Framon

[corey2444]

Would you buy this for 3 bills? I think it's a Framon #1. The #2's that I see are all blue.

[corey2444]

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[corey2444]

Again..

[corey2444]

Got it!

[ElAbogado]

Would you buy this for 3 bills? I think it's a Framon #1. The #2's that I see are all blue.

I bought an almost new HPC CW-1200 for $225 with two cutters and all cards. If it were a #2, yes I would, but the #1 I'm not so sure. The benefits of the HPC outweigh those of the Framon in my opinion. (ease of use with cards and ability to cut Medeco easily)

[globallockytoo]

NO! That's far too much to pay.

[npdaniels]

Thats the 1st version and yes too much.

[keysman]

Thats an older #2.. great machine for $300...You can send it back to the factory for a referb if necessary

[corey2444]

So, two say no, one says yes. Follow my instinct?

I know one thing for sure. This is one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, when buying brand new.

[keysman]

personally.. I would buy it and if I found I didn't like it, just resell it or use it for specific pourpose ( like safe deposit key ). It appears to have all the different spacing blocks and (YES) it is not as quick as a 1200 it is hard to beat the accuracy of the Framon.

Does it come with different cutters?

[Eyes_Only]

Would you buy this for 3 bills? I think it's a Framon #1. The #2's that I see are all blue.

I bought an almost new HPC CW-1200 for $225 with two cutters and all cards. If it were a #2, yes I would, but the #1 I'm not so sure. The benefits of the HPC outweigh those of the Framon in my opinion. (ease of use with cards and ability to cut Medeco easily)

That Framon #1 looks like a pain in the butt to use to me. This is just how I look at things but when I'm buying any key machine I would avoid cheaping out in anyway or be too impulsive. That's why I have a nice little used HPC 1200 Punch which I love but have held off on buying a regular key duplicator until I know for sure what my needs are or something new comes out into the market that that will better fit my needs.

And ElAbogado, how accurate does the HPC 1200 cut Medeco keys? I've heard very different feed backs on that machine as far as cutting Medeco.

[corey2444]

personally.. I would buy it and if I found I didn't like it, just resell it or use it for specific pourpose ( like safe deposit key ). It appears to have all the different spacing blocks and (YES) it is not as quick as a 1200 it is hard to beat the accuracy of the Framon.

Does it come with different cutters?

I'm trying to find that out.. I left a message, but he hasn't replied to me asking if how many cutters and if code book is included. I know those cutters are pricey, and I'm sure they aren't giving those code books away.

Or, he may have sold it

If that's the case, I am starting school Monday at Arizona School of Locksmithing. The Owner said he gets new Framon #2's at a discount and sells them to students for $1,730. I know these machines sell for over 2k retail. Also, he said these things are built like tanks. A former student of his left his back doors open in his van. When he took off the Framon was bouncing on the street, until he could stop. It was scratched up some, and one of the levers was bent, but it cut perfect keys. I know those HPC's are a bit more fragile. Either way, I've heard god about both, but the HPC seems to be more prefered/popular.

[npdaniels]

You can get the code book from here, http://www.framon.com/ they also have some vids on the machines. I can vouch for the accuracy of the framon and they can truly cut almost any key. This machine you’re looking at is one I would pass up, but if you look around enough you will find a code cutter to your liking.

[ElAbogado]

Would you buy this for 3 bills? I think it's a Framon #1. The #2's that I see are all blue.

I bought an almost new HPC CW-1200 for $225 with two cutters and all cards. If it were a #2, yes I would, but the #1 I'm not so sure. The benefits of the HPC outweigh those of the Framon in my opinion. (ease of use with cards and ability to cut Medeco easily)

And ElAbogado, how accurate does the HPC 1200 cut Medeco keys? I've heard very different feed backs on that machine as far as cutting Medeco.

The CW1200 is very accurate with Medeco original blanks, and hit or miss with aftermarket blanks. I got lucky and bought 100 Medeco AIR blanks on eBay last year at 50 cents each and they cut well.

The negative to the CW1200 is when you use it with the micrometer cards as it's not really accurate. If you use the individual cards, it's right on and super easy to use. The only code cutter I have enjoyed using more is the old Ilco Universal with the space and depth discs.

[Eyes_Only]

Yeah I got a used HPC Punch from vrocco last year that I adore but wasn't a fan of the micrometer cards it came with either.

The manual brings out that you have to use them for calibration but I always use a OEM Schlage and Ford 8-cut keys to do the alignment instead of employing the micrometer cards. I just can't see how those cards can be all that accurate.