ITL 950C or HPC Codemax

[minifhncc]

Hi all,

I'm contemplating whether to buy an ITL 950C or a HPC Codemax.

I've researched both and have read good things about both.

However, one thing I've observed is that the HPC Codemax would require different cutters for different keys, whereas the ITL 950C can do all keys with one cutter.

So, the question is, which machine would you choose?

Thanks heaps

[lunchb0x]

Just a heads up, the Codemax isn't sold in Australia, LSC might ( I doubt it though) special order it and if they do it will be ridiculously expensive. They sell the Switch Blitz for a little over $6,000 and the Blitz for just under $5,000.. How much are you willing to spend?

[minifhncc]

Thanks for your heads up.

Um, I know someone in the US so when they come over to Australia I might get them to buy them (in 240V version) and bring it with them. I believe those two code machines, if bought in the US, are in the order of $3000-$4000.

I don't want to get the Blitz or the Switch Blitz because code cutting on them seems to be a very manual task and seems to involve quite a bit of fiddling around whereas producing keys with the ITL 950C and the HPC Codemax seems to be relatively easy.

Thanks again

[cledry]

Didn't we already have this thread?

On the HPC you can use two cutters for the majority of keys. One for the majority of locks used on houses or commercial locks and one used for small locks like padlocks, desks, and most cars.

Swapping cutters takes a few seconds.

I still wouldn't mind the ITL, but the HPC isn't as fiddly as you imagine it to be.

[minifhncc]

Hi,

Yes I previously asked about the ITL 950C. But I didn't ask how it compared to the HPC Codemax.

So I take it that both are good machines.

But that must be SOMETHING that is different about them (otherwise people would just buy the slightly cheaper one and the other wouldn't exist anymore -- which isn't the case!)

So what exactly is different about the ITL 950C and the HPC Codemax, apart from the fact that with the HPC you need multiple cutters.

Also, does the HPC Codemax use the same cutters as the HPC Blitz 1200?

Thanks again

[lunchb0x]

HPC Codemax Looks to be fully automatic whereas the ITL is only partially auto.

[FarmerFreak]

We all have are own preferences. As much as I like the machines that are fully automatic, they aren't always the tool I want to use..

For example: When making a key and finding out that one stinking individual cut needs to be cut at some random half depth to work smoothly. It can be very difficult to get a fully auto key machine to make that half depth cut in one space. Where as when using a fully manual machine (HPC Blitz) it's as easy as can be.

Honestly I keep waiting for a fully manual machine like the Blitz, except for high security auto track keys. That way I can cut the new stuff manually without having to wait for a software update with the new depth spacing. I know, I know, there is a way to cut flat keys on the 1200 and then transfer the cuts over to the track key with a duplicator. But that's not what exactly what I'm asking for.

Probably won't ever happen because a lot of locksmiths would have a difficult time cutting keys correctly. The main problem people would have would be cutting the slopes between the cuts correctly so the keys can enter/exit the lock smoothly. Then again, the fully auto machine we have at work has issues cutting the areas in between the cuts correctly leaving me no option other than to fix it by eye on the duplicator.

Ok, I'm done ranting. It's just that while fully auto machines are nice. They have there downsides that realistically can only be overcome by the use of a completely manual machine, or perfect software, which doesn't exist yet. But hey, 95+% of the time they will do exactly what you want them to do.

[minifhncc]

HPC Codemax Looks to be fully automatic whereas the ITL is only partially auto.

Thanks for that. But, how is that so? For example, what is actually manual in the ITL 950C?

Thanks again!

[lunchb0x]

See the handle on the right hand side of the machine, turning this moves the jaw with the key, so the depth and the spacing are set my the machine you still manually have to turn the handle to cut the key. There is a video on their site that run through the operation of the machine.

[cledry]

See the handle on the right hand side of the machine, turning this moves the jaw with the key, so the depth and the spacing are set my the machine you still manually have to turn the handle to cut the key. There is a video on their site that run through the operation of the machine.

There is also a kit someone is making to add a stepper motor and pulley to replace the handle and manual part of the operation. What about the ITL MMX, I think that is the model my boss is looking to buy.

[globallockytoo]

Honestly, if you are going to spend that kind of money on an ITL950C you might as well just purchase a Miracle A5 for about the same cost and be able to do a significant larger range of keys. that's what I am planning to do. I bought a secondhand ITL950C off a bloke here and it got damaged in transit and he had no insurance on it. Couldnt contact him afterward neither. It is still a buyer beware market. just about every time you get screwed over - hence why it is often better to buy new.

[minifhncc]

I just had a look at the Miracle A5, but as far as I know it only does car keys?

I won't be cutting many (if any) car keys at all since the main purpose of use will be real estate. So I'm not sure that it'd be that useful for my purposes. But you never know what I'd do in the future.

What are the prices for the Miracle A5 like and where do they sell it?

Thanks again!

[minifhncc]

By the way, I read that the Miracle A5 only does automotive keys here: http://www.redt-miracle-key.com/faq.html where it says:

Q: Can the Miracle A5 cut Domestic Keys?
A: No, its sole purpose is cutting Automotive Keys.

Unless of course you were talking about a different Miracle A5?

Thanks again!

[lunchb0x]

The Miracle A5 is A really good machine BUT it does ONLY do automotive keys. Here in Australia it costs about $6,000.

So the A5 is no good for what you want,, especially as for the same price you should be able to get a new ITL ( aren't they around $3,500 new in the states?)

[minifhncc]

The Silca Unocode 399 (or 299 even) Evo/Plus has actually drawn my attention at the moment.

I believe it's around $5K-$8K if bought in the US (and $30K if bought in Australia). Does anyone know who sells these in the US or around there because I can't seem to find anyone.

Also, does anyone know what the difference between the "Plus" and the "Evo" versions are? Their websites aren't they good at giving comparisons...

Thanks again!