An easy way to increase the size of work that can be machined on your Sherline mill is the addition of the horizontal milling conversion. By allowing the vertical column to be mounted in various positions in relation to the table, and with the headstock and spindle rotated 90 degrees into the horizontal position, a tremendous variety of machining possibilities are opened up. Plus, the mounted to the conversion base and still operate in its conventional vertical mode as well, providing a very sturdy and vibration-free base.
With the work mounted perpendicular to the table, position "A" allows an area of up to 9" by 6" to be machined without moving the work-a very large work area for a machine of this size! (The right angle attachment, P/N 3701can be very useful for this purpose.) A second set of holes allows the spindle to be moved further back so longer tools such as drills or a boring tool can be used.
In position "B", the table is reversed and the column rotated 90 degrees to the table to take advantage of the long X-axis travel (which becomes the Y-axis in this configuration) This configuration could offer an advantage when drilling a deep hole.
A 3/4" thick sheet of aluminum 10-1/2" by 12-1/2" is machined and drilled to accept the base on your mill's vertical column. The headstock is rotated 90 degrees, and the unit is remounted to predrilled holes in various positions on the conversion plate. The mill's vertical column base should be modified by cutting off 2" from its height to lower the pindle in relation to the table.*(Machines made prior to 1993 will also require a 90 degree keyway on the saddle.) This allows the spindle center to go below the top of the table, meaning you can machine the edge of material overhanging the table. The cutoff piece from the column is machined flat and re-tapped to be used as a spacer block to return the mill to its normal height.
*Instructions are provided for you to make this modification yourself if you already have a cutoff saw and mill you can use, or Sherline can make the modification for you if you return your vertical column to Sherline. Alignment bars are provided with the conversion so that once the base and column are mounted and squared up, they can be quickly and accurately remounted in the future. Three alignment bars and conversion plate have a black anodized finish and the plate is mounted on four rubber feet for quiet operation. Complete instructions are provided. The horizontal milling conversion is a great way to easily work on larger parts with your Sherline mill. The tremendous versatility it adds to the machine makes it a very worthwhile addition to your miniature machine shop.
Note: The horizontal milling conversion was not designed to be used with the 2000-series 8-direction mills. the additional flexibility and versatility of that mill makes this attachment unnecessary.
6100 Sherline Horizontal Milling Conversion 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.
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