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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 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 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 3. Turn off 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 fine once you
begin using the machine. Do NOT use WD-40!
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.
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
We have recently begun using a Teflon-based 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 Dry-film spray canister form. It offers 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
both machines you will need to install the motor and speed
control. Some of these parts are assembled and tested for fit at
the factory prior to shipping. They are then disassembled and
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 38 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 ( type www.sherline.com/ and
then add the following file names):
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
Information on CNC: CNClinks.htm
WARNING! WD-40 is a rust preventative, not a lubricant. Do
not use WD-40 on your machine slides or screws as a lubricant.
