Our business was established and built around the Model "B" Davenport multiple spindle lathe. The Davenport is an industry standard for smaller diameter, large quantity and short cycle time jobs. These machines have 5 spindles, which denote the number of work spindles and the number of stationary spindles. Simply put, it means there are 5 (what I call) stations where processing work can be performed: turning, drilling, tapping, reaming, broaching, boring, threading, slotting, milling, etc. A rotating (e.g., drill, tap, ream) operation can be performed at a station while simultaneously performing turning operations (e.g., turn, OD thread). With the combination of 5 spindles working at the same time, parts can be made in mere seconds and hundreds in mere minutes. In addition to the Davenports speed, parts are still held to tolerances within thousandths of an inch.

One of Gent Machine's latest opportunities for growth involves a relationship with Arrow Machine out of Mentor, Ohio. For certain jobs, Gent Machine operates as a satellite for Arrow, which means we have assumed all of Arrow's Davenport operations. However, to run these new automotive parts we needed to acquire some of Arrow's equipment and personnel. We purchased 5 machines and hired 3 employees, bringing our Davenport total to 29, with many of them being rebuilds. We didn't stop there, however, as we've added sound enclosures to 90% of our machines and Rotomists to recycle the coolant that the machines turn to vapor. In an attempt to keep up with technology, we're also outfitting the Davenports with automatic shutoffs. Once a machine reaches a certain part count the clutch disengages and the machine will shut off. This eliminates the possibility of making bad parts and of breaking tools, two key factors in reducing costs and keeping our customers satisfied.

Adding to Gent Machine's rich history was its involvement with the Logan Clutch Corporation. We volunteered our Davenports to be suited with a precision pneumatic system developed by Logan. The system added more precise cuts and threading to our Davenports and when the Logan clutch system proved itself, we added them to several of our machines.