Sherline Model 5100 Metric Mill

At first glance, a vertical mill looks similar to a drill press, but there are some important differences; such as, a spindle that can take side loads as well as end loads and an accurate method of moving the work in relation to the spindle on all three axes. Sherline milling machines can perform all of the tasks and operations that a large commercial machine can perform. Operations such as fly cutting, precision drilling, and boring are all routine tasks for the Sherline mill. Because the tool turns rather than the work, much larger parts can be worked on in a mill, and these parts need not be round. The work is securely held, thus extremely accurate hole patterns can be drilled or bored. The longer X-axis throw also increases the machine's versatility over that of the lathe with the vertical milling column attachment. It is an extremely rigid, accurate tool that accomplishes tough machining jobs with ease.

The 5000-series mills are Sherline's most economical mills and would be a good starting point for any miniature machine shop. They feature a solid 10" (254mm) aluminum base, precision machined dovetailed slides with adjustable gibs, permanently lubricated spindle bearings, adjustable preload anti-backlash feed screws on the X- and Y-axes, two 1-5/8" (41mm) laser engraved aluminum handwheels, one 2-1/2" (63mm) laser engraved handwheel with thrust bearings, and many other features found only on the best commercial machines.