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Built to compete with machines like the Deckel FP1 (and Schaublin 13, which it more closely resembled) the Sixis 103 was a heavily-built precision universal miller with the same basic layout and operational functions as the 101 and 102 (and, of course, the multitude of similar models from a number of manufactures*). Both power longitudinal and vertical feeds were fitted, each with a "rapid" facility for the quick repositioning of the table between cuts. The pivoting table was 600 mm long and either 210 or 300 mm wide; it could be moved through 300 or 450 mm of longitudinal travel and 400 mm vertically; the head travel was 170 mm. Early versions had single-speed motors giving 60 to 1200 rpm, later versions had the option of a two-speed unit which gave a more useful range from around 60 to 2400 rpm. The owner of the Sixis 103 illustrated below spent some time looking for an equivalent Schaublin but, having examined several, came to the conclusion that perhaps they were better at making lathes than millers. His conclusion was that the Sixis exhibited excellent build quality and many thoughtful design touches - though the main and rapids motors appeared to be of American origin (having windings in series-parallel rather than star/delta) and did not match the high standards found elsewhere in the machine. If you are the owner of a Sixis 103, or have copies of sales or technical literature, the author would appreciate your help in adding to the details of this machine.
*Proof of the type's success - the genus Precision Universal Milling Machine - is evident from the number of similar machines made in various countries including: Austria: Emco Model F3 Belgium: S.A.B.C.A. Model JRC-2 Czechoslovakia: TOS Model FN22, 32 & 40 Optic Spain: Metba Models MB-0, MB-1, MB-2, MB-3 and MB-4) England: Alexander "Master Toolmaker" and the Ajax "00", an import of uncertain origin. France (?): Perron Montier Germany: by several companies including: Macmon Models M-100 & M-200 (though these were actually manufactured by Prvomajska); Maho (many models over several decades); Thiel Models 58, 158 and 159; Hermle Models UWF-700 and UWF-700-PH; Rumag Models RW-416 and RW-416-VG; SHW (Schwabische Huttenwerke) Models UF1, UF2 and UF3; Hahn & Kolb with their pre-WW2 Variomat model and Wemas with their Type WMS. Italy: C.B.Ferrari Models M1R & M2R; Bandini Model FA-1/CB and badged as Fragola (agents, with a version of the Spanish Meteba). Japan: Riken Models RTM2 and RTM3 Poland: Fabryka Obrabiarek Precyzyinych as the "Avia"£ and "Polamco" Models FNC25, FND-25 and FND-32 Russia: as the "Stankoimport" 676 Switzerland: Aciera Models F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5; Schaublin Model 13; Mikron Models WF2/3S, WF3S, WF-3-DCM & WF-2/3-DCM; Christen Types U-O and U-1 and Hispano-Suiza S.A. Model HSS-143 and the Sixis 101, 102 and 103. The former Yugoslavia: Prvomajska (in Zagreb with Models ALG-100 and ALG200); Sinn Models MS2D & MS4D; Ruhla and "Comet" Model X8130, imported to the UK in the 1970s by TI Comet. At least five Chinese versions have also been made, including one from the Beijing Instrument Machine Tool Works. A number of the "clones" merely followed the general Thiel/Maho/Deckel concept whilst others, like Bandini and Christen, borrowed heavily from Deckel and even had parts that were interchangeable. Should you come across any of these makes and models all will provide "The Deckel Experience" - though you must bear in mind that spares are unlikely to be available and, being complex, finely-made mechanisms, they can be difficult and expensive to repair..
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