ILCO 008 Mini Mite

[Jburgett2nd]

When I graduate from tech school I get the ILCO 008 Mini Mite as a "graduation gift" from the school. Do any of you know anything about this particular machine? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it isn't the best quality since I am getting for free.

[billdeserthills]

I have a couple of them, I bought the first one on the advice of my Dad & then he gave me his years later. They are dependable and they do work well, even getting thrown around for years,
of course I prefer my Speedex RM9120, but You could do much worse. After all, you do need to be able to cut decent keys and the 008 is likely the cheapest way to do that well.

[billdeserthills]

When I graduate from tech school I get the ILCO 008 Mini Mite as a "graduation gift" from the school. Do any of you know anything about this particular machine? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it isn't the best quality since I am getting for free.

Sorry to inform you, but You aren't getting Anything for free, I'm sure someone is paying Full price for it somehow

[Jburgett2nd]

Right for the price I'm paying in tuition I guess it isn't "free" per se. But if it is a decent quality machine to start out with I will be more than happy, and from what i've read it sounds like it will be alright until I can get something better.

[cledry]

It can be used in a pinch, but it is very basic. Excellent to learn on, works best if bolted to a heavy bit of wood.

Once you start getting serious in the business you will see the need for a high volume machine. Today I had to cut 150 nickel silver blanks for a customer in a very thick restricted CSA profile. Even with a Silca Bravo III each key took 3 passes. I would have given up if forced to use the Mini Mite.

[billdeserthills]

There is an older model for sale on ebay right now for $25 + $12.65 shipping, kinda
item#301579403899