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Each insert offers six usable cutting edges:
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Rotate 120° to access a new edge (3 per side), then
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Flip the insert for 3 more cutting points on the opposite face
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In comparison, traditional carbide inserts offer only 2–4 cutting edges, making ceramic inserts cost-effective over time, despite the higher upfront cost.
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Ceramic inserts are brittle and should be used with proper technique to avoid chipping or breakage.
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Caution: Chips produced during cutting can be extremely hot—even red-hot. Use protective eyewear, gloves, and fire-safe clothing when operating.
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Some materials, such as tool steel, may form long, stringy chips that wrap around the part ("bird’s nest" effect).
Use a chip brush and stop the machine frequently to clear chips. These chip clusters can ignite if they come in contact with hot chips. -
Use a bench grinder or file to slightly grind down the back side of the clamp (see blue circle in the image).
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This will allow the clamp tip to clear the step (indicated by the red arrow), ensuring full contact and proper clamping of the insert.
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Linear controller with integrated keypad
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Inch Collets: Part numbers begin with 1160, followed by two digits representing the size in 64ths of an inch.
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Example: P/N 116013 is 13/64"; P/N 116016 is 1/4" (16/64").
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Metric Collets: Part numbers begin with 1178, followed by two digits representing the size in 0.1 mm increments.
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Example: P/N 117813 is 1.3 mm.
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Inch sizes from 1/64" to 5/16", in 64th-inch increments.
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Metric sizes from 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm, in 0.1 mm increments.
- WW Collet Adapter*
- Drawbar & 3/8" Knockout Bar
- Set of 5 Collets: Inch set: 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16" Metric set: 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, and 6.0 mm
- 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 11/64", 3/16", 13/64", 7/32", 15/64", 1/4", 17/64", 9/32", 19/64", 5/16"
- 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.0 mm
- WW collet adapter*
- Drawbar & 3/8" Knockout Bar
- 3/4" collet pot chuck
- 1" collet pot chuck
- 2 WW collet blanks, large & small head
- 1/8" clamping pin
Ceramic Insert Tool Holder
Designed for cutting hard materials like tool steel, this ceramic insert tool holder features a triangular insert mounted at a negative rake angle. The downward tilt of the insert provides proper side clearance, allowing you to use all six cutting edges—three per side—before needing a replacement. The 3/8" shank fits Sherline’s P/N 7600 tool post (not included). A clamp, hold-down screw, and 3/32" hex key are included for secure installation. Replacement inserts are available as (P/N 22659).
Why Use Ceramic Inserts?
Ceramic cutting tools are a powerful addition to the modern machinist’s toolbox. Though more brittle than high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide, ceramic inserts excel at cutting hardened steels and other tough materials, especially at higher spindle speeds. This makes them ideal for jobs that would otherwise be extremely difficult or impossible—such as turning down the shank of an end mill.
This insert’s large nose radius helps achieve an excellent surface finish, particularly when profiling.
Usage Notes & Safety Information
Threading/Grooving Carbide Insert Tool Holder
Due to the variety of insert types and their cost, the holder is sold separately without inserts, allowing you to select only the specific inserts you need. The holder includes a clamp, 6-32 hold-down screw, and a 7/64" hex key for secure setup.
⚠️ CUSTOMER NOTICE — July 8, 2020
We’ve identified a potential issue affecting a small number of our Threading/Grooving Carbide Insert Tool Holders. Specifically, the cutting insert may not be securely clamped in place.
When tightening the clamp, the inside corner of the clamp may contact the step adjacent to the insert pocket, preventing full engagement with the clamping notch on the insert. This was caused by an early in-house clamp design that mistakenly used symmetrical angles on both sides of the clamp nose, rather than the intended asymmetrical design. This issue has since been corrected.
[caption id="attachment_33596" align="alignright" width="300"]
Click on the image for a larger view.[/caption]
To resolve the issue immediately:
⚠️ CAUTION: Chips coming off the carbide inserts can be very HOT! Use extreme caution. Carbide inserts can also shatter. For these reasons, proper protective eyewear and clothing are especially important when using these tools. Materials like tool steel can form long, stringy chips that wrap around the part. Use a chip brush frequently, or pause machining to clear debris. Accumulated chips, especially when hot, can ignite. Keep the area around the cutter clean and free of chip buildup.
3/8″ Rear-Side Cutoff Multi-Tool Holder
5/8″ Rear-Side Cutoff Multi-Tool Holder
Pool Cue Live Center
Adjustable Tailstock 1″ Die Holder
Adjustable Tailstock Custom Tool Holder
#0 Morse to 3/4-16 Chuck Adapter
This adapter fits into the #0 Morse taper of the tailstock to allow Sherline chucks with a 3/4-16 spindle thread to be mounted to the tailstock for holding tools or work. This is a simple and inexpensive way to increase … Continued
Linear Controller without Power Supply
The stand-alone controller is fully programmable via its built-in keypad and manages the operation of the connected stepper motor.
An 8-pin mini-DIN cable allows multiple controllers to be linked in a "daisy-chain" configuration. The controllers can signal each other to operate in sequence, enabling complex, multi-axis movements without the need for a computer or master CNC controller. They can also be used alongside existing CNC systems. Each controller can store two independent programs, with up to 40 steps per program. Each step can define distance, direction, speed, and whether the program pauses or proceeds automatically to the next step.
Sherline’s linear controller can also be daisy-chained with the rotary controller, allowing combined rotary and linear operations in sequence. This setup simplifies advanced tasks—such as gear cutting—without requiring CNC programming knowledge beyond what is entered via the keypad.
Items Included with the Linear Controller:
Controller Power Supply Information:
The optional power supply is compatible with 110-240 VAC and automatically switches between voltages for use in regions with 220-240V mains power. (The original version of this power supply was 110 VAC only.)
Individual WW Collets
Collets offer a fast and accurate way to mount cylindrical parts or bar stock in a lathe. Each collet functions like a miniature precision 3-jaw chuck and fits into a tapered adapter mounted in the headstock. A drawbar passes through the headstock and threads into the rear of the collet, pulling it into the adapter. This action causes the collet jaws to close and securely grip the workpiece. Collets are known for their exceptional centering accuracy, but each collet size accommodates only a limited diameter range—typically ±.001" (0.02 mm).
WW Collets vs. Milling Collets
Unlike milling collets, WW collets feature a through-hole, allowing material to pass completely through both the collet and drawbar. The maximum diameter stock that can pass through is 3/16" (4.5 mm), although WW collets are available in sizes up to 5/16" (8.0 mm). Collets larger than the through-hole capacity are sometimes referred to as “pot chucks,” as they are only bored to a depth of approximately .260".
Collet Accuracy
Sherline WW collets are precision-made and have a maximum runout of .002" or less. When the WW collet adapter is properly trued as recommended in the instructions, runout is minimized, providing optimal accuracy. Pot chucks (collets larger than 3/16" or 4.5 mm) are not bored through and may exhibit increased runout if your part extends far beyond the front of the collet.
Logical Part Numbering
Sherline collets are organized by size for easy identification:
Compatibility and Specifications
Sherline WW collets are manufactured in-house to standard WW specifications but are not hardened. The shank diameter is .312–.313", and the thread is .275-40. While some third-party WW collets may not fit properly, Sherline offers an optional .315" adapter and drawbar set (P/N 1163) to accommodate select 8 mm collets from other manufacturers.
Available Sizes
Sherline WW collets are offered in:
Special inch sizes up to .320" can be custom ordered with approximately a 3-week lead time. Please contact us for details.
Quck Order
If you are ordering a lot of different size collets please use the quick order table below to make it easier!
WW Collet Sets
Collets provide a quick, easy method of mounting cylindrical parts or bar stock in the lathe with a great deal of centering accuracy. Each collet is actually a small, precision 3-jaw chuck that fits into a special tapered adapter in the headstock. A drawbar that passes through the headstock and threads into the backside of the collet is used to draw the collet up into the tapered adapter. The adapter causes the jaws of the collet to close down, gripping the part to be machined. Typically, collets provide a very accurate part mounting system, but each size collet can accommodate only a small range of diameters of approximately ±.001" (.02mm).
WW collets differ from milling collets in that they have a hole all the way through the collet and drawbar. The maximum diameter stock that can pass entirely through the collet is 3/16" or 4.5mm. The WW collets that are larger than this diameter are sometimes referred to as "pot" chucks.The Sherline WW collet set includes a WW style collet taper adapter, a drawbar, and a set of five WW collets. These collets are manufactured by Sherline and are built to standard WW specifications; however, we have come across collets that are called WW and will not fit our drawbar and adapter. Be sure to check WW collets made by other manufacturers to be sure they fit our adapter before you purchase them. Sherline manufactures a slightly larger .315" adapter and drawbar set that will accommodate some of these other brands.
Collet AccuracyThese collets have a maximum runout of .002" or less. If the WW collet adapter is trued in as suggested in the instructions, it will run dead true. This will allow the collet runout to be at its best. Collet sizes above 3/16" (4.5mm), considered pot chucks, are not bored through. They are only bored .260" deep and depending on your setup and length of the part, you may experience greater runout further away from the front of the collet.
5-piece collet set includes:Other Collet Sets
Sherline also offers sets that include a wider selection of collets. It includes 17-inch size collets from 1/16 to 5/16", while the metric set includes 14 metric collets from 1.5 mm to 8.0 mm. These sets come in an oak box with a divider that has extra holes for more collets should you add them later. It also includes a drawbar, a collet adapter, knockout bar, two collet pot chucks, and a collet blank.
The largest set we offer includes 78 collets from 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm by 0.1 mm increments. This comes in an oak box with 96 holes in case you add some inch sizes but does not include the adapter, drawbar or other accessory items in the sets described above.
Deluxe WW Collet Sets
This set contains a complete selection of 17 (14 for the metric set) Sherline WW collets, including a blank, 3/4" and 1" pot chucks with dowel pin, an adapter, drawbar, and a knockout bar. It comes in a high-quality wood box constructed with finger joint corners that has a brass latch and hinges. A machined wood insert locates each part, plus a drawing in the lid reminds you where each piece goes to keep things organized. Extra holes are provided should you want to add additional collets to suit your particular needs. This set is a handsome and useful package for the serious miniature machinist.
Inch Collet Sizes:These collets have a maximum runout of .002" or less. If the WW collet adapter is trued in as suggested in the instructions, it will run dead true. This will allow the collet runout to be at its best. Collet sizes above 3/16" (4.5mm), considered pot chucks, are not bored through. They are only bored .260" deep and depending on your setup and length of the part, you may experience greater runout further away from the front of the collet.
Each set includes:*NOTE: Our WW collet adapter does not have a keyway pin for the collets. Our customers have been using our WW collets on our lathes without a key pin for over forty years without any problems.
REPLACEMENT INSERT CARDS: If you have damaged or lost your insert card, you can download a new one from the Instructions tab above. Then print it out, cut it to size using the crop mark guides, and insert it back into the box lid.
Complete Metric WW Collet Set
The Sherline metric WW collet set contains 77 collets sized from 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm by 0.1 mm increments plus a blank collet that can be made into any size collet by the user. It comes in a finely finished hardwood box with 96 holes, leaving room for other collets should you have extras or inch sizes to store.
Collet AccuracyThese collets have a maximum runout of .002" or less. If the WW collet adapter is trued in as suggested in the instructions, it will run dead true. This will allow the collet runout to be at its best. Collet sizes above 3/16" (4.5mm), considered pot chucks, are not bored through. They are only bored .260" deep and depending on your setup and length of the part, you may experience greater runout further away from the front of the collet.
Sherline manufactures these collets to standard WW specifications; however, we have come across collets that are called WW and will not fit our drawbar and adapter. Be sure to check WW collets made by other manufacturers to be sure they fit our adapter before purchasing them. Sherline manufactures a slightly larger .315" adapter and drawbar set that will accommodate some of these other brands.
Headstock Riser Block Set
The standard Sherline lathe can accommodate parts up to 3.5" (90 mm) in diameter. However, there are times when you may need to work on larger pieces. The Sherline headstock spacer block increases the lathe’s maximum working diameter to 6" (152 mm), significantly expanding its capabilities.
This set includes a 1.235" (31.37 mm) spacer block that fits beneath the headstock, along with a riser-rocker tool post to elevate the cutting tool accordingly. If you plan to turn parts between centers while using the headstock riser, you’ll also need a tailstock riser block to maintain proper alignment.
Note: Although the spacer block allows turning parts up to 6" in diameter, the lathe’s motor power remains unchanged. This accessory is best suited for machining easy-to-cut materials or for occasional use when extra clearance is needed. If your work frequently requires this added capacity, upgrading to a larger lathe may be advisable.
Tailstock Riser Block
Steady Rest
All materials tend to deflect away from the cutting tool when you are turning them on a lathe. This tendency is especially noticeable on long, slender parts and long pieces of bar stock, which makes it quite difficult to hold close tolerances. The best way to support a long section is with a center mounted in the tailstock. However, for one reason or another, this is not always possible. As an example, it may be a piece of stock that you want to center drill so that you can mount it between centers, or it may be a part where a center drill hole would ruin the looks of the piece. Whatever the reason, a steady rest provides a means of supporting the piece while it turns.
The Sherline steady rest has three adjustable brass blades mounted in a holder that mounts on the bed of the lathe. These blades can be adjusted to the diameter of the part to provide the necessary support. Another advantage of the steady rest that is often overlooked is the fact that work held in position by the rest turns concentrically with its outside diameter. This means that concentricity is assured when working near the steady rest, because, at that point, it must be running perfectly true despite imperfections in how it is chucked or centered at either end. The Sherline steady rest will accommodate any size part, up to 1.75" (44mm) in diameter.
A steady rest riser block is available, which makes it possible to use the steady rest on the lathe with the headstock and tailstock riser blocks in place.
