Sherline owners

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

Hello, just wondering if there are many Sherline lathe owners out there, i do see them mentioned occasionally on the forum.

I've heard a few horological types who own vintage Swiss metal dismiss them as toys but I've been hugely impressed with the accurate and repeatable results.

I've recently bought a mill and CNC rotary table which I've not had chance to use yet but seem to be very well made compared to far eastern hardware I've handled at shows.

Ok, they are not a Cowells but neither is the price.

Any thoughts?

Steve

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember32069]

[This posting has been removed]

[Cornish JackParticipant @cornishjack]

Very impressive machine with an equally impressive range of accessories and modifications available. Unfortunately, UK buyers suffer the usual cost problem of U,S, of A imports. I recently had a mantel clock repaired by a local c hap whose main workshop machine was a 'long bed' Sherline and he swore by it. When I first considered it, a big plus was the company's on-line manuals of methods of operation – very informative.

rgds

Bill

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

When I got my Sherline lathe with screw cutting kit and a host of accessories, the documentation weighed nearly as much as the metal!

It's about the only time that I've seen my Father impressed with anything! He even thought it was value for money.

Sherline stuff in the UK costs roughly in pounds the same as the dollar price in the USA. I think that's a lot to do with import duties etc.

Kevin at Millhill Supplies, Sherlines UK agents, provides a great service.

[Another JohnSParticipant @anotherjohns]

1) I have a Sherline lathe that is fairly new to me. Seems very good from what I have turned so far.

2) I have had a Sherline CNC rotary table hooked up to my KX1 and it has been spectacular.

3) The machine screws are the UNC style, which is a shame, as I'd rather they were metric. (metric feed screws though on the one I have)

4) As mentioned, the documentation and plans and parts breadth is incredible. And, I, too have been really impressed with the work produced by others.

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

I know what you mean about the machine screws. All the clamping screws are UNF and others are UNC. On things like the tailstock lock and X and y axis locks I've replaced them with home made brass and steel levers. Much more convenient than reaching for an Allen key every few minutes.

Edited By Steve Crow on 29/05/2019 14:21:14

[Martin Hamilton 1Participant @martinhamilton1]

I also bought a long bed Sherline lathe + a number of accessories from Kevin @ Millhill Supplies, i wanted something small for smaller work & to tie me over until i found what i was looking for in a larger lathe. I'd always been aware of Sherline over the last 40 years but just thought they looked like a very quirky lathe being very basic & with the motor towering above the machine, man was i surprised with this lathe after using it. This is deff a keeper even after i get another larger lathe, I can see clearly why they sell so many Sherlines around the world & considering how long they have been making basically the same machine all be it with upgraded mods which  will also fit any Sherlines no mater when they were made. I don't regret for 1 second buying this little machine.

Edited By Martin Hamilton 1 on 29/05/2019 14:55:50

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

I agree Martin, there is a huge amount of thought behind the accessory design to ensure combatability with every machine combo.

I like that fact that everything is modular so you can keep adding stuff until you have the set up which suits you.

I haven't touched my watchmakers lathe since I got the sherline. My bench drill doesn't come out very often now I have the sensitive drill attachment either.

I too was not convinced by its appearance. It was only after looking at American websites and forums that I realized it's potential.

[Another JohnSParticipant @anotherjohns]

To emphasize Martin's posting above, the one American posting was by a fellow on modelenginemaker.com, "Crueby" from Rochester NY who built a 1:16th scale Shay on his Sherline equipment, and took photos of the process.

Sure, things were tight at times (machine wise) but he did not need an 11×25 lathe and 10 ton milling machine to produce works of art.

I got his picture of his Lombard Log Hauler into the club chat section of ME a year or so ago; maybe you'll remember it.

Anyway, if anyone wants to see what Sherline equipment can be made to do, look at the above web site and look for the builds by "crueby". It certainly opened my eyes.

[MarParticipant @mar]

Good inexpensive alternative is the Taig lathe, sold under the peatol name in the UK.

£230 for basic kit with 3 jaw

**LINK**

Many of the models here were built with it:

**LINK**

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