Impression and curved blank key

[atkkta]

Hello guys,

How do you deal with "curved" blank keys?

I mean, once you have filed a certain height, you are now in the curve of the "S" and your mark is not in the center of the key but one the edge. How do you recognize a mark on the edge since it can't be a single point?

I mean this kind of blanks :

[cledry]

Lots of practice. It does make things more difficult, so it is important to be proficient with other non para keyways first.

[stratmando]

Question Jim, Would think filing would still be perpendicular to key blade? Would a knife edge help?

[cledry]

Question Jim, Would think filing would still be perpendicular to key blade? Would a knife edge help?

It might help but they are just a pain to impression.

[GWiens2001]

A good file that leaves a smooth surface, or very fine sandpaper wrapped around a very small rod (like a coat hanger or slightly larger in diameter) can leave a surface that is nearly perfect. That makes spotting irregularities easier.

Also, when you are starting out and can see where the pins are located, us an ultra-fine Sharpie marker to make straight lines down the side of the key blank so you know where to look for the marks when you get to the harder areas.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

I recently got one of these big double loupes, it has a focus adjustment that really gives a clear image, along with a light that I haven't yet tried. Also the price is very good www.sciplus.com/large-lighted-loupe-54917-p

[tpark]

I find keyways like Y1 harder to impression, but it's still possible. Remember that the mark is in the middle of the key, not in the middle of the filed area and you'll be OK.

[Picker-21]

I would have to agree a good pair of eyes or magnifying lens and some variety of sizes of pippin files and it makes it a bit easier. I’m not a fan of using carbon like from a candle to smoke the key so the marks show up
More but it may help some people

[Picker-21]

Ohh and for god sakes only file one direction!! Or you will never be able to accurately see the small marks from the key pins. But a smooth pippin file in one direction and it is shinny as a mirror

[tpark]

A good file that leaves a smooth surface, or very fine sandpaper wrapped around a very small rod (like a coat hanger or slightly larger in diameter) can leave a surface that is nearly perfect. That makes spotting irregularities easier.

Also, when you are starting out and can see where the pins are located, us an ultra-fine Sharpie marker to make straight lines down the side of the key blank so you know where to look for the marks when you get to the harder areas.

Gordon

This is a good suggestion. If the lock is one where I know the depth and spacing, I'll cut 0 cuts at all the pin locations using the Framon 2 machine, and go from there. I've done it the normal way, but this can save a lot of time.

I try to avoid impressioning if I can, it's hard on the lock and I can't see as well as I used to.

[stratmando]

How would a Sharpie work? Seems like it could?