Discussion on key machines

by **vector40** » 2 Mar 2005 2:17

Var,

Where do you recommend purchasing keyblanks from?

Also, are you familiar with the Foley-Belsaw 3-in-1 cutting machine?

by **Romstar** » 2 Mar 2005 4:34

Key blanks can be purchased from any decent locksmith supply company, and quite a few on-line distributors as well.

As for the F-B 200 I have the instructions for the silly thing. It's an okay beginner machine, but if you cut a lot of keys I recomend getting a better machine.

Let me know if you want the instructions.
Romstar

by **vector40** » 2 Mar 2005 18:33

"okay beginner machine" meaning what? I mean, is it a waste of money? Does it work? I'm sure it's not a Cadillac, but...

by **Romstar** » 2 Mar 2005 18:43

Have you ever seen pictures of that machine?

It's actually a decent duplicator, but only a decent code machine if you have both the depth and spacing micrometer atachments. Otherwise, you have to use depth and space keys.

If you get into the profession, you will find yourself cutting keys by code on a fairly regular basis. This means that a machine designed for the purpose will be of much better service to you.

I am particularly fond of the HPC 1200CM and Blitz, as well as a new 1200 varient, called the "switch blitz" which also alows the code machine to be used for duplications.

Romstar

by **Luke** » 2 Mar 2005 19:47

Switch blitz costs 7k in Australia!

by **Luke** » 2 Mar 2005 19:49

Wait i mean $6212.80

by **Varjeal** » 2 Mar 2005 19:49

In regards to purchasing keyblanks, keep these points in mind.

1. Buying in larger quantities means less cents/key.
2. Price shop. I know of two suppliers personally that are only a few dozen blocks away, yet their key prices differ as much as 4-6cents each. If that number doesn't mean much to you, multiply it by 250 or a hundred.
3. With your fast moves, stock 250 blanks. With most others a quantity of 10 should keep you going with the exception of popular padlocks. Stock 50.

I'm not personally familiar with the F-B key machine that you've mentioned, but you can make do with what you have, like Romstar said using depth keys. However, if you find yourself cutting keys by code regularly, buy a dedicated machine such as the ITL or invest in a "Switch-Blitz" which can duplicate normally AND cut by code all in one.

Also, make sure you charge accordingly for keys cut by code to help offset the expense of the machine, don't charge standard duplicating prices.

Code cut prices generally range from 10-30 times the standard duplicating fee.

by **MrB** » 2 Mar 2005 19:50

So if you charge people $5 a key, that's a lot of keys you have to cut before you break even. :lol:

by **Varjeal** » 2 Mar 2005 19:52

Yeah no kidding...depending on your supplier, and I'm quoting CND amounts here so keep that in mind...standard keyblanks can range from about 18 cents to a dollar each.

Last I checked the Switch-Blitz was $4GR CND or so.

I forgot to mention, when shopping for a supplier for keyblanks, make sure that selling keyblanks is a normal part of their business operation. Some buy from suppliers and mark it up to sell it to others. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but keep it mind.

by **vector40** » 3 Mar 2005 8:06

Is there another low-cost duplicator you'd recommend more?

by **Romstar** » 3 Mar 2005 10:32

That's the sad part about this. There isn't really any such thing as a low cost key machine. Even the duplicators.

If all you need is a duplicator, I would stick with the F-B 200 until you can afford something more.

The Ilco Delta Plus line is very good, and HPC's Speedex line is good. Once you start looking at code machines, you have your choice of manual code such as HPC's Blitz, or computer controlled key machines offered by several companies.

The F-B 200 works, make no mistake about it. The point is, the more keys you cut, the more you will want to get something better.

Romstar

by **vector40** » 3 Mar 2005 11:09

I spent years working with an Apple II... I like nice things, but I also like money (:D), and for something utility-based where it either works or it doesn't, I tend to be a pragmatist.

Of course, by that theory, I could just become really savage with a hand file...

Thanks, Rom.

by **Luke** » 4 Mar 2005 1:14

To be completely honest... second hand machines are your friends. I got one, Rom got one... cheap and generally they work well!

by **vector40** » 4 Mar 2005 1:25

Oh yeah? Where from? Ebay?

by **Luke** » 4 Mar 2005 5:27

Try trading post... Ask around... I have seen em on Ebay but i reckon trading post or asking around is a better idea.

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