux/EMC software, this package makes it easier. Here’s what you do:
- Order the CNC-ready mill of your choice.
- Order this kit (4-axis driver box, connecting cables, power supply, and three high-torque stepper motors). The high-torque stepper motor has the same NEMA #23 frame as our standard stepper motor but has over 75% more torque. For more information on the high-torque stepper motors, CLICK HERE.
- Supply your own computer, monitor, and control software.
This kit includes Sherline’s 4-axis driver box and power supply, plus three high-torque stepper motors. Plug the 25-pin parallel cable (included) from the driver box to your computer’s printer port. Attach the stepper motors to the stepper motor mounts on the X, Y, and Z axes of your Sherline CNC-ready mill and plug the X, Y, and Z cables from the driver box to the stepper motors. You are ready to go once you select and install your own control software. If you want to add a 4th-axis rotary table, purchase a rotary table with a stepper motor and plug it into axis A.
NOTE: If you want a complete plug-and-play system with a lathe or mill, computer, and driver ready to run, see the complete CNC systems listed elsewhere on this site.
Included Components
- Driver box with 4 motor cables
- 3.7 amp, 24-volt power supply with cord
- 25-pin parallel cable*
- 2 CD set with Linux/EMC2, utilities, and instructions
- Two spare fuses
*NOTE: A 25-wire parallel port is required because EMC2 is designed to be capable of running up to six axes simultaneously. Even though the Sherline driver box only uses four of those axes at one time, a 2-wire serial USB port cannot transmit data to multiple axes fast enough for glitch-free CNC operation.
Minimum Computer Requirements
In order to install and run a Linux-based system from the disc provided, it is recommended the computer have at least the following minimum specifications:
- Processor speed: 800 MHz or faster (Pentium III class or equivalent processor)
- RAM: 512 Mb (Sherline provides 1 Gb)
- Hard Drive: 20 Gb or larger
- 25-pin parallel port (printer port)
- (Laptop computers are not recommended.)
For the most current information on hardware requirements for LinuxCNC/EMC2, see LinuxCNC Hardware Requirements
Driver box available for OEM
The Sherline driver box is available for manufacturers wishing to put together a CNC system of their own. Why reinvent the wheel? This box and Sherline’s pre-wired stepper motors make assembling a custom CNC package easy. Contact Sherline for details on our OEM quantity pricing. We have also left plenty of space on the top of the unit to laser engrave your logo and company information and can handle that for you in-house. In addition, OEM suppliers using our driver box will be provided a link and a 300-word description at no charge on a special page on our website to describe your product.
Linux vs. Windows
The software that comes with this package includes Linux and LinuxCNC (formerly EMC) on DVD-ROM. CLICK HERE to learn more about the advantages of Linux and how it compares to Windows. Please read this if you are unsure about your ability to install Linux yourself on your own computer.
For Windows® Users Only Now available for Windows 10, 32b, and 64b
Use your own laptop or desktop via the USB port with Sherline’s CNC Controller. New from DPP Engineering is this new USB CNC to LPT motion controller. This product contains a microprocessor that simulates a complete CNC controller program and thus elevates the processing load from the host computer.
Visit discountcampus.com for more information.
