Fay & Egan 472 Mortiser - Table Lifts Up?

[Stewart Lang]

I'm looking at a Fay & Egan 472 mortiser locally where the head is stationary, and the bed/table lifts up with a foot pedal. Seems like an interesting idea, but I can't tell if that would be better or worse for accuracy over having the head move? Anyone have any experience with one of these, or something similar? I attached a picture from the internet of the model..
472.jpg

[Darcy Warner]

That was a typical design of a lot of HCM and chain mortisers back 80 years ago

[David Kumm]

F and E 509 mortiser went to a moving head design. Mine was built in the late 1920's and yours looks older. The F and E castings were heavy and the ways and adjustment to compensate for wear so you should be good. The old stuff was built so heavy, I would not worry if everything is functional and the motor is good. DaveDSCN3623.jpg