Sherline 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe vs Sherline 8400 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System (LinuxCNC)
Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)
Two Sherline benchtop lathes with opposite set-ups: the 6840 costs about 1,200 € less but is CNC-ready with no controller included, while the 8400 arrives with a computer and LinuxCNC already fitted. The choice is between turning capacity and a ready system.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Awards | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2020 | — |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~1400–2000 € | ~2600–3200 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 26.35 × – × 25.4 cm | 26.7 × 59.7 × 21.6 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 21.4 kg | 28.6 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 430 × 116 mm | 200 × 110 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 367 mm | — |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 2800 rpm | 2800 rpm |
| Declared precision | 0.05 mm | 0.0127 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Swing over bed (mm) | 151 mm | 90 mm |
| Distance between centers (mm) | 430 mm | 200 mm |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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. | 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. |
MakerSpecs Awards
Most capable Intermediate
Highest technical score among the 46 Turning (lathe) between €350 and €900 machines: 100/100.
How we assign awards →Nessun riconoscimento in questa fascia.
The differences that matter
- Distance between centres 430 mm against 200 mm and swing 151 mm against 90 mm → the 6840 turns parts that do not fit on the 8400.
- Price about 1,700 € against 2,900 € → the 6840 costs about 1,200 € less, without a controller.
- Controller: your choice on the 6840, included on the 8400 → on the 6840 it must be budgeted and set up.
- Declared precision 0.05 mm against 0.0127 mm → the 8400 aims at tighter tolerances.
Which one to choose
Choose 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe if…
Longer and larger parts: 430 mm between centres and 151 mm swing. The controller is chosen separately (a 4-axis driver box with LinuxCNC, the Acorn with Centroid CNC12, or any other NEMA 23-compatible one) and adds to the roughly 1,700 €.
Choose 8400 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) if…
Small, short parts, up to 200 mm between centres and 90 mm swing, with the system ready: an Ubuntu computer with LinuxCNC, driver board and power supply fitted; only a monitor is needed. Declared precision is 0.0127 mm against 0.05 mm. The tailstock stays manual. It costs about 2,900 €.
Where to buy
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: the purchase links are the same as on the two product sheets and don't influence the verdict. The sheets have the complete data.