18″ Mill with DRO
The 18″ DRO Benchtop Mill includes a digital readout system and special handwheels with built-in electronic encoders that replace the standard handwheels (standard handwheels are not included with the DRO option). These encoders connect directly to the digital readout box, which displays precise table travel for all three axes. The readout can be zeroed at any time with the push of a button, and spindle RPM is constantly displayed while the motor is running. The DRO system is compatible with both inch and metric machines.
This compact DRO mill is perfect for users who need to produce small, high-precision parts. As with all Sherline milling machines, it’s made in the USA and supported by industry-leading customer service. Despite its size, the DRO mill can accurately cut wood, plastic, aluminum, and steel—delivering full-size machining capabilities in a desktop-sized footprint.
Using the DRO System
The DRO displays each axis position relative to a zero point you set.
- Inch models show position to 0.0005″ (three and a half decimal places)
- Metric models show position to 0.01 mm
The system supports both ball screw and leadscrew machines. As well as the ability to use Metric DROs on inch machines or inch DROs on metric machines. It features six selectable modes based on machine type (mill or lathe), screw type (leadscrew or ball screw), and preferred display units (inch or metric). For setup instructions, refer to the official DRO Mode Instructions.
You can electronically compensate for backlash by inputting the measured backlash value for each axis. When the direction of handwheel rotation reverses, the DRO subtracts the backlash before updating the position—eliminating common errors and making it easier to track travel distance and direction. The power supply automatically switches between 120V and 240V, making it suitable for use in countries with 220–240V electrical current. A socket adapter may be required outside North America.
Notes on Ordering a Metric Mill – Most of our cutting tools, such as center drills, are manufactured in fractional sizes. If you’re using a metric machine with metric collets or end mill holders, you’ll need to order fractional holders to fit these tools.
Standard Equipment for the DRO NexGen Benchtop Mill
- Powerful 90V DC motor with electronic speed control
- 18″ mill base with Y-axis leadscrew protection
- 2.75″ (70 mm) × 18.0″ (457 mm) extended mill table with two T-slots
- 7″ × 13″ tooling plate
- 15″ (63 mm) extended column bed
- Extra-rigid column base
- Digital readout box with LCD display, RPM sensor, power supply, cables, stand, and all necessary mounting hardware. No hole drilling is required to mount.
- DRO handwheels that can be reset to zero electronically with the push of a button on the DRO display box.
- (2) 2″ (51 mm) DRO handwheels on X- and Y-axes
- (1) 2-1/2″ (63 mm) DRO handwheel on Z-axis
- All with laser-engraved aluminum collars
- ¼” drill chuck with key, #1 Morse arbor, and drawbolt
- Oil reservoirs on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes
- Pulleys, drive belt, three hex keys, spindle bars, gib removal tool, 8-foot three-wire power cord, and instruction manual
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Max clearance (table to spindle) |
14.00″ (356 mm) |
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Throat (no spacer) |
Adjustable |
Throat (w/ headstock spacer) |
Adjustable |
Travel, “X” Axis | 13.65″ (347 mm) |
Travel, “Y” Axis | 11 ″ (279 mm); 8.9″ (226 mm) with tooling plate attached |
Travel, “Z” Axis | 5.38″ (137 mm) |
Hole through spindle | .405″ (10 mm) |
Spindle nose thread | 3/4″-16 T.P.I. |
Spindle nose taper | #1 Morse |
Handwheel graduations | .001″ (.01 mm) |
Electronically controlled spindle speed range | 70 to 2800 RPM |
Width Overall | 20.00 (508 mm) |
Depth Overall | Base footprint: 20.75″ (527 mm); With fully extended brass leadscrew cover: 28″ (711 mm) |
Height Overall (Max.) | 24.50″ (622 mm) |
Table size | 2.75″ x 18.00″ (70 x 457 mm) |
Hold-down provision | 3 T-Slots |
Shipping Weight | 66 lb. (29.93 kg) |
Movements in addition to X-, Y- and Z-axes | Headstock rotation 90° left/right |
Column pivot | 90° forward/back |
Column swing | 90° left/right |
Column travel | (in/out) 5.5″ (140 mm) |
Motor | 90 volt DC with electronic speed control that accepts any incoming current from 100VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Click here for motor specifications |
Spindle Speed Range | 70-2800 RPM continuously variable by electronic speed control |
*Overall dimensions include motor and speed control
Click on the link for the exploded view of the 5800/5810 Mill to help identify replacement parts.
If you are still uncertain please call our customer service representatives for help with this item.
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5000 (5100) | 5400 (5410) | 2000 (2010) | 5800 (5810) | |
Max. clearance (table to spindle) |
8.00″ (203 mm) | 8.00″ (203 mm) | 9.00″ (229 mm) | 14.00″ (356 mm) |
Throat (no spacer) | 2.25″ (50 mm) | 2.25″ (50 mm) | Adjustable | Adjustable |
Throat (w/ headstock spacer) | Optional | 3.50″ (90 mm) | Adjustable | Adjustable |
Travel: X-axis (with stop) | 8.65″ (220 mm) | 8.65″ (220 mm) | 8.65″ (220 mm) | 13.65″ (347 mm) |
Travel: Y-axis | 3.00″ (76 mm) | 5.00″ (127 mm) | 7.00″ (178 mm) | 11.00″ (279 mm) |
Travel: Z-axis | 6.25″ (159 mm) | 6.25″ (159 mm) | 5.38″ (137 mm) | 9.38″ (238 mm) |
Hole through spindle | .405″ (10 mm) | .405″ (10 mm) | .405″ (10 mm) | .405″ (10 mm) |
Spindle nose thread | 3/4-16 T.P.I. | 3/4-16 T.P.I. | 3/4-16 T.P.I. | 3/4-16 T.P.I. |
Spindle nose taper | #1 Morse | #1 Morse | #1 Morse | #1 Morse |
Spindle runout of Morse taper | .0005″ or less | .0005″ or less | .0005″ or less | .0005″ or less |
Handwheel graduations | .001″ (.01 mm) | .001″ (.01 mm) | .001″ (.01 mm) | .001″ (.01 mm) |
Handwheel Type | Standard Handwheels | Zero Adjustable Handwheels (With the exception of DRO machines which come with DRO handwheels) | Zero Adjustable Handwheels (With the exception of DRO machines which come with DRO handwheels) | Zero Adjustable Handwheels (With the exception of DRO machines which come with DRO handwheels) |
Electronically controlled spindle speed range |
70 to 2800 RPM | 70 to 2800 RPM | 70 to 2800 RPM | 70 to 2800 RPM |
Width overall | 14.75″ (375 mm | 15.00″ (381 mm) | 15.00″ (381 mm) | 20.00 (508 mm) |
Depth overall | 11.75″ (298 mm) | 14.00″ (356 mm) | 22.25″ (565 mm) | 23.13″ (588 mm) |
Height overall (Max.) | 20.75″ (527 mm) | 20.75″ (527 mm) | 23.38″ (568 mm) | 24.50″ (622 mm) |
Table size | 2.75″ x 13.00″ (70 mm x 330 mm) |
2.75″ x 13.00″ (70 mm x 330 mm) |
2.75″ x 13.00″ (70 mm x 330 mm) |
2.75″ x 18.00″ (70 x 457 mm) |
Hold-down provision | 2 T-slots | 2 T-slots | 2 T-slots | 3 T-slots |
Shipping weight | 33 lb (15.0 kg) | 36 lb (16.3 kg) | 38 lb (17.2 kg) | 50 lb. (22.7 kg) |
Movements in addition to X-, Y- and Z-axes |
Headstock rotation (90° L/R) |
Headstock rotation (90° L/R) |
Headstock rotation (90° L/R) |
Headstock rotation (90° L/R) |
Column rotation | N/A | N/A | (90° L/R) | N/A |
Column pivot | N/A | N/A | (90° Fwd/Bk) | (90° Fwd/Bk) |
Column swing | N/A | N/A | (90°L/R) | (90°L/R) |
Column travel | N/A | N/A | (In/Out) 5.5″ (140 mm) | (In/Out) 5.5″ (140 mm) |
Motor Specs | ||||
Input voltage | 100 to 240 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz | |||
Output to motor | 90 VDC | |||
Current draw | .5 to 15 amps depending on load | |||
No-load output shaft speed | 6000 RPM (no pulley) | |||
Click here for more detailed specs | ||||
Spindle Specs | ||||
Spindle End play (factory adjustment of preload) |
.0002″ (.005 mm) or less, normal pulleys | |||
Runout at nose | .0005″ (0.013 mm) or less | |||
Bearings | Two 20 mm lifetime lubricated ball bearings with adjustable preload |