Bought a bare Framon #2, what's next

[crazy_bee]

I just became the proud new owner of an old Framon #2 key machine.

It only came with a spacing block, i guess it's the number 1. Now I guess the first thing to buy is the framon space and deph book. I might get the 6 pack set of spacing blocks also. I have some blanks at hand, A dial caliper and grinder with a wire brush.

Do I need anything else? What type of cutting wheel should i get. There is one installed seems to be in good condition. But it wont cut keys for wafer/ lever lock. The only video i found of this machine in operation is an old video from the manufacturer itself. It's not the best in quality but should be good enough.

[billdeserthills]

Hard to tell from your pictures, but the cutter looks like the Medeco cutter, you will need the standard cylinder cutter wheel also, if you want to cut anything but Medeco and Steel blanks. As you said, you will also need the space & depth information--Framon used to keep the info updated on their website & you will want the other 5 spacing blocks. One place where you can find the stuff you are missing for less than new is Hawley Locksmith, who sells used lock & key stuff

[crazy_bee]

You have good eyes Bill! After looking very hard I was able to read the model of the cutter on the wheel. It was almost completly erased. It is a medeco cutter. Hawley do have the best prices on framon parts.

Thank you

[billdeserthills]

One think I really like about my Framon #2 machine is how intuitive it is. Even though I have been using mine for 25+ years, I just cut my first SFIC Core keys on my machine and they worked perfectly. I don't do much small format IC core work, so I have never used anything but depth keys to originate a key for these locks, and depth keys do not work well for this purpose--Framon cut keys did though

[tpark]

I've bought from Hawley too and have had good experiences - I didn't buy Framon parts though. If you get the blocks, there's a holder you can get that bolts onto the frame - the blocks don't get separated from the machine that way.

There are some doodads used for setting the key location when cutting from the tip (BEST spacing clip according to the manual) so you may want to get that, or if you cut PKS keys, there's a special clamp for those too.

I'm sure you'll be satisfied with this machine - it accurately and consistently cuts keys, and its operation is very straightforward.

--Ted.

[billdeserthills]

I've bought from Hawley too and have had good experiences - I didn't buy Framon parts though. If you get the blocks, there's a holder you can get that bolts onto the frame - the blocks don't get separated from the machine that way.

There are some doodads used for setting the key location when cutting from the tip (BEST spacing clip according to the manual) so you may want to get that, or if you cut PKS keys, there's a special clamp for those too.

I'm sure you'll be satisfied with this machine - it accurately and consistently cuts keys, and its operation is very straightforward.

--Ted.

You should definitely get the spacing clip, I actually used mine today. The other thing your machine came with originally was a steel slotter blade
that is used to cut safe deposit keys, any flat steel key, really. Only you know if you are gonna do that kind of work crazy_bee

[crazy_bee]

Yes the steel slotter is definately on my list. Don't know yet what i will do with the medeco cutter since I can't purchase blanks. I will probably try to purchase precut keys and change the bittings on them. Can it be used for other brands?

Right now I couldn't be happier, since I bought the machine for 300 canadian dollars.

Thanks again,

David

[billdeserthills]

Yes the steel slotter is definately on my list. Don't know yet what i will do with the medeco cutter since I can't purchase blanks. I will probably try to purchase precut keys and change the bittings on them. Can it be used for other brands?

Right now I couldn't be happier, since I bought the machine for 300 canadian dollars.

Thanks again,

David

In theory you can cut almost any key with the medeco cutter, but all the measurements listed for the Framon 2 rely upon you using the correct cutter
for the particular application you are looking at, so it really isn't good for much besides cutting Medeco keys. Plenty of places to buy blanks from

[jeffmoss26]

Hmmmm....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/322300762639

[crazy_bee]

Jeff, dont get me wrong I love the machine, but if someone wants to pay a grand for it, it will go. Until then ill continue to use it. I also bought an HPC Blitz and an old german Borkey. Seems like a lot of locksmith business are retiring this year.

[jeffmoss26]

guess I just prefer people to be honest when they join a forum and get free advice before making a profit.

[crazy_bee]

That statement was rude and based on what? I love the machine, but don't have a lot of money. If selling it could help me buy other must haves tools to help my business, then it's something i consider. My questionning was genuine and honest. It's not like i just joined the forum, either. Thats the problem with internet, it is easy to judge based on a one sided perception.

[jeffmoss26]

OK so you joined 8 years ago but have not posted until this month...just seems fishy to me.