Proxxon Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready vs Sherline 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe
Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)
6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe is the most capable in its class. 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe leads on the available specs (starting with price); Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready makes sense only for non-technical reasons (availability, support, ecosystem), or if the missing data matters in your case. On the category's overall technical index, 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe scores 100/100 against 57/100 for Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready.
| Parameter |
Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready
Proxxon
F2 · Intermediate
|
6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe
Sherline
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Awards | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | — | 2020 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2600–3100 € | ~1400–2000 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 40 × 90 × 30 cm | 26.35 × – × 25.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 45 kg | 21.4 kg |
| Work area (mm) | — | 430 × 116 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | — | 367 mm |
| Power (W) | 870 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 2800 rpm | 2800 rpm |
| Declared precision | — | 0.05 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Swing over bed (mm) | 85 mm | 151 mm |
| Distance between centers (mm) | 400 mm | 430 mm |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The machine includes neither a controller nor software: the choice of control ecosystem is entirely up to the user. Proxxon sells the complete CNC kit separately (NO 24 500), which includes a proprietary Windows-compatible control unit via RS-232/USB. Alternatively, the machine is compatible with third-party controllers that handle stepper motors through a standard interface; the axis connections are factory-prepared. Open-source software such as Mach3, LinuxCNC or equivalent solutions has been used successfully by community members, but these are not officially supported configurations by Proxxon. | The 6840 is a CNC-ready machine: no controller is included in the base configuration. Buyers may choose from a 4-axis Linux driver box (with LinuxCNC), the Sherline/Acorn controller (based on Centroid CNC12, which supports Intercon conversational CAM), or any third-party controller compatible with NEMA 23 stepper motors. The MASSO G3 Touch is not available as an option on this model and is exclusive to the Accu-Pro line. G-code programs can be generated on any operating system using third-party CAM software. |
MakerSpecs Awards
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Most capable Intermediate
Highest technical score among the 46 Turning (lathe) between €350 and €900 printers: 100/100.
How we assign awards →The differences that matter
- Price: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 2850 € vs 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe 1700 € — 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe wins (+68%)
- Swing over bed: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 85 mm vs 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe 151 mm — 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe wins (+78%)
- Distance between centers: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 400 mm vs 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe 430 mm — 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe wins (+8%)
Which one to choose
Choose 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe if…
you value price, swing over bed and distance between centers. It is the most capable in its class.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.