Sherline Lathe with Stereo Microscope

The purpose of the microscope and mount

There are a number of circumstances that might make extremely close inspection of the cutting of a part on the lathe important. First of all, this mount can be of use to those whose failing eyesight makes it difficult for them to work on parts. It is also useful for those with normal eyesight who work on extremely small parts. In addition, those who are tasked with working on very high value parts where a mistake can be costly will want to have the best possible view of what they are doing to assure a perfect cut the first time and every time. Added to the value of the purchase of this accessory is the fact that the microscope itself comes as a complete unit with its own base in addition to the lathe mount base, so it can be used apart from the lathe for other inspection purposes in the shop or lab.

The microscope is shown here with the stand that comes with it, allowing it to be used as an inspection microscope. Two pairs of eyepieces (8x and 14x magnification) are provided along with a bulb and two spares. The third 8x eyepiece contains a measuring scale. An alternate measuring grid lens is provided in the small white case. An adapter ring and 1.5x Barlow lens (at left in photo) are also included to reduce the focal distance and make the scope more comfortable to use on the lathe. An instruction book comes with the scope and Sherline provides a supplement with additional setup information along with the lathe base. A vinyl dust cover (not shown) is also included. (Click on photo to view a larger image.)

The lathe microscope mount

The sturdy Sherline mount attaches to the lathe table with two 10-32 socket head cap screws and T-nuts. The scope is supported on a 20mm solid steel rod. If your work setup does not provide enough light, the scope includes a powerful light source that can be aimed at your part. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Sherline has designed a special mount that accepts the head of the microscope for use on any new or existing 4000* or 4400 series lathes. It mounts to the rear of the table and includes a base and column. The stop ring is transferred from the standard microscope base. The base is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and the column is 20 mm solid drill rod. A mount for the mill (P/N 2127) is also available, so the microscope can be use on the lathe, on the mill or as a stand-alone inspection scope.

*NOTE: 4000-series lathes made before 1994 with a 4" long table will  need to be upgraded to the newer 6" table in order to be able to position the mount properly and still have room for a tool post.  Order P/N 44881 (6" table and leadscrew with standard handwheel, inch) or P/N 44883 (6" table and leadscrew with adjustable zero handhweel, inch). Call for metric part numbers. All 4400-series lathes have always come with the longer 6" table.

Sherline sought the advice of master craftsman Jerry Kieffer when selecting a microscope for use with the lathe. The scope we chose is a Russian-made scope of very high quality and sturdy construction. Jerry has used a number of scopes when making some of his extremely small parts, and found this to be the best combination of function, quality and price. It offers quality equal to other European scopes costing many times more and comes with all the features someone using it for machining purposes would want, such as just the right focal distance, a moveable light source and very high quality lenses.

When using a microscope on the lathe, only the lowest powers are practical for use. These give you a wide enough field of view to see what you are doing but enough power to see the tool and part clearly magnified. In fact, according to Jerry you can make cuts on a part .010" in diameter and it "just about looks like a fence post." Because the scope comes with its own stand, it can also be used separately where the higher magnifications would be of use for other inspection or examination purposes. The eyepieces offer 8.16x and 14.30x magnification. The focusing mechanism offers a range of from 2.47 power up to 47.2 power without the 1.5x Barlow lens. With the additional lens in place power is increased by 1.5x and focal distance is reduced to a more comfortable 2.75" from lens to part. The scope can be used with or without the Barlow lens depending on your needs.

The Sherline mount includes:

• Mount with billet aluminum base and solid steel column

• Mounting screws and T-nuts

• Adjustment spacers to re-orient the light source for use with the Barlow lens

• O-ring to secure light source in mount

The Microscope includes:

• Stereo Microscope head

• Microscope stand with metal base and rod

• Light source with sturdy cast metal mount, 110 VAC transformer and thee bulbs

• 2 eyepieces 8x and 2 eyepieces 14x magnification

• 1 eyepiece 8x magnification with measuring scale plus an optional grid scale

• Instruction manual

• Vinyl dust cover

Ordering the microscope and mount

If ordering a new lathe or mill along with a microscope and mount at the same time, add the letter "M" to the part number and $725 to the price of the lathe.

To read the instructions for setup and use of the microscope mount, click on one of the following links:

HTML VERSION (Web page version.)

PDF VERSION (Requires Adobe Acrobat to view.)

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