Aciera

The following are PDF files of manufacturer's specifications:

F1 Milling machine
F3 Milling machine

Aciera milling machines

Micro-precision Universal Milling machine Type F1
For research, development and Production work on watches and similar micro-precision products. Built to an overall geometric accuracy of 0.0004" the Type F1 was capable of a degree of precision and versatility hitherto unknown (at the price) when it first came on the market in the 50's.
* Horizontal and vertical milling
* Plain or universal tables
* Jig boring accuracy
* Spindle speeds 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000
* Boring head - centering microscope
* Universal dividing head
* Coolant system
* Rotary table
* Inclinable and swivelling vices
* Bench or stand mounting

In 1957 the UK price for the basic bench machine with no accessories was £345-0-0 plus tax! This price could easily treble by the time it was fitted to a cabinet and the cupboards were filled with accessories. By the time you added it all up you could have bought a small house for the same money.

Today these machines from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's are highly sought after by amateur machinists and research and development departments. It is common to find machines built as long ago as the mid 50's in extremely good geometric order. They are quiet and easy to use. The accessories are easily lifted by one hand so the operator thinks nothing of changing from one setup to another.

Type F2
It looks like a larger version of the F1. We don't have any catologue photos as they were made in very small quantities and only 6 were ever imported to the UK (we are reliably informed). We currently(Sep 2000) have 3 for sale! When new they cost more than an F3, presumably because of the small quantities. The accessories are all liftable by hand although not as easily as an F1. If you need a precision mill which handles more than an F1 but don't have the space for an F3 then these are ideal. Have a look on the miiling machine link below for photos.

Type F3
A very common site in toolrooms all over the world. Built to an overall geometric accuracy of 0.0005". They have many interchangeable attachments which can be easily and accurately mounted with complete assurance of the same high degree of precision.
* Horizontal or vertical milling
* Plain tilting or universal tilting tables 23" x 7"
* 8 spindle speeds 95 - 1500rpm (later models to 2000)
* Inclinable vertical & high speed heads
* Inclinable slotting head
* Punch and die milling equipment
* Hand and power traverse
* Slip & dial guage holders
* Hardened and ground feed screws

In 1957 the UK price for the basic machine was £676-0-0 + tax and this could be much more by the time accessories were added. These are also highly sought by amateur machinists and research and development departments. They will fit into most workshops, are very versatile and are easy to use. They can be converted from horizontal to vertical use without lifting equipment and dividing heads, rotary tables and other accessories are equally easy to manage. The machines are uncomplicated, easy to maintain and even dismantle if you are so inclined, although nothing much goes wrong.

Type F4
The F4 looks a bit like a large F3 but is rather more sophisticated with variable speeds and feeds with rapids. It is a much larger machine and this was reflected in the price, which in 1957 was £1845-0-0 plus tax for the basic machine. It had even more accessories than the F3 but things were heavier and lifting equipment was very desirable.

The overall geometric accuracy of the machine was 0.0006" and it's rigidity and versatility put it in the top league of toolroom mills for those who could afford it.
* Horizontal & vertical milling
* Plain or universal tables 32" x 10"
* Infinitely variable speeds 50-3400rpm
* Vertical head inclinable 180 deg
* Slotting head inclinable 180 deg
* Punch and die milling equipment
* Powered longitudinal & vertical traverse
* Infinitely variable feeds with rapids
* Jig boring accuracy

These machines are highly desirable but fairly rare and too big and expensive for most amateur machinists. Their versatility and accuracy are legendary and an F4 with a cupboard full of accessories would be much sought after by a small R & D or maintenance department.