anyone have any info on this setup? sherline 5400

[simila95]

http://www.sherline.com/8540pg.htm
its the 5400 model on the left. have a chance to buy the machine for 1000. or maybe less. Just wondering if its worth the money. Its obviously used and I dont want to get into a mess. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[awerby]

It's a good machine for that. Obviously, the question of what it's worth depends on whether it's in good shape, but careful inspection and testing should be able to settle that. Does it have any tooling with it? Does it come with the computer used to drive it, or would you have to provide that? If it doesn't have the computer, does it have the control box and cables? Is it under warranty, or as-is, where is? Can you visit it and see it run?

There's a thread that's active today (Need Help!- Sherline mill for cnc or maybe X2? - need opinions.) where people are debating the relative merits of a machine like this versus a Chinese retrofit. Advocates of the X2 point out that it can take a heavier cut, but Sherline partisans respond that this is not the most crucial thing for a small mill to do. For most projects, it's more important to be able to spin a small tool faster than slower but with more torque. These Chinese machines generally drive the spindle with a plastic gear-train that isn't exactly the ultimate in quietness, longevity or efficiency. Their workmanship varies from acceptable to not. And their coarser, looser leadscrew assemblies are not optimal for CNC conversion. But they are cheaper and heavier than the Sherline, if that matters to you.

If what you really want is a Bridgeport, save up for one - the Sherline doesn't do what it can in terms of heaviness of cut. On the other hand, the Sherline, with its faster spindle, will do a better job on small details than a Bridgeport can, and that's what small models usually require.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

http://www.sherline.com/8540pg.htm
its the 5400 model on the left. have a chance to buy the machine for 1000. or maybe less. Just wondering if its worth the money. Its obviously used and I dont want to get into a mess. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[simila95]

after going over the mills thate are available it seems the sherline might be too small for me. I plan on making many motorcycle parts from rear sets to triple trees and the sherline is seems like it will be maxed out with everything i make. it still is pretty tempting tho. It does come with the computer and some tooling.

[eartaker]

If you think it will be to small then it will be. I thought my X2 was going to big enough for RC car parts but It wasn't. It is better to go bigger than what you need rather than smaller. I'm not saying you need to get something huge but I would keep looking for the travels you want.

[g29cc]

The Sherline might be able to do something like a rear set, but it would take a VERY long time to make such tiny cuts. You would probably spend days trying to cut out one part with any accuracy.

You need something like this at minimum.

http://novakon.net/nm-145.html

There is also the Tormach 770 and a few other brands out there.

I own a NM 200 Novakon and its a great machine. But if your serious about making parts for motorcycles, if just for yourself, then thats one thing. But if you want to make parts and sell them, then your in a totally different area.

As said the X2 is a good machine for little parts as well, and if your looking at the Sherline , you might think that something like the X2 is a good size machine. But I would suggest , whatever your part size, double that for a working envelope of travel on any machine you look at MINIMUM.

It would be silly to make one rear set or one part at a time if you want to do any type of quantity type work.

I own a few small machines as well, and they are good for really small parts. They hold parts some what accurately if you take light cuts. Tooling is not available like it is for bigger machines and fixtures etc.

So keep everything in mind that when your buying your machine what type tooling and fixtures you are going to work with.

I think motorcycle parts needs a way bigger machine then a Sherline.

Bottom line, you have to pay to play. Don't think that getting a $1000-2000 machine that your going to be in the "business", unless your only doing it for fun as a side hobby.

Good luck with your decision.