User Guide

FIGURE 1--Parts of a Sherline lathe (Note: Tailstock locking screw is now relocated to a
vertical position on the newer tailstocks. This drawing shows an older style tailstock
without gib or cutout front face.)
Leveling the Cutting tool
Each type of turning work requires the correct tool for the job. It is important that the
cutting tool is sharp and correctly set up in the tool post. The cutting edge of the tool
should be exactly level with the center height of the lathe. Check this against either the
headstock center or tailstock center. We also manufacture a simple tool height adjustment
gauge (P/N 3009) which allows you to check tool height at any time by measuring from
the table surface.
FIGURE 2—Leveling the tool using (A) the tip of a head- or tailstock center or (B)
Sherline's tool height gauge P/N 3009. The standard tool post shown comes with 4000-
series lathes. The 4400-series lathes come with an upgraded rocker tool post that allows
the tip of the tool to be adjusted up or down without shimming.
The standard Sherline tool post is designed to hold common 1/4" square tool bits which
have had a few thousandths of an inch (.1mm) ground off the top edge for sharpening.
Loosen the hold-down bolt and slide the tool post as close to the center as possible. The
tip of the tool bit may be raised or lowered by sliding a shim* underneath it. The cutting
edge must be on center or just below center (0.004" or .01mm maximum). Ensure that the
tool is fixed securely in position by firmly tightening the socket head screws. Try not to
have the tool cutting edge protruding more than 3/8" (10mm) from the tool post.
*NOTE: Thin metal shim stock can be used for this purpose. If you don't have any metal
thin enough, a single thickness of paper business card stock will usually do the job. Do
not use more than one thickness as it will compress too much. Our optional rocker tool
post (P/N 3057) allows this adjustment to be made without shims. It comes standard with
the Model 4400/4410 long bed lathe.