The Sherline Milling Machine makes an excellent precision drilling machine. Accurate positioning of both the "X" and "Y" axes provide a simple way to locate holes, and, although the Sherline does not have a quill feed, the "Z" axis feed screw does give you micrometer accuracy for depth control. The drill chuck is similar to the tailstock chuck used with the lathe in that it is a 3/32" (2.4 mm) to 1/4" (6.35 mm) drill chuck mounted on a #1 morse arbor. The difference is that this arbor has been drilled and tapped for a drawbar. The drawbar prevents the arbor from working loose during use.

NOTE: If runout of less than .003″ amount is required, collets should be used to hold the drill rather than a chuck. This chuck is NOT designed for lateral loads and should not be used for holding end mill cutters

A drill chuck is probably the most important accessory you will need for your lathe. It will enable you to accurately centerline drill, ream, or tap any part mounted on the lathe. The part to be machined is chuck or collet mounted in the headstock. The tool is mounted in the tailstock chuck and fed into the part using the tailstock ram feed. Parts that are going to be mounted between centers can be center drilled this way. Other parts requiring a hole accurately drilled on-center can also be machined this way.

The Sherline tailstock chuck is a precision 3/32" (2.4 mm) to 1/4" (6.4 mm) 3-jaw chuck complete with key. The chuck is fitted with a #0 Morse arbor for use in the tailstock. Also included is a #1 Morse arbor and drawbolt so the chuck can be used in the lathe or mill headstock as well.

NOTE: If runout of less than .003″ amount is required, collets should be used to hold the drill rather than a chuck.

The 5/32" 0JT chuck with adjustable backplate brings a new level of centering accuracy to the 5/32" chuck. Extremely tiny drill bits require perfect centering or they are easily broken. By adjusting the front plate in relation to the rear plate which is mounted in the tailstock, perfect centering with the headstock can be achieved. This means your tiny drills hit the exact center of your part every time and do not break due to misalignment. This chuck can easily pay for itself in less broken bits in a short time.

NOTE: If you already have a P/N 1015 5/32" chuck, you can purchase just the backing plate which is P/N 1204. The 0JT arbor that is pressed into the back of the chuck can be tapped out and the chuck can be pressed onto the arbor of P/N 1204. If you have the P/N 1010 chuck (#1 MT back) and intend to change back and forth on a regular basis, we recommend you purchase the P/N 1016 chuck separately to avoid constantly pressing the chuck onto and off of the tapered back.