ACER or KENT

[danp10]

Hey guys, new to the forum here so I appologize if this has been asked, I did some looking and I didn't see much.

Anyway, work finally approved us to buy a mill, nothing to fancy just base line with good DRO (sub 10k for both). After doing some research I think I've narrowed it down to the KENT KTM-3S or the ACER 3VS price difference is within $200, but wanted to get some thoughts on each, We have a local dealer for both, and each dealer is well liked in the area. Both mills will meet our table size, travel, and power needs so it comes down to customer support. Any thoughts would be appreciated, including alternate brands to concider.

BTW, It must be new, I would love a used BP but they won't go for it.

Thanks

[hardtail]

Acer seems to make a nice machine.......might see if First is sold in your area and compare pricing........

[PaulT]

I'd also take a look at the Sharp and Lagun mills if you have any dealer support for those in your area.

I have an older KTM-380 Kent mill and its been an ok machine for me but the last time I tried to get parts for it, it was a hassle. Because of its age and the design changes they had made, none of the parts they sent fit so it was a project finding replacement parts that would work.

I don't know where you are located, but if you are close at all to the guy that runs the company in the link below, give him a call. He's a staight shooter that knows all the import lines well and I think he sells the Sharp line in addition to several others. He helped me get a part for my Kent even though he didn't sell me the machine.

http://www.machinetoolonline.com/

Paul T.
www.power-t.com

[Toolguy]

Kent and Acer are 2 of the top quality Asian imports. Either one will give good service. If possible, get one with the electronic spindle speed as opposed to the variable pulley spindle speed. The variable pulley system is the main source of noise and maintenance on a knee mill. The electronic ones have 2 solid pulleys and the motor speeds up or slows down. You will be better off with a new one of those than a used Brideport.

[.RC.]

I thought Kent was Chinese... At least their lathes are...

[JoeFin]

Phoning Kent support feels like a "We Got Ya" moment

[bborr01]

I have a Kent mill that was built in 1985 sitting next to a Bridgeport series 1.

The Kent is much more rigid than the B'port. When I bought it the quill feed was not working. I tore the head apart to the bare casting. There was a broken gear that ran the quill feed and a crushed quill skirt, a sheet metal piece that keeps crud and chips out of the quill.

I did some searching on the net and found parts were available in California.

Cost for both parts was about $100, which I found to be reasonable enough.

We had some Acers at work and the guys who ran them liked them pretty well. I never ran them, so I can't say first hand.

What I seen in over 30 years of working on and around B'ports, Laguns, Hurcos, Acers and a few others is that if they are not abused, repairs are seldom needed. It is comforting to know that parts are available though.

Of all of the brands, I feel that the B'ports had the best quality.

BTW, welcome to the forum. You will find an immense amount of knowledge here.

Brian

[bborr01]

I thought Kent was Chinese... At least their lathes are...

I believe the tag on my Kent says Taiwan.

Of course if you were to ask those in power in China, they would probably tell you that Taiwan is in China.

Brian

[bborr01]

Phoning Kent support feels like a "We Got Ya" moment

When I phoned Kent reps. in California, they were more than helpful.

They emailed me a parts diagram for my whole machine, in spite of it being almost 25 years old at the time.

Prices for parts were not bad either.

Maybe you got someone that was having a bad day.

Brian

[Rich Carlstedt]

Acer is about the best that comes out of Taiwan.
I have to say, the Sharp vertical Mill (ie BP style) has the smoothest running spindle I have ever seen in my 50 years around shops.
They got a new one at our Tech College, and you cannot hear it run or feel any vibration at 3 K RPM (VFD drive too)..
Rich