Mill Column for Sherline Lathe

[mikiek]

I have the MIll Bug once again. Have been almost ready to click the Send Order button on a Sherline mill but have been able to resist.

 

Background: I do have a Sherline 17" lathe already. Now I'm see this and wondering if it is a viable alternative.

 

I use the lathe and would use the mill for modelling. This means mostly small parts from wood or brass. I have no intention of moving to harder metals or big items. And I also don't use the lathe that much, so something like this column might help get more use out of the base parts rather than having another base, another motor etc.

 

So I wonder if anyone has experience or knowledge of this column accessory. It would sure be a lot less $$$ than getting a complete mill.

[gjdale]

Mike,

 

It might be a good solution if budget is your driving concern. However, don't overlook the (in)convenience factor. Mr Murphy stipulates that when you want to use the Mill, it will be configured for lathe work, and when you want to use the lathe it will be configured for mill work. And then there are those occasions when you will want to go straight from lathe to mill. If you can live with this, then go for it. Otherwise, splash the extra cash and buy the separate mill. I have both and don't regret a cent spent on either.

 

Go on, you know you want to.........

[Landlubber Mike]

Hey Mike,

 

I bought both separately on eBay, and only after they arrived did I realize that there was the mill column attachment.  I had a bit of regret after seeing that option, but eventually came to the same conclusion that Grant did which helped me to validate my purchases.  If you have space and budget restrictions, and don't mind the inconvenience of reconfiguring the machine, then I think the mill column is a very nice option.

[mikiek]

So far I have used the lathe when making all the yards for my build. That's it. So it has seen a lot of shelf time, and a pretty big spot of real estate at that. Separate mill has a smaller footprint but will require a shelf with a lot of height.

 

All of that would push me towards the column. What I don't know is how well a column works compared to a separate unit. I trust Sherline, I don't think they would be selling something that didn't perform - but who knows?

[alde]

Mike, I'm with the others on this one. I would get the separate tool if space is the main concern. The mill attachment will take up almost as much space as the mill. I have both and they are fantastic tools. As far as cost goes the attachment is almost $400. How much more is the whole mill? They would both be ready to go when you need them without converting them and worried about alignment and set-up every time.

[dgbot]

This question has come up in the Chgo clubs many imes over the years and I usually hear both th pros and the cons.  Pros.  More versatility, a smaller footprint, and cost are the pros.  Moovement of the XY carraige is lightly limited.  And setting up the column is supposed to be difficult to make sure everything is level d this can be done with a dial indicater. and the size of the part that can be milled.  It all depends on what you are going to do with it.

David B 

[mikiek]

Al, thanks for the input. Your having both items is helpful. The complete mill, DRO along with an accessory pack, is about $1200 more. That could pay for a lot of clamps, bits, etc.

 

On the other hand, your point about the column size is well taken. For some reason I wasn't thinking it was that big.

 

If you have a chance, would you mind measuring your complete unit? Please include the motor hanging off the column

[mikiek]

David, my usage will be mostly wood making the small parts we do in our modeling. No intentions of trying to make anything bigger.

[alde]

Mike, I see a brand new mill on ebay right now for $660. That's only $260 more than the attachment plus it has its own motor assembly. You would have to buy th DRO and other stuff separately anyway.

 

The mill takes up 12" x 15" of shelf space and is 19" tall.

Edited May 27, 2016 by alde

[mikiek]

Thanks for the dims Al.