The college where I taught purchased four Acer lathes. Two of each size, 16 inch and 13 inch (not sure of exact size) we generally liked them both. The electronic speed control was smooth and worked really well. Having the ability to set any specific RPM was useful. They were reliable as well.
The only negative we saw was that the 13 inch models required a gear change to cut 13 TPI threads. Changing gears in a school shop can be tricky proposition. And since single point threading of various TPI threads is one of the cornerstones of lathe operation, changing gears was problematic. The larger 16 inch lathes did not have this issue.
The only negative we saw was that the 13 inch models required a gear change to cut 13 TPI threads. Changing gears in a school shop can be tricky proposition. And since single point threading of various TPI threads is one of the cornerstones of lathe operation, changing gears was problematic. The larger 16 inch lathes did not have this issue.