Foley Belsaw 200: Code Cutting Question

[casey_diamond]

Okay, I'm having a major senior moment. I just got an FB200 (no manual), and I'm interested in using it as a back-up code cutter. Despite years of cutting keys and using about a dozen machines, I'm looking at the spacing micrometer and not seeing how it works!

I get that it's much easier to code=cut a key on the FB200 by using a spacing key, cut to all one-depths. Then you pop the spacing key in the right-hand jaw, the blank in the left, pick the pace you want to cut, set the depth with the depth-micrometer, and cut away. In fact, with a spacing key, the FB is easier to code-cut a key than my Framon!

With that said, I still don't see how the FB would cut a key by code using the spacing micrometer. How do you use the right-side jaw? Obviously, you can't put a key blank in the right-hand jaw AND use the spacing micrometer, because the head of the key will hit the micrometer.

I feel silly asking the question. I've been a locksmith for nearly ten years, and I don't get how to use the simplest/cheapest machine in the world!

TIA!

[Buggs41]

You really don't need a spacing key inserted in the right jaw if you are using the spacing micrometer. On my machine, I use a blank in both jaws. After setting the space/depth for the cut, line up against the spacing stop of the micometer, and push forward to cut.

If I am duplicating, I have to back the spacing micrometer all the way out. Otherwise it is in the way of the carriage containing the keys. The cut depth micrometer needs to set at zero.

If your spacing micrometer is in the way, it is probably installed wrong.

Hope this helps.