P/N 8780 Sherline/MASSO controller with 4-axis CNC driver box.

CNC Controller Video Links

Mill Base Limit Switch Retrofit

Installing Limit Switches on a Ball Screw Mill

Setting up Your New Sherline CNC Controller

Installing the Optical Encoder

Setting up the Optical Encoder

Loading Programs on the Sherline Controller

Work positions and Tool Offsets for Tools

Sample Program on the Sherline CNC Controller

Installing the Limit Switch on a Rotary Table

About the Sherline/MASSO CNC Controller

We are introducing our new CNC controller, powered by MASSO. We have spent the last year working with MASSO getting the features that we need and the features that we want for our CNC machines.

We contacted a couple of other manufacturers of control boards, and MASSO is the board we decided to use. Anything that we've needed so far, MASSO came through and made it possible. Here are some of the main features that we wanted in a new controller:

1. Control our spindle speed with g-code: Analog spindle speed control has been standard on our machines, but now we have new technology on the board that is controlling the spindle speed using g-code rather than using an adjustable dial.
2. Add an optical encoder to our machine: The only possibility before MASSO was a mechanical encoder that would be attached to the outside of the headstock using a timing belt. Since we started working with MASSO, they designed a compact optical encoder for us. This encoder design fits perfectly with our machine and our accessories.
3. Do single-point threading
4. Have an accurate RPM readout
5. Limit switches
6. Homing ability for each axis
7. WiFi communication
8. Regular software upgrades: Their software is continually improving, and it is extremely easy to upgrade.

These are some things that they integrated into their board specifically for us. We feel that these new features will give you more control, accuracy, and versatility over your CNC projects. The direction that MASSO is going in the future is the direction that we want to go in as well.

The MASSO controller allows you to write your CNC programs on your computer (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) and then transfer your programs to the controller via a USB flash drive. No more having to use a dedicated operating system like Linux to control your machine. You can even do some minor program editing directly in the controller interface.

This Sherline/MASSO controller is taking the place of our PC, which is becoming antiquated and very difficult to find motherboards and very difficult for which to find compatible parts.

Controller Options

The Sherline/MASSO controller box is available with our 4-Axis CNC Driver Box (P/N 8780), or you can purchase it separately (P/N 8781) if you already have a driver box (P/N 8760), and will soon be available with any of our machines.

P/N 8780	8780 Components

(Click on the images for a larger view)

• Monitor
• Wireless keyboard
• Wireless mouse
• USB dongle*

*NOTE: The USB dongle usually comes with the wireless devices. The single dongle plugs into the USB AUX port on the controller and needs to work with both devices.

P/N 8781	8781 Components

(Click on the images for a larger view)

• Monitor
• Wireless keyboard
• Wireless mouse
• USB dongle*

*NOTE: The USB dongle usually comes with the wireless devices. The single dongle plugs into the USB AUX port on the controller and needs to work with both devices.