Sherline 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) vs Taig TAIGTurn 4029 DSLS Full CNC Lathe
Technical comparison · Turning (lathe)
Two CNC benchtop lathes for small metal parts, at a similar level and close in price. What separates them is control: the Sherline ships with an Ubuntu PC and LinuxCNC already installed, the Taig with a Mach 3 licence that needs a Windows PC with a parallel port and a separate CAM package.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~2800–3400 € | ~3500–4200 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 26.7 × 59.7 × 21.6 cm | 60.96 × 78.74 × 35.56 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 28.6 kg | 40.82 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 200 × 110 mm | — |
| Z-axis height (mm) | — | 152.4 mm |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 2800 rpm | 1800 rpm |
| Declared precision | 0.0127 mm | 0.0127 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Swing over bed (mm) | 90 mm | — |
| Distance between centers (mm) | 200 mm | — |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 machine ships with a Mach 3 license, the Windows-based CAM/control software commonly used on CNC lathes and mills in this class. Mach 3 requires a PC with a parallel (LPT) port or a compatible motion control card; it is not compatible with macOS or Linux. A separate CAM application (e.g. Fusion 360, BobCAD) is needed to generate G-code. |
The differences that matter
- Control → Sherline: Ubuntu PC with LinuxCNC set up, only a monitor to add. Taig: Mach 3 licence but no PC; you supply a Windows machine with a parallel port and a separate CAM, which adds budget and setup time.
- Footprint → 27 × 60 cm and 28.6 kg against 61 × 79 cm and 40.8 kg: the Sherline fits a narrow bench.
- Price → about €3,100 against €3,850: the Taig costs €750 more, before the PC and CAM.
Which one to choose
Choose 8400A 8" CNC Tabletop Lathe System Package A (LinuxCNC) if…
you want to switch on and start turning: the LinuxCNC computer, driver board and power supply are already fitted and only a monitor is missing. Bundled utilities turn CAD files and TrueType fonts into G-code, and the package costs about €750 less. The trade-off is that the tailstock stays manual and LinuxCNC is the only control on offer.
Choose TAIGTurn 4029 DSLS Full CNC Lathe if…
you already have a Windows PC with a parallel port (or a compatible motion-control card) and a CAM tool such as Fusion 360 or BobCAD, and want Mach 3 included. It costs about €750 more, the PC and CAM are yours to supply, and it takes up 61 × 79 cm of bench against 27 × 60 cm.
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.