Sherline 5000 Mill Assembly Instructions

-5-
• A chip guard (P/N 4360) is now available that offers
additional protection from flying chips when working near
the spindle. It is not a substitute for wearing proper eye
protection, but it does offer additional protection. It will
also contain cutting oil to help keep your work area cleaner.
AVOID OVERTIGHTNING!
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 OVERSTRESS 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 8.
CAUTION!
Read all operating instructions and safety rules carefully
before attempting any machining operations.
THE CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Always use care when operating the lathe and mill. Follow
the safety rules for power tools on page 3. Turn off the
motor 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 firmly
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 fine 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
offers several good books related specifically to miniature
machining. See page 41 and the back cover for more.
Visit the Sherline Web Site for the Latest Updates
A world of up-to-date information on Sherline tools and
accessories and their use is available at:
www.sherline.com
Here are a few key addresses (www.sherline.com/...):
Accessory instruction links: accessor.htm
Links to interesting and informative sites: resource.htm
Projects by Sherline machinists: workshop.htm
Replacement parts price list: prices3.htm
Reference dimensions of Sherline tools: dimen.htm
Sources for raw materials: online.htm
Tips from Sherline machinists: tips.htm
Sherline photo factory tour: factour.htm
Special instructions and help sheets: hlpsheet.htm
LUBRICATION
MACHINE SLIDES—Use a light oil such as sewing machine 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 fine once you
begin using the machine.)
LEADSCREW, TAILSTOCK SCREW, CROSSLIDE SCREW—Sewing
machine 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.
TAILSTOCK SPINDLE—Wind out the spindle as far as it will
go and lightly oil it with sewing machine 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.
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
We have recently begun using a Teflon-based synthetic
grease to lubricate not only the Sherline tools we sell, but