Sherline lathes can be retrofitted to include a digital readout. Lathes can also be ordered new with factory installed digital readouts. This not only saves you the installation time, it saves a little money too, as you don’t pay for any of the parts like standard handwheels that are replaced in the DRO upgrade
October 20, 2026
We would like to share an encouraging development regarding the future of Sherline Products.
We are currently in discussions with an American manufacturer regarding the potential purchase of Sherline’s intellectual property and remaining inventory. The goal of this proposed acquisition is to preserve and revitalize the Sherline brand while providing continued availability of replacement parts, accessories, and machines for our valued customers.
As these discussions progress, we have agreed to temporarily suspend accepting new orders, effective October 19, 2026. This will allow us to preserve our remaining inventory while negotiations are underway.
Although no final agreement has been reached, we are hopeful that this opportunity will provide a positive path forward for the Sherline name and the customers who have trusted our products for more than five decades.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued loyalty during this transition. We will share additional information as soon as it becomes available.
Our greatest hope is that the Sherline legacy of quality, precision, and American craftsmanship will continue for generations to come.
Karl Rohlin III and Charla Papp
Co-Owners, Sherline Products, Inc.
- Inch models show position to 0.0005″ (three and a half decimal places)
- Metric models show position to 0.01 mm
- 15″ (381 mm) steel bed giving 8″ (203 mm) between centers
- Maximum diameter over bed: 3.50″ (90 mm)
- Crosslide travel: 2.75″ × 6.00″ (70 mm × 152 mm)
- 90 V DC motor with electronic speed control – continuously variable 70–2,800 RPM (no belt changes required)*
- DRO handwheels on leadscrew and crosslide
- DRO (Digital Readout) – precise, repeatable positioning, improving accuracy over handwheel-only control
- DRO readout box, DRO-compatible handwheels / encoder setup
- Pulleys, drive belt, faceplate, lathe dog
- Two dead centers
- Three hex keys
- Standard tool post
- Sharpened high-speed steel cutting tool
- Grounded 3-wire power cord (8 ft)
- Instruction manual
- Inch models show position to 0.0005″ (three and a half decimal places)
- Metric models show position to 0.01 mm
- 24″ (610 mm) steel bed giving 17″ (431 mm) between centers
- Maximum diameter over bed: 3.50″ (90 mm)
- Crosslide travel: 2.75″ × 6.00″ (70 mm × 152 mm)
- 90 V DC motor with electronic speed control - continuously variable 70–2,800 RPM (no belt changes required)*
- DRO handwheels on leadscrew and crosslide
- Rocker-style tool post included
- DRO (Digital Readout) - precise, repeatable positioning, improving accuracy over handwheel-only control
- DRO readout box, DRO-compatible handwheels / encoder setup
- Pulleys, drive belt, faceplate, lathe dog
- Two dead centers
- Three hex keys
- Rocker tool post
- Sharpened high-speed steel cutting tool
- Grounded 3-wire power cord (8 ft)
- Instruction manual
8″ Tabletop Lathe with DRO
Our 8″ DRO Benchtop lathes includes a digital readout box and specialized handwheels with built-in electronic encoders that replace the standard handwheels (standard handwheels are not included with the DRO option). These DRO handwheels interface with the readout box, which translates handwheel movement into precise digital readings for each axis. Each axis can be zeroed at any time with the push of a button, and the DRO continuously displays spindle RPM whenever the motor is running. The readout is compatible with both inch and metric machines.
This compact DRO lathe is ideal for customers who need a small-format machine capable of producing highly accurate, precision parts. Proudly made in the USA, all our lathes are backed by exceptional customer support. Despite its desktop size, this machine delivers full-size performance – capable of cutting wood, plastic, aluminum, and even steel with excellent rigidity and accuracy.
Using the DRO System
The DRO displays each axis position relative to a zero point you set.
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.
Features of the 8″ Benchtop Lathe
What’s Included
17″ Benchtop Lathe with DRO
Our 17″ DRO Benchtop lathes includes a digital readout box and specialized handwheels with built-in electronic encoders that replace the standard handwheels (standard handwheels are not included with the DRO option). These DRO handwheels interface with the readout box, which translates handwheel movement into precise digital readings for each axis. Each axis can be zeroed at any time with the push of a button, and the DRO continuously displays spindle RPM whenever the motor is running. The readout is compatible with both inch and metric machines.
This compact DRO lathe is ideal for customers who need a small-format machine capable of producing highly accurate, precision parts. Proudly made in the USA, all our lathes are backed by exceptional customer support. Despite its desktop size, this machine delivers full-size performance - capable of cutting wood, plastic, aluminum, and even steel with excellent rigidity and accuracy.
Using the DRO System
The DRO displays each axis position relative to a zero point you set.
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.