Data Sheet

-5-
Avoid Overtightening!
One of the problems with designing and manufacturing metal
cutting equipment of this size is that the operator can physically
be stronger than the machine, which is not normally the case
with larger tools. For example, a 10-pound force applied a
couple of inches out on a hex key becomes a 650-pound force
at the tip of the screw. If you tighten both screws on the tool
post this tight, it becomes approximately 1300 pounds of
force on relatively small parts! Tools and/or parts can become
distorted and accuracy will be lost. Overtightening hold-down
screws and T-nuts in their slots can distort the crosslide or
mill table. It is not necessary to overtighten parts and tools,
because loads are smaller on equipment of this size. Save
your equipment and increase accuracy by not overtightening
and by taking light cuts.
Don't Over stress the Motor!
It is also important to realize that you can overload the motor
supplied with this lathe or mill.* The many variables involved
in machining, such as materials being machined, size of cutter,
shape of cutter, diameter of stock, etc., can leave but one rule
to follow...COMMON SENSE!
*The motor is thermally protected, so if it is overloaded, it will
simply shut down until it cools. See note on thermal protection
in the motor/speed control section on page 10.
CAUTION!
Read all operating instructions and safety rules carefully before
attempting any machining operations.
The Customer's Responsibility
Always use care when operating the lathe and mill. Follow
the safety rules for power tools on page 2. Turn o the motor
Lubrication
Machine Slides—Use a light oil such as sewing machine or 3-in-1
oil or grease on all points where there is sliding contact. This
should be done immediately after each cleanup. We grease
the slides at the factory to ensure the lubrication stays in place
during shipping, but light oil will work ne once you begin
using the machine. Do NOT use WD-40 for lubrication!
Leadscrew, Tailstock Feed Screw, Crosslide Screw—Light oil should
be placed along all threads regularly. At the same time, check
that the threads are free from any metal chips. Use an air hose
or inexpensive paint brush to keep them clean. All Sherline
mills now include oil reservoirs on the X/Y axes and the Z
axis to help keep critical parts lubricated. Another new feature
is the brass leadscrew cover that keeps chips o the rear of
the Y-axis leadscrew.
Tailstock Screw—Wind out the spindle as far as it will go and
oil it with light oil.
Handwheels—A few drops of light oil or a little grease behind
the handwheel will reduce friction between the surfaces and
make operation easier and smoother.
Headstock Bearings—These bearings are lubricated at the factory
for the lifetime of the machine and should not need further
lubrication. DO NOT break the seals.
Spindle Motor—Sealed ball bearings require no maintenance.
When NOT to lubricate certain surfaces
The mating surfaces of the arm, the column and the column cap
on the Model 2000 mill are to be kept free from lubrication.
Tightening the column bolt causes friction between these
surfaces to resist movement of the arm during the forces and
vibration of machining. If these smooth surfaces are lubricated,
the arm or the column could move during machining even if the
bolt is securely tightened. Clean these surfaces periodically with
mild detergent or bathroom spray cleaner to keep a good “bite”
between surfaces. The same goes for the surfaces between the
“knuckle” and the ends of the swing arm. These surfaces are
smooth enough that adjustment is easily accomplished with
the nut loosened even without lubrication. They should be free
of dirt and chips, but please resist your natural inclination to
lubricate them, as they do their intended job better when dry.
A Note on Synthetic Greases
Several years ago we started using a Teon-based (PTFE)
synthetic grease to lubricate not only the Sherline tools we
sell, but also the factory machines that we use to produce them.
This clear, non-staining grease can be found in most auto part
stores, and it is also available from Sherline as an accessory
in either tube or spray canister form. It oers smoother action
than conventional grease when used on sliding parts, and we
highly recommend it.
Initial Assembly of a New Machine
Your new lathe or mill will come packed in a box with some
items disassembled for shipping purposes. This has been
done to minimize the chance of damage during shipping. On
the lathe, you will install the crosslide table onto the saddle.
On the mill you will install the Z-axis column onto the base.
On some mills you will reinstall the X-axis handwheel. On
before attempting adjustments or maintenance. (Do not simply
turn the speed control down to zero RPM but leave the motor
switch on.) Be sure the work piece is rmly supported on the
lathe or mill. Accessories should be mounted and operated
following instructions carefully. Keep your machine clean,
lubricated and adjusted as instructed. Do not leave cleaning
rags, tools or other materials on the lathe bed or around moving
parts of the machine.
Learning More About Machining
Many ne books have been written on machining techniques
and are available at your local library or bookstore. Although
these books often refer to machines many times larger than
Sherline’s tools, the principle remains the same. Sherline
oers several good books related specically to miniature
machining. Visit sherline.com/books/ for more information.
Visit the Sherline Website for the Latest Updates
A world of up-to-date information on Sherline tools and
accessories, and their use is available at sherline.com.
Here are a few key addresses ( type sherline.com/ and then
add the following le names after the “/” symbol):
Accessory instruction links:
product-information/sherline-accessory-instructions/
Video instruction links:
sherline-videos/
Links to interesting sites:
related-links-and-resources/
Projects by Sherline machinists:
workshop/
Price lists:
sherline-price-lists/
Reference dimensions of Sherline tools:
standard-dimensions-of-sherline-tools/
Sources for raw materials:
raw-materials/
Tips from Sherline machinists:
tips/
Sherline photo factory tour:
about/factory-tour/
Special instructions and help sheets:
product-information/sherline-accessory-instructions/
help-sheets-and-instructions/
Information on CNC:
cnc-links-and-resources/
WARNING! WD-40 is a rust preventative, not a lubricant. Do
not use WD-40 on your machine slides or screws as a lubricant.