Sherline Tools, a U.S. manufacturer of precision lathes, mills, micro‑machining accessories and small CNC machines, announced that it is winding down manufacturing operations. In a message to customers, the company said it had taken over the business in 2017 and invested in new products, designs, computer systems and manufacturing processes. However, Sherline said the manufacturing environment had changed dramatically because of the effects of COVID‑19, increasing manufacturing and operating costs, and significant changes in consumer purchasing habits. These factors made it increasingly difficult for a small American manufacturer such as Sherline to maintain the workforce and production levels necessary to remain competitive, leading to the conclusion that continuing manufacturing operations is no longer sustainable. The company plans to continue building and selling machines, tooling, accessories and replacement parts to the extent its remaining equipment, materials, staffing and inventory allow through the end of October 2026. Some manufacturing operations, particularly those requiring larger production equipment, will end sooner, and some products may become unavailable before others. Sherline said it will maintain an online presence and make replacement parts available as inventory permits, and will continue to address warranty issues in accordance with its warranty obligations. The firm emphasized that it will not disappear or leave customers without support, and will keep its archive of technical and educational information and resources accessible. Production is coming to a halt, with equipment being removed from service, which the source describes as sounding like a liquidation sale. An owner’s posting on a Facebook group indicated that the exact final day is uncertain, but Sherline will likely be out of business by the end of the year at the latest. Comments from hobbyists and industry observers in the source note that the market for Sherline’s products has grown too small, that the company failed to innovate, and that Asian imports and newer desktop CNC machines have undercut its position. Some commenters suggested that a stronger focus on STEM education could have been a viable path, but noted that COVID‑related school closures could have undermined such a plan.
Key facts
- Sherline Tools announced it is winding down manufacturing operations.
- The company took over the business in 2017 and invested in new products and modernized systems.
- COVID‑19, rising costs, and changing consumer habits made continued manufacturing unsustainable.
- Sherline will continue to sell existing inventory through the end of October 2026.
- Some larger‑equipment operations will end sooner; some products may disappear earlier.
- The firm will keep an online presence, provide replacement parts as inventory allows, and honor warranties.
- Technical and educational archives will remain accessible.
- An owner’s Facebook post said the exact final day is unknown but the business will likely cease by year‑end.
- Observers cite lack of innovation, competition from Asian imports, and the rise of desktop CNC machines as factors.