In 1970 Adelaide, Australia engineer Harold Clisby patented a novel lathe design that made use of aluminum and other metal extrusions. Clever techniques provided surprisingly good accuracy for such a low-cost production method. He made a modest number of machines and accessories himself.
In 1972 Melbourne engineer Ron Sher began production of what he called the "Sherline" lathe in Australia, as Ronald Sher Pty. Ltd. In 1973 Joe Martin of Martin Enterprises in San Marcos, CA, began importing the Sherline lathe to the USA. In 1974 Martin began manufacturing the Sherline lathe in California USA. In about 1979 the lathe business was separated off as Sherline Products, Inc.
Sears sold Craftsman badged Sherline products under source code 527.
This website is restricted to machines made in the USA, Canada, and the UK. Please do not upload publications or photographs of Australian-made Sherline machinery.
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