The Sherline Mill & Lathe CNC Upgrade w/ High-Torque Stepper Motors is designed for individuals who wish to utilize their own computer and software with a Sherline CNC Machine Shop Package. This upgrade kit facilitates the integration of personal computing systems by providing essential components such as a 4-axis driver box, connecting cables, a power supply, and five high-torque stepper motors. These motors, which share the NEMA #23 frame with standard stepper motors, offer over 75% more torque, enhancing the performance of CNC operations.
The package includes a 4-axis driver box and a power supply, along with a 25-pin parallel cable for connecting the driver box to a computer's printer port. The stepper motors are designed to be mounted on the crosslide and leadscrew of a Sherline CNC-ready lathe, with X and Z cables linking the driver box to the motors. Users are required to supply their own computer, monitor, and control software to complete the setup.
The included software is Linux-based, featuring LinuxCNC (formerly EMC), which is provided on a DVD-ROM. This software is optimized for CNC operations, and users are encouraged to ensure their computer meets the minimum specifications for installation and operation. The system is compatible with computers that have a processor speed of at least 800 MHz, 512 MB of RAM, a 20 GB hard drive, and a 25-pin parallel port. It is important to note that laptop computers are not recommended for this setup.
For those interested in developing their own CNC systems, the Sherline driver box is available for OEM purposes. This allows manufacturers to assemble custom CNC packages with ease, utilizing Sherline's pre-wired stepper motors. The driver box also provides ample space for branding and company information.
Note: A 25-wire parallel port is required for optimal CNC operation, as a 2-wire serial USB port cannot transmit data to multiple axes quickly enough to ensure glitch-free performance.
1x Driver box with 4 motor cables
1x 3.7 amp, 24-volt power supply with cord
1x 25-pin parallel cable
1x 2 CD set with Linux/EMC2, utilities, and instructions