Thanks so much for all your info. I appreciate you taking the time to address the issue and I agree that a video on the difference between the imports and Sherline would be worthwhile. I've seen used Sherline packages on ebay and some look like a bargain. Being retired now, the machining hobby has taken ahold of me. I teeter back and forth from the larger machines vs. the mini's. I'm watching a ton of videos this winter and look forward to spring and time in the shop.
Correct me if I'm wrong. Unless you get an option pkg, you can do nothing with this as delivered. The stock to be turned has to have a a center drilled cone on each end in order to center it to so it can be used with the dog and dead centers. and to mount the center drill you have to buy a drill chuck or collet and collet adapter. So you have to buy a drill chuck/collet and adapter; center drill plus the lathe just to start!
Was that the "B" package of Accessories? I wish there was a video showing ALL of the SHERLINE Attachments & Add on items- I'm 100% GREENHORN with everything... I purchased the 4000 Lathe "B" package which has all the same Accessories you showed with the exception of a Rocker Tool Post (which I'm glad U mentioned-eliminates the use of Shims evidently ;-) )Have you added anything else for this Lathe not shown? I'm looking at getting the Radius Cutting & Compound Slide Attachments....I'm looking to PRIMARLY craft 1:24 Auto Model Parts & was told they would be helpful?? Any Thoughts or Suggestions Much APPRECIATED...Great Video!!!! Lee
Sir, I like your videos and am learning a lot about mini machining from them. I would like to hear your comments on the Sherline vs. the 7x12 Chinese systems. I always prefer buying U.S. made, of course, but could you elaborate on the advantages of each. The 7x12s have a larger spindle bore for one thing but is their accuracy near that of the Sherline?
+engelbob Big question to answer... I've been thinking about a video on this. First, not all "Chinese" systems are equal, I'm going to call them "imports" as they are made in a variety of countries. Many of the imports look identical and may even be made in the same plant, but quality can vary from one "manufacturer" to another when you purchase. To clarify, the same lathe might be purchased as "Sieg", "Grizzly", or "Harbor Freight" and all made in the same physical plant off the same original castings. Some "manufacturers" might have higher quality standards from the import plant, so their rejects go to another "manufacturer". Some manufacturer may pay for additional or more precise finishing while others don't. This makes determining quality difficult, it is a bit of a gamble really. I've heard very positive information about www.littlemachineshop.com, although I've not purchased one of their lathes (yet). If/when I purchase another lathe it will probably be their 3540 model for the combination of mid-size with big lathe features like the power cross feed... but at 220-281+ lbs it may be too heavy for many to install and I don't consider that portable in most instances. Fit and finish I've found to be poorer on import machines that I've purchased. Some of this may just be cosmetic (like very rough castings) that can be fixed easily with a file/metal filler/paint if desired. Pay attention of speed control, digital knobs vs. belts vs. levers, always changing belts can be a pain... Sherline has an advantage here but some imports include upgraded speed controls as well. Operating noise of the machine can be affected here as well depending on the drive system. Multiple belts/gears create more noise compared to the nearly direct drive and single belt of the sherline. Accessories... Buy sherline accessory and you know it will be compatible, with imports you might have to do a little more research and expect a few mis-orders that will need returned/exchanged likely at your cost. On the flip-side in favor of the imports, they use larger and more "universal" sizes of accessories so you have more options on what and where you purchase. Many times you can custom make an accessory for any machine, but often times there are a first few accessories that you need to make/purchase the same accessory before you can easily/accurately produce a like unit. Also sometimes it is really cheaper in material and time to purchase vs. make an accessory. Capacity and cost... Usually the imports are lower cost and have higher capacities which seems like a win-win, and can be for many users. Imports usually use cast iron vs cast aluminum, advantages to iron in cost/stability but disadvantages in weight and need to align/shim, advantage to aluminum in weight and relative stability/stiffness if you are moving the machine frequently. Heavier machines are usually better for machining as they absorb more vibration and add more stiffness... but if you can't lift the machine into the desired installation location (or the floor will not support safely) then that weight becomes a major deal-breaking disability. Accuracy... to reiterate what I stated at first, this is going to vary widely and can be a bit of a gamble. If you go to Harbor Freight and pick up an import lathe for $400-500 on sale, it is not going to be a super accurate or nice to work with lathe out of the box. If you go to LittleMachineShop and spend $900-1250 then you are likely to get a very nice lathe and you can add on some decent accessory packages.
beware of this company... i listened to all these reviews, never heard a bad thing about their lathes. jumped right in, ordered straight from the company. n my lathe's pulley wobbles. the motor makes a knocking sound, this all translates straight to the material you are turning, which is accurate to about .03"-.05" far from the .0002 i was expecting from their advertising on their websites. you'd think, someone ordering at full price from their company would get a decent version...i spent hours turning the brass to get it to spin true, to face the ends, and its never been within spec or tolerance, and i feel ripped off.
Put your tools on center. Don't blame sherline, it's probably you causing the problem. Listen go be a photographer you will do better hopefully. I'll buy your lathe from you and show you how it works. Since you can't use it I'll give you 400.00 for it all. Call me.
