rainwf wrote:I undertand that there are machines out there that will create a blank from scratch. How do I locate a locksmith that has one? I live in North Carolina. Ideally, the locksmith would be within driving distance, because I certainly do not wish to risk sending my one remaining key through the postal service.
Honestly that's not a common piece of equipment for locksmiths to own. Restricted keyways are made that way for a reason, to control distibution of blanks so people can't make unauthorized copies if your keys if you loan them to someone. A locksmith who deals with any particular restricted keyway will have access to the appropriate blanks without needing one of those machines. Many restricted blanks are patent protected, and making and selling a blank for a restricted keyway that still has a valid patent opens up a locksmith to a lawsuit by the manufacturer. And manufacturers tend to vigorously protect their key patents in court.
Common restricted keyways which are out-of-patent often have generic blanks available for them. Uncommon ones, it's just not worth the money for a key blank manufacturer to tool up for an obscure blank. There just isn't enough demand, which is another reason why most locksmiths won't spend the $2500-$12,000 needed to get a purpose-built machine for making custom blanks. You could do the same thing on a mill, which some locksmiths have, but it's time consuming and will need specially shaped, tiny bits, which may be another reason why you haven't had much luck finding anyone to create one.
However, if no one here can help you locate a compatible blank you may have other options. Can you post a pic of the lock itself? Is this the ignition or a door? Depending on what kind of lock it is, you might consider just replacing the lock itself. It could be cheaper than buying that $80 blank. Even if it's a little bit more money, depending what you choose you might end up with a much better and more secure lock. One which will be easier for you to get more spare keys made in the future.
uuummmmmm ...yyyaaaa ok then .. 
