“CNC-Ready” machines are not turn-key machines. And cannot be used until stepper motors have been installed
All machines that are described as “CNC-ready” have Stepper Motor Mounts, but do NOT include Stepper Motors, Linux computer & software, or CNC software.
The MASSO G3 CNC controller, power supply, stepper motors, cable system and optical encoder are sold as a part of our Accu-Pro line of machines and are not available for purchase separately or as an upgrade option to existing machines.
See our CNC Machining FAQs page for answers to the most common CNC questions.
- Centroid Acorn CNC control board
- Acorn plug-and-play relay module (mounted and pre-wired)
- Internal wiring to DB9, DB25, and 2-wire Molex connectors
- Power supply, push-to-reset circuit breaker, and cooling fan
- External Ethernet port, power switch, and power LED
- Ethernet connection
- Power switch and power LED
- Cooling fan
- Three DB25 connectors:
- Sherline 4-axis driver box
- Aux 4-axis control for additional drives/axes
- Relay card
- Three DB9 connectors:
- Limit switches
- External encoder*
- Aux tool setter or touch probe (one at a time)
- Three 2-wire Molex connectors:
- E-stop button
- Spindle control
- Laser
- Dual logic power: 5 VDC and 24 VDC
- Input power: 100–120 VAC or 208–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- 15 ft shielded Ethernet cable (controller to PC)
- External E-stop with 2 ft cord
- The controller connects directly to Sherline 24 V stepper motors via the Sherline 4-axis driver box (P/N 8760).
- Not compatible with MASSO 36 V closed-loop stepper motors.
- For DIY users with their own motors/drives, use the “Aux 4-axis” DB25 connector. Wiring information for DIY customers is available under the Specifications/Downloads.
- Program directly from hand sketches or prints
- Import DXF files and generate G-code without separate CAD/CAM
- Ideal for new CNC users and those unfamiliar with traditional G-code programming
- Buys CNC-ready Sherline machines and installs their own motors, drives, and encoders.
- Purchase the base Sherline/Acorn CNC Controller (P/N 9400) without options and wire to your own hardware.
- Upgrading an existing Sherline CNC system including older OEM systems such as Denford, D&M, LabVolt, Paxton-Patterson, or Light Machines. For a sample Denford/Sherline Microlathe conversion using Acorn, see: Centroid Denford/Sherline Microlathe Conversion
- If you already have a Sherline Linux PC or 4-axis driver box, configure the controller
with:
- Spindle Control Isolator Board
- External Encoder kit for your headstock (Standard or 3C)
- Wants a complete Sherline system: CNC-ready machine, 24 V stepper motors, 4-axis driver box, spindle control isolator board, and external encoder.
- The Sherline/Acorn Controller is designed to support all of these configurations.
- To control spindle speed via G-code, you must have a motor drive or the Spindle Control Isolator Board and an external encoder installed.
- These components work together to accurately acquire and control spindle RPM.
- If you do not include the Spindle Control Isolator Board at the time of purchase, adding it later will require returning the controller to Sherline for installation. Email orders@sherline.com for return instructions.
- CNC-ready with factory-installed stepper motor mounts (X and Z axes)
- Turns parts up to 3.5″ (90 mm) diameter over the bed
- 15″ (381 mm) bed provides extended travel for longer workpieces
- 6″ (152 mm) crosslide for increased tool reach
- Precision-machined dovetail slides with adjustable gibs and backlash
- High-accuracy spindle and headstock used across all Sherline lathes
- Manual control possible with included handwheels
- Compatible with Sherline’s full line of accessories
- Made in the USA
- Model making and miniatures
- Prototyping and custom part production
- Educational CNC training programs
- Hobbyist and light industrial use
- CNC-ready with factory-installed stepper motor mounts (X and Z axes)
- Turns parts up to 3.5″ (90 mm) diameter over the bed
- 17″ (430 mm) bed provides extended travel for longer workpieces
- 8″ (200 mm) crosslide for increased tool reach
- Precision-machined dovetail slides with adjustable gibs and backlash
- High-accuracy spindle and headstock used across all Sherline lathes
- Manual control possible with included handwheels
- Compatible with Sherline’s full line of accessories
- Made in the USA
- Model making and miniatures
- Prototyping and custom part production
- Educational CNC training programs
- Hobbyist and light industrial use
17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe
Use the selections in the drop-down menus below to configure your machine. (For more information on the configuration options and accessory packages please see the options tab below)
Sherline/Acorn CNC Controller
[icon icon=icon-chevron-down size=14px color=#000 ] Controller Features
Custom control housing includes:[icon icon=icon-chevron-down size=14px color=#000 ] Compatibility & Connection Options
[icon icon=icon-chevron-down size=14px color=#000 ] Software & Conversational CAM
A free version of Centroid CNC12 is included with each Acorn kit for initial setup. However, it is strongly recommended that you purchase the Centroid Acorn “Pro” CNC12 Software License to unlock full conversational CAM (Intercon). Use the options below or visit: CLICK HERE for Acorn “Pro” CNC12 Software License details Intercon Conversational CAM:[icon icon=icon-chevron-down size=14px color=#000 ] Typical Use Cases
DIY Customer[icon icon=icon-chevron-down size=14px color=#000 ] Important Notes for Spindle Control
8″ Tabletop Lathe – CNC Ready
The Sherline 8″ CNC Lathe is a precision benchtop machine designed for small, detailed, and accurate turning applications. Built on Sherline’s proven lathe platform, this CNC-ready version includes factory-installed stepper motor mounts on both the X and Z axes – allowing you to add your own stepper motors and controller for complete CNC control.
With a 15″ long bed, 6″ crosslide, and a working diameter capacity of up to 3.5″ over the bed, this lathe provides the versatility needed for prototyping, small-part production, model engineering, R&D, and teaching environments. The rigid aluminum/steel construction, dovetail slides, and adjustable backlash compensation ensure repeatable accuracy on even the smallest parts.
All CNC-ready Sherline lathes include the same high-quality headstock, spindle, and bearings used in our manual models, giving you excellent spindle concentricity for demanding turning operations. The machine still allows for full manual operation when needed – simply turn the handwheels for quick setup or manual machining tasks.
Features:
Ideal Applications:
Note: This is a CNC-ready lathe. Stepper motors and CNC controller are sold separately. For a fully assembled and tested system, see our complete CNC lathes.
17″ CNC-Ready Lathe
The Sherline 17" CNC Lathe is a precision benchtop machine designed for small, detailed, and accurate turning applications. Built on Sherline’s proven lathe platform, this CNC-ready version includes factory-installed stepper motor mounts on both the X and Z axes - allowing you to add your own stepper motors and controller for complete CNC control.
With a 17" long bed, 8" crosslide, and a working diameter capacity of up to 3.5" over the bed, this lathe provides the versatility needed for prototyping, small-part production, model engineering, R&D, and teaching environments. The rigid aluminum/steel construction, dovetail slides, and adjustable backlash compensation ensure repeatable accuracy on even the smallest parts.
All CNC-ready Sherline lathes include the same high-quality headstock, spindle, and bearings used in our manual models, giving you excellent spindle concentricity for demanding turning operations. The machine still allows for full manual operation when needed - simply turn the handwheels for quick setup or manual machining tasks.
Features:
Ideal Applications:
Note: This is a CNC-ready lathe. Stepper motors and CNC controller are sold separately. For a fully assembled and tested system, see our complete CNC lathes.