Sherline says it is hard to say what is the most important accessory for a milling machine. It really depends on the type of work you want to do, but certainly the boring head must rank highly in importance for any shop. What makes it so important is that it provides a means of accurately machining almost any size hole. It would be very impractical to own drills and reamers for all the possible hole sizes up to 1.75" (44mm) in diameter. Another point to consider is the fact that larger diameter drills and reamers could not be adapted to fit on a miniature size machine tool. They are unnecessary too, because the boring head is infinitely adjustable so it can machine all of these holes. It is also capable of machining stepped holes for seating bearings and internal grooves for lock rings. Boring tools cut like lathe boring tools with the difference being the tool moves rather the the work.
The Straight Shaft Boring Head was designed for those who are using an ER-16 or 3C headstock. Our standard boring head has a #1 Morse tapered shaft and is held in the 3/4 x 16 headstock spindle with a drawbolt. This holder has a straight shaft and is held in the spindle using a 3/8″ collet.*
A boring head provides a means of accurately machining almost any size hole. It can also machine stepped holes for seating bearings and internal grooves for lock rings. Boring tools cut like lathe boring tools, with the difference being the tool moves rather than the work.
*NOTE: Sherline Products does not sell 3/8″ collets used with the ER-16 or 3C headstock spindles. Those are available through Hardinge Inc. or other tool supply sources.
Sherline Boring Head (Metric) 3049 Instructions
CA Prop 65 WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance know to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13