Curtis calibration

[ZackN]

Hello knowledge holders!

I picked up a Curtis 3000 automatic at a garage sale for $15 a year or two ago.
Since then I have attempted to make a few keys, but have not been happy with the outcome.
One key I had to make a few times to get it right, another few I have yet to copy correctly, but would like to. I am unsure if it is operator or machine that needs adjusting
Success: A few schlage keys
Yet to make correctly: Other dchlage keys and a best key.

Im looking for information on how to adjust or calibrate it. I guess a beginner intro on how to use a key machine would be good as well.

Included are some old pictures, ill post a few more later once I get home.
The brush was missing, so I bought one that was too small in diameter, I still need to get the nut to hold it on the shaft properly.
The automatic feed does not work (or I dont know how to work it) so I have been manually sliding it along and cutting keys.





In addition if someone has the manual and would like to send it to me that would be great. I know where I can purchase it, but don’t particularly want to spend money on it as this is one of many (too many) hobbies at this time.
http://www.hawleylocksupply.com/Merchan ... C2000-3000

[ZackN]

Well I opened up the case this morning and discovered how the auto feed works! It appears to work well.
In addition the internal gears also appear to be in good shape.
Application of some new grease is in order this weekend, im sure this will get it running much smoother.
Im confident on my ability to disassemble the majority of the machine for cleaning and lubrication, the one part I am hesitant about is the auto feed shaft, I don’t know what the internal components are and wouldn’t want them to get messed up.

Ill have to test the auto function tonight and cut another copy of the key that does not work.
I am guessing on how to do this but would one measure the original key and the duplicated key and adjust the rest in order to dial in or 'calibrate' the machine?

Cutting wheel (works well) and new brush that is too small and missing the nut.



Jaw new style that reportedly clamp well and rest for the brush pass.



Internal gears appear to be in good shape. Both shafts need to be re greased and the rusty rod cleaned and oiled.



Auto drive mechanism, not sure how this part works.

[billdeserthills]

I have rebuilt many key machines, but never one of these 'hardware store' specials, but
I'll tell ya what I remember about this machine.

Last time I saw one was back in the 90's, in the hardware store across the street from my
old shop. One day a man came in, and told me that the hardware store across the street
was charging 60 cents to cut a key, but they were out of his blank. I told him when I ran
out of those blanks I would charge 60 cents also, but until then they were $2.25--I didn't make the sale

[Ralph_Goodman]

I have rebuilt many key machines, but never one of these 'hardware store' specials, but
I'll tell ya what I remember about this machine.

Last time I saw one was back in the 90's, in the hardware store across the street from my
old shop. One day a man came in, and told me that the hardware store across the street
was charging 60 cents to cut a key, but they were out of his blank. I told him when I ran
out of those blanks I would charge 60 cents also, but until then they were $2.25--I didn't make the sale

Those guys can afford to make everything cheap because they aren't investing in teaching their employees anything.

I went to a hardware store a while back as an experiment/for an article I was writing. Just asking the people there questions like any customer would.

The guy working on the key cutter had just inserted a blank and the key that needed to be duplicated. On the side of the key machine, it says "Laserkey". One of the people I was there with asked the guy, "Does that machine really use a laser?". He looked at the machine. And then he said, "Ya. That's how it can cut the car keys."

60 cents sounds about right for that level of expertise.

[caper7777]

Did you get your Curtis all fixed up I picked up a Curtis 2000 automatic that needs some work .. the auto part it goes side to side but doesn't engage to cut the key without some help .