Sherline 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe vs Sherline 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC)
Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)
Choose the Sherline 6840 if you want a customizable CNC-ready configuration with a larger swing diameter and a lower price. Choose the Sherline 8440 if you prefer a complete out-of-the-box CNC system with a preinstalled Ubuntu computer and LinuxCNC and higher declared accuracy.
| Parameter |
6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe
Sherline
F2 · Intermediate
|
8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC)
Sherline
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Awards | — | |
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2020 | — |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~1400–2000 € | ~2800–3300 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 26.35 × – × 25.4 cm | 28.6 × 91.4 × 20.3 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 21.4 kg | 31.4 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 430 × 116 mm | 430 × 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 | 430 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 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. |
MakerSpecs Awards
Most capable Intermediate
Highest technical score among the 46 Turning (lathe) between €350 and €900 printers: 100/100.
How we assign awards →Nessun riconoscimento in questa fascia.
The differences that matter
- Turnkey vs CNC-ready: The Sherline 8440 includes an Ubuntu Linux PC with preinstalled LinuxCNC and a mounted driver card, whereas the Sherline 6840 is a CNC-ready unit requiring a separate purchase and setup of the controller.
- Declared Accuracy: The Sherline 8440 features a declared accuracy of 0.0127 mm, compared to 0.05 mm for the Sherline 6840 model.
- Swing Diameter: The Sherline 6840 provides a 151 mm maximum swing diameter, which is significantly larger than the 90 mm offered by the Sherline 8440.
- Price and Weight: The Sherline 6840 carries a lower estimated price (~1400–2000 € compared to ~2800–3300 €) and a lower weight (21.4 kg vs 31.4 kg).
Which one to choose
Choose 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe if…
Choose the Sherline 6840 if you are looking for a CNC-ready machine that offers flexibility in controller selection (such as Centroid CNC12 or other NEMA 23 options), while benefiting from a wider 151 mm swing diameter and a lower initial investment.
Choose 8440 17" CNC Benchtop Lathe System (LinuxCNC) if…
Choose the Sherline 8440 if you require a turnkey solution equipped with an Ubuntu Linux computer and preinstalled LinuxCNC software for 4-axis control, offering a superior declared accuracy of 0.0127 mm, despite a smaller 90 mm swing diameter and higher pricing.
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.