Proxxon Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready vs Sherline 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC)
Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)
Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready and 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) are two turning (lathe) in a similar class. Choose Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready if distance between centers matters more; choose 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) if swing over bed matters more. On the category's overall technical index, Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready scores 57/100 against 36/100 for 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC).
| Parameter |
Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready
Proxxon
F2 · Intermediate
|
8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC)
Sherline
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2600–3100 € | ~2800–3400 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 40 × 90 × 30 cm | 26.7 × 59.7 × 21.6 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 45 kg | 28.6 kg |
| Work area (mm) | — | 200 × 110 mm |
| Power (W) | 870 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 230 V | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 2800 rpm | 2800 rpm |
| Declared precision | — | 0.0127 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Swing over bed (mm) | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Distance between centers (mm) | 400 mm | 200 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 system includes an Ubuntu Linux computer with LinuxCNC preinstalled for 4-axis control, with the driver board and power supply already fitted. The tailstock spindle remains manually controlled. Utilities to convert CAD files or TrueType fonts into G-code are included; only a monitor must be supplied. |
The differences that matter
- Distance between centers: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 400 mm vs 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) 200 mm — Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready wins (+100%)
- Price: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 2850 € vs 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) 3100 € — Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready wins (+9%)
- Swing over bed: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 85 mm vs 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) 90 mm — 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) wins (+6%)
Which one to choose
Choose Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready if…
you value distance between centers and price.
Choose 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) if…
you value swing over bed.
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.