Key Cutter for a Van?

[GKanes]

I'm looking for recommendations for key cutting solutions for a van-based shop. Some of the best advice I've heard so far is to buy the best tools you can afford, and try to get it right the first time. On a more specific level, I have read some of the discussions here on key duplicator with S&D keys vs code cutter vs duplicator AND code cutter, and on balance the posts seem to favor key duplicator with S&D keys. I have also seen strong recommendations for Framon and for HPC. Since this is one of the more critical investments, and since there seems to be a solid group of experienced and gracious people here, I was hoping to solicit a few specific suggestions.
My goal is general purpose locksmithing to start off. I do not want to have to turn away work because I can't do that kind of key, but I also can't justify doubling the investment just to get one more rare HS style. I have seen some code cutters that I would really love to decide I need, but I did understand the logic of the posts advocating a basic duplicator with a good range of S&D keys for general purpose, not-super-high-volume work.
Can anyone offer any insight to support or contradict what I've read so far? Can anyone offer a specific machine or combination of machines that might work well for general purpose work in a confined space?
Thank you for your time.

[keysman]

I'm looking for recommendations for key cutting solutions for a van-based shop. Some of the best advice I've heard so far is to buy the best tools you can afford, and try to get it right the first time.

You already have good advise. Buy a code machine and a quality duplicator. Space and depth keys will work for small projects,but you are limited to what S&D keys you have. What will you do when you need some odd ball code key ?

Duplicators: HPC , Ilco, Borkey, Silca all make quality duplicators.

For a code machine I personally like the Framon ,others will tell you HPC .Whichever works best for you.

[easy-e]

I bought a used Framon 2. I'm not a locksmith so I chose a code machine because I mostly wanted to make keys for all of the random locks I've bought without keys. I like it because it doesn't require cards and you can do lots of oddball stuff on it.

As keysman said, get a code machine and a duplicator. There are lots of good machines out there. The used market had lots of good stuff too.

[cledry]

Not sure where you are but I would choose a Silca Bravo the latest generation and a HPC1200. They are very fast machines and get the job done and will last a long time.

Reasons for the Bravo, fast with quick change jaw.

Reasons for HPC, you can make your own cards or use a micrometer card for cards you don't have, very fast and easy to use, compact.

[MacGnG1]

anyone have experience with the HPC Switch Blitz? Combined duplicator and Code machine. … just a thought.

http://www.hpcworld.com/mobile/km/switc ... index.html

[GKanes]

Thanks that was going to be my next question since there's 2 votes for Dup + CC & I have limited space.

[cledry]

Thanks that was going to be my next question since there's 2 votes for Dup + CC & I have limited space.

I have my HPC 1200 mounted vertically. Instead of the Bravo I use a Curtis automatic, but that is to save space and since we have a shop I rarely cut more than 10-15 keys on the road.

[zeke79]

Thanks that was going to be my next question since there's 2 votes for Dup + CC & I have limited space.

I have my HPC 1200 mounted vertically. Instead of the Bravo I use a Curtis automatic, but that is to save space and since we have a shop I rarely cut more than 10-15 keys on the road.

Love the setup. Easy to see if the shoulder stop is still up on an older machine that way.

Personally, I would recommend a good duplicator such as the bravo or as I used to use which was the ilco 040 automatic iirc. Code machine is a toss up. If you have good manual skills or have worked in a machinist setting before then the framon 2 will work nice. If not, the hpc 1200 is about as easy as it gets and no matter how good I got with the framon, the hpc was always faster. Right now I am set up with the ilco 040 and an itl 950 c. I used to have either a framon or an hpc as a backup machine but so far the itl has been good to go long enough I sold both back up machines (knock on wood).

Not sure I would take an itl on the road though .