Milling machine downsize

Hi all looking at advice of downsizing from a vari speed bridgeport looking at alexander master tool maker dekcel fp1 size what are people's views downsizing as moving thanks

You could do a lot worse than an Alexander / Deckel, but make sure you buy one that is "tooled up".

For many years I ran an Adcock Shipley 1ES with a Bridgeport vertical head grafted onto the overarm, the problem was it was too tall to fit my garage at the time so when I got the chance of my Alexander it was a no brainer.
They are very versatile and there is not much you cannot do on one with the right attachments.

Have a look at the gear hobbing thread for some inspiration.

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=170858&p=2#PostTop

Phil

The FP1 machines are very noisy. Need earmuffs just to hear yourself think. They are a nice and very versatile machine though. From thread milling to small hole drilling etc. Like been mentioned it is the accessories that really make the machine. I like the aspect of the horizontal work as well as the vertical work that can be done in the one set up.

The Alexander is only noisy when running at high speeds, but I have a poly vee belt driven separate high speed head which I use 90% of the time so noise is no longer a problem.

Phil

I suppose it all depends on what type of work you do for most of the time. I run a varispeed Bridgeport and love the ability to do motorcycle related work. ( I am not a model maker) If I had to downsize a smaller machine would do 80% of the work but I would want a machine with a decent quill for drilling and boring. As said above the Deckle style machines need to be fully tooled.