Proxxon Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready vs Sherline 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC)

Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)

In brief

Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready and 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) are two turning (lathe) in a similar class. Choose Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready if price matters more; choose 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) if swing over bed and distance between centers matters more.

Parameter
Identity
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) ~2600–3100 € ~2800–3300 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 40 × 90 × 30 cm 28.6 × 91.4 × 20.3 cm
Weight (kg) 45 kg 31.4 kg
Work area (mm) 430 × 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 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 system ships with an Ubuntu Linux computer and 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.

The differences that matter

  • Price: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 2850 € vs 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) 3050 € — Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready wins (+7%)
  • Swing over bed: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 85 mm vs 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) 90 mm — 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) wins (+6%)
  • Distance between centers: Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready 400 mm vs 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) 430 mm — 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) wins (+8%)

Which one to choose

Choose Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready if…

you value price.

See the Precision Lathe PD 400/CNC-ready sheet →

Choose 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) if…

you value swing over bed and distance between centers.

See the 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) sheet →

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.