CNC-Ready 2-Axis X/Y Machine Slide

The Sherline industrial 2-axis slide was developed from components of the X/Y base of the Sherline miniature milling machine. The movements are designated as the X-axis and the Y-axis like a milling machine. The Y-axis moves the table in and out. The X-axis moves the table from side to side. If the table is mounted vertically, the side-to-side travel is still called the X-axis, but the vertical travel would then be called the Z-axis.

1. The slides are manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with a black anodized coating.
2. The 2-axis CNC-ready machine slides are available with table lengths of 13″ or 18″, and any table is available with either an inch or metric leadscrew.
3. Leadscrews are precision rolled from steel, and table screws are located under the table, out of the way of chips. Leadscrew backlash is adjustable.
4. Dovetailed tables and saddles have adjustable gibs to eliminate play.
5. 1-5/8″ handwheels are graduated in .001″ increments on inch slides and in .01 mm increments on metric slides.
6. Stepper motor mounts for NEMA 23 stepper motors

NOTE: CNC-ready slides cannot be operated manually until stepper motors are installed.

Mounting Provisions

FROM THE BOTTOM—Four 1/4-20 holes are provided in the base’s bottom on 2-inch centers for mounting.

FROM THE TOP—If access is not available from the bottom, the slide can be mounted from the top using the four angle clamps provided. They slide into the groove around the perimeter of the base, and holes are drilled in the mounting surface and tapped to accept the 10-32 socket head cap screws provided. Use all four clamps for the most secure mount.

Weight Capacity

Our slides’ weight capacity is about 10 lbs. depending on where the weight is located and how long the table is. On an 18″ table, you should not go more than 10 lbs. of weight at the end of the table (there is a leverage factor). If the weight is more centrally located (closer to the base), you can exceed the 10 lbs. limit.

Duty Cycle

Under heavy constant use, the dovetail area of the slide will start to show some wear on the anodize after one year (2080 hours). They are still fully functional at this point, but the anodized coating will begin to wear thin. The dovetail and the screw will last longer if you keep them lubricated with light oil*.

The leadscrews have a rolled thread which is hardened a bit by the rolling process. The backlash nuts are brass. The nut is the softer material, and therefore it is the part that wears out. The backlash nut is adjustable, so it can compensate for the wear until the threads are gone. You should get the same duty cycle (2080 hours) from the backlash nut before it will need to be adjusted or replaced.

*NOTE: Do not use WD40 as a lubricant on these slides. WD40 will remove the anodized coating from these parts!