Considering an Acra 10x54 Mill

Scottneh · Oct 4, 2018

Hello forum,

I have searched around and seen similar topics. I'm weighing a new Southbend 10x54 verses a 10 y/o Acra 10x54. The Southbend specs are readily available and I understand they are made in Taiwan but very good but twice the price. The Acra has a new Frejoth head, comes with two kurt vices and a rotary table. Owner says the ways move smoothly, no known issues, looks like it has a cooling system, older DRO, 3HP 3ph motor...

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Scott

HWElecRepair · Oct 5, 2018

If at the bar I said that I was a millionaire and had a yacht to take pretty ladies on, would that make it true?

As a repair/service tech, I get to see alot of mills in "great" shape (according to the owner) that need to be rebuilt.

What exactly are you looking for? What sort of accuracy do you want? Why is he getting rid of it?

Pictures would be a huge help, as would any sort of measurements that the seller can give regarding screw slop, table/saddle rock, etc.

Jon
H&W Machine Repair

thermite · Oct 5, 2018

Scottneh said:
Hello forum,

I have searched around and seen similar topics. I'm weighing a new Southbend 10x54 verses a 10 y/o Acra 10x54. The Southbend specs are readily available and I understand they are made in Taiwan but very good but twice the price. The Acra has a new Frejoth head, comes with two kurt vices and a rotary table. Owner says the ways move smoothly, no known issues, looks like it has a cooling system, older DRO, 3HP 3ph motor...

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Scott

LOL! I once earned a crust on War One era Niles dinosaurs, dawn of the 1960's.

Their "ways moved smoothly" as well. In several directions at a go, usually!

Wouldn't want to be branded as prejudiced or anything, would yah?

Back then, it was honest poverty. Lean companies, leaner-yet worker-bees.

Nowadays it ain't even Politically Correct to want to move only in precise straight lines!

Buy the old mill. Send the savings to the Democratic party. Help get the economy back into a more "inclusive" condition, locally and globally.

JRIowa · Oct 5, 2018

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/willis-1250ii-i-want-your-thoughts-355602/
JR

JRIowa · Oct 5, 2018

Scottneh said:
The Southbend specs are readily available and I understand they are made in Taiwan

Grizzly must have moved. Looked on the site, nothing about them made in Taiwanm, Grizzly brings them in from china with the south bend badge on them.

Most of the other machines in that size range are NMTB40 and 5HP.
JR

RockyTopMC · Oct 5, 2018

I wouldn't buy an Acra just for the sheer fact their customer service is atrocious. If you are good with matching up parts if you ever need them you'll be ok.

Richard King · Oct 5, 2018

What is the best Vertical Milling Machine I can buy Today? Is a Bridgeport Milling Machine still the best? - The Used Machinery and Equipment Specialists

Just go to Google and type Acra Mill Reviews. I personally know Tom Dou the longtime President of Acra and he has always been honest to deal with. I have never ran an Acra mill, but many of the clones are good for non production shops. I have a friend who told me Bridgeport's are now made in Spain. So just because it has an American created brand name doesn't mean it is automatically made in the USA and better then a Taiwanese made machine. You should be sure the machines are not made in China no matter who you buy the machine from.

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Considering an Acra 10x54 Mill

Scottneh

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HWElecRepair

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thermite

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JRIowa

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JRIowa

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RockyTopMC

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Richard King

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