The first Matheys "Semi Jig Borer the Type FPN, introduced during the late 1940s, had a head able to be elevated on a round column. Later models were made more rigid with the head being formed as one piece with a fixed and considerably more massive top section.

An early machine set for grinding using a magnetic chuck - an unwise operation on any machine tool not especially designed for the job - unless very careful precautions are taken to cover up the slideways.

Mounted on the front of the table is the "Jig-boring" Attachment - a long, angled plate able to hold both slip blocks and a dial indicator - whilst the in-and-out feed has been fitted with a bracket to hold just an example of the latter.