Key Machine MODs (fans, heatsinks, filings catcher, etc...)

[Raccoon]

I'm in love with my Universal II code cutter ($1900 shipped with accessories), and as great of an investment as this machine is, it doesn't quite have all the features a $3200 unit does.

For one, it has nothing to trap and contain brass filings. Also, I'm somewhat concerned about the temperature that the motor gets to after it has been on for 10 minutes or longer... you can burn yourself!

Has anyone here made modifications to their duplicator or code machine? Any suggestions on heatsink / fan / temperature probe assemblies?


PS. After spending many hours on this machine, I have noticed one thing that really surprised and thrills me. I've bumped my fingers into the deburring wheel a few times and no cuts or scratches or missing fingers. After this discovery, I've managed to bump my finger into the cutting wheel and I'm still none the worse for ware. Do these things know how to identify flesh from metal?

[Shrub]

Well ive bumped my finger into the cylinder wheel on my machine twice now and its made a nasty cut both times,

If you are getting your motor that hot you are runing it too long, it may be youve actually got a machine thats too light weight for your work load,

[zeke79]

If the motor is that hot to acutally blister you then something is wrong, send it in. Second, who is your supplier?? I am not trying to stir the pot or anything but 1900 is a bit high for that machine even with accessories and shipping. Key Products is offering the machine right now for 1699 shipped to your door complete with all cards and 2 cutters I believe.

[Raccoon]

I haven't actually given myself a blister, but it's hot enough to touch and impossible to hold onto for more than a second.

I bought from BUSCH (discountkeymachines) and paid $1675 for the machine which came with 2 wheels and cards, $180 for two additional wheels (auto and sargent), and $50-something for freight. All in all, the check I wrote was $1902 and change. I'm sure there is tax involved.

[zeke79]

Ah, sounds like you done good after all then. Motor temp sounds like it's ok then. Just make sure you feed in at a rate that doesnt slow the motor down. This will improve cutter life and take load off the motor itself.

Keep in mind that it may be running a bit hot as it is new and things are a bit tight right now . It may loosen up as it wears in a bit, bearings, brushes, etc.

[keysman]

For one, it has nothing to trap and contain brass filings. Also, I'm somewhat concerned about the temperature that the motor gets to after it has been on for 10 minutes or longer... you can burn yourself!

There is something wrong with your machine or motor.. , Check to see if the vents are open .. sometimes they cover them before shipping ..also check to see if the belt is too tight .. running at an angle or too tight . will cause stress on the motor. If nothing else you might want to take it to the local “electric shop” and have it checked out.

Has anyone here made modifications to their duplicator or code machine? Any suggestions on heatsink / fan / temperature probe assemblies?

Since the manufacturer doesn’t offer those options, and you do have a machine that is “commercial duty”, I would look at a possible problem with the motor.

After spending many hours on this machine, I have noticed one thing that really surprised and thrills me. I've bumped my fingers into the deburring wheel a few times and no cuts or scratches or missing fingers. After this discovery, I've managed to bump my finger into the cutting wheel and I'm still none the worse for ware. Do these things know how to identify flesh from metal?

I would recommend you take a picture of your fingers .. You may want to remember what they looked like BEFORE you decided to test that theory.

If you keep putting fingers into a cutting wheel ,they will soon become unrecognizable as your fingers.

[Raccoon]

It runs strong, no sign or sound of strain or stress when running or cutting. I have no experience with motors of this kind, so it may be perfectly normal heat. This motor has no vents, and I notice the words "Thermally Protected" on the sticker. That said, I would still feel more comfortable putting a heatsink on it with a fan. Heat is never healthy to motors.

Anyone with experience or advice on running a key cutter in their kitchen? Right now, I've got the original box propped on its side with the cutter inside. This contains about 95~98% of the brass filings. I would prefer something a little nicer looking though, so I'm going to experiment with plexiglass sides.