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For many years Sherline has offered its machines "CNC-ready" with
stepper motor mounts for others to install their own or aftermarket
motors and controls for computer control. Due to numerous customer
requests for a "turn-key" system, Sherline now offers a system that
is even more complete than most, and at a ground-breaking price. In
addition to your choice of 5400 or 2000-series mill with stepper
motors, system includes a new VCS Hobbies computer
with the Linux operating system and EMC 4-axis software
pre-installed on the hard drive. All cables are included so that
you can unpack the machine and computer, plug in the cords, boot up
and be ready to start working on CNC projects.
The Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) was developed by the
National Institute of Science and Technology for high-tech military
jobs. It has since been simplified for home and shop use by a
dedicated group of users and is available as "open source"
software. Sherline has added special enhancements that tailor the
program to be even more suited for use with a small tabletop mill.
Some of EMC's features are:
- Tool path compensation
- Backlash compensation
- Backplot program to show tool path
- Uses industry standard g- and m-codes
- Capable of using either inch or metric dimensions
In addition, Sherline adds value to the package by providing
detailed use instructions written by Joe Martin, one hour of free
technical support on the software and a one-year warranty on the
hardware for non-production use.
Inch vs. Metric Machines
Even though the CNC system is capable of handling dimensions in
either inch or metric increments, we still offer the machines with
your choice of inch or metric leadscrews. The main reason for this
is because we use dual shaft stepper motors with handwheels on the
rear shaft, we were able to maintain the option of manual control.
If you plan to use your machine manually, the choice of measurement
systems will have more significance, as the handwheel markings and
leadscrew pitch will be what you are used to. When operating in CNC
mode, this choice is less important because using the g-20/g-21
codes allows you to switch between systems when using a machine
with either an inch or metric leadscrews.
The driver board is installed inside the computer and has a
separate external on/off power switch. It is capable of driving the
mill's X-, Y- and Z-axis stepper motors as well as an optional 4th
axis. The optional 8730 rotary table with stepper motor can be
ordered and it will plug right in to the A-axis cable and can be
controlled with the 4-axis EMC software.
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