I started with a Sherline mini-mill in 1998. It could possibly be used putting inlays into parts but I would have to say it was worse than useless for inlaying full cues. The gibbs are to short and the anti-backlash system is primitive to say the least. With a jig set up to hold and index the cue the weight was so off-set that the gibbs were always binding and losing steps and the anti-backlash brass nuts would where out in a couple of hours of running. I had to sit there continuously to listen for a change in sound so that I could hit escape before the cue was ruined. I still lost about one in four cues. I finally put in some small, low friction, automatic anti-backlash screws and nuts like the alignrite use but these were very difficult to adapt and you still have the problems with the small gibbs. I finally built my own Gantry type using Thompson 1 inch ball screws with 1000 in/ounce motors and THk linear tracks and bearings and retired the Sherline. I did use the software and the fourth axis from the Sherline on my new system.
I would not recommend the Sherline for inlay work in a cue. What ever money saved in the initial purchase will soon be used up buying parts, lost cues, lost time and aggravation.
Dick
I would not recommend the Sherline for inlay work in a cue. What ever money saved in the initial purchase will soon be used up buying parts, lost cues, lost time and aggravation.
Dick
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That means I have to sell the kids and rent out the girlfriend for only 6 months.