Sherline now offers a high quality microscope and mount for the Sherline lathe. The stereo microscope allows very close inspection of the part while it is being cut with variable magnification from 5x to 100x. It can be purchased separately for use on any existing Sherline lathe or it can be ordered along with the purchase of a new lathe.
The purpose of the microscope and mount
There are a number of circumstances that might make extremely close inspection of the cutting of a part on the lathe important. First of all, this mount can be of use to those whose failing eyesight makes it difficult for them to work on parts. It is also useful for those with normal eyesight who work on extremely small parts. In addition, those who are tasked with working on very high value parts where a mistake can be costly will want to have the best possible view of what they are doing to assure a perfect cut the first time and every time. Added to the value of the purchase of this accessory is the fact that the microscope itself comes as a complete unit with its own base in addition to the lathe mount base, so it can be used apart from the lathe for other inspection purposes in the shop or lab.
When using a microscope on the lathe, only the lowest powers are practical for use. These give you a wide enough field of view to see what you are doing but enough power to see the tool and part clearly magnified. In fact, according to Jerry you can make cuts on a part .010" in diameter and it "just about looks like a fence post." Because the scope comes with its own stand, it can also be used separately where the higher magnifications would be of use for other inspection or examination purposes. The eyepieces offer 8.16x and 14.30x magnification. The focusing mechanism offers 0.57, 1.01, 2.00, 4.00 and 7.05x powers. This provides a range of from 4.65 power (8.16 x 0.57) up to 100.81 power (14.3 x 7.05).
The Sherline mount includes:
- Mount with billet aluminum base and solid steel column
- Mounting screws and T-nuts
- Improved pivot joint for light source to replace the one included with the microscope
- O-ring to secure light source in mount
The Microscope includes:
- Stereo Microscope head
- Microscope stand with stage and adjustable arms
- Glass and metal stages with hold-down arms
- Light source with flexible mount, 110 VAC transformer and thee bulbs
- 2 eyepieces 8x and 2 eyepieces 14x magnification
- 1 eyepiece 8x magnification with measuring scale plus an optional grid scale
- Instruction manual
- Vinyl dust cover
2125 Sherline Lathe with Stereo Microscope Instructions
Sherline Lens Protection Filter Kit Instructions