Sherline 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe vs Taig Micro Lathe II M1017-5C

Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)

In brief

The comparison between the Sherline 6840 and the Taig Micro Lathe II analyzes two benchtop lathes intended for intermediate users who need precision on small parts. The choice between the two models depends mainly on the need for CNC integration and the turning capacity required for your projects.

Parameter
Awards
Identity
Launch year 2020
Use tier F2 — Intermediate F2 — Intermediate
Price
Price (€) ~1400–2000 € ~840–980 €
Universal specs
Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) 26.35 × – × 25.4 cm
Weight (kg) 21.4 kg
Work area (mm) 430 × 116 mm
Z-axis height (mm) 367 mm 44.45 mm
Voltage (V) 240 V
Maximum speed 2800 rpm 4000 rpm
Declared precision 0.05 mm 0.0127 mm
Category specs
Swing over bed (mm) 151 mm 114.3 mm
Distance between centers (mm) 430 mm 222.25 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.

MakerSpecs Awards

6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe

Most capable Intermediate

Highest technical score among the 46 Turning (lathe) between €350 and €900 printers: 100/100.

How we assign awards →
Micro Lathe II M1017-5C

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The differences that matter

  • Price: 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe 1700 € vs Micro Lathe II M1017-5C 910 € — Micro Lathe II M1017-5C wins (+87%)
  • Distance between centers: 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe 430 mm vs Micro Lathe II M1017-5C 222.25 mm — 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe wins (+93%)
  • Swing over bed: 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe 151 mm vs Micro Lathe II M1017-5C 114.3 mm — 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe wins (+32%)

Which one to choose

Choose 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe if…

Choose the Sherline 6840 if your project requires greater turning capacity, with a 151 mm swing and a 430 mm distance between centers, and if you need a flexible CNC-ready platform for the integration of third-party controllers.

See the 6840 17″ Ball Screw Benchtop Lathe sheet →

Choose Micro Lathe II M1017-5C if…

Choose the Taig Micro Lathe II if your budget is limited and your goal is the maximum declared mechanical precision of 0.0127 mm on small-sized parts, benefiting from a higher rotation speed of up to 4000 rpm for rapid finishing operations on soft materials or non-ferrous metals for small precision mechanical components or advanced modeling where the low cost is a determining factor compared to the greater volumetric capacity of the Sherline. The Taig offers a reduced footprint and a higher spindle rotation speed, ideal for high-precision micro-turning in limited workspaces and with a significantly lower initial investment compared to the Sherline counterpart. The main differences lie in the working capacity, with the Sherline offering a larger volume, and in the declared precision, where the Taig is positioned at more stringent values. The Sherline stands out for its modular nature and compatibility with various CNC controllers, while the Taig focuses on a compact design and a more aggressive price-performance ratio for the advanced hobbyist user. Sherline 6840 vs Taig Micro Lathe II: benchtop lathe comparison. Technical analysis between the Sherline 6840 and Taig Micro Lathe II to choose the ideal lathe based on capacity, precision, and CNC integration for your workshop.

See the Micro Lathe II M1017-5C 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.