Which Key Duplicator?

by **btierney** » 30 Oct 2006 12:25

I'd like to purchase a key duplicator, and would appreciate any advice you could give. I am currently considering the following: (though I am open to other suggestions)

Foley-Belsaw Model 200 - $279
HPC Mini Speedex - $349
Ilco 008A - $364

To prove my Search-Fu

I did find a few threads, (http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=15097,
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=15311) but was just looking for more information, I guess. The machine would be for occasional use only. I should also mention that I am interested in cutting by code. I understand that with space and depth keys any of these would work. Foley-Belsaw claims their machine cuts by code, but I have yet to find out exactly why they claim that. My maximum budget would be ~$500.

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Brian

by **zeke79** » 30 Oct 2006 12:43

The ilco 008 is a definate no by my opinion. The speedex is ok, though I prefer the bigger ilco machines personally such as the 044 and 045 depending on your budget. I personally use the Ilco 040. Check prices at discount key machines, keyproducts, and hlflake amongst some others and see who will make you the best offer.

Keep in mind that some of these distributors offer free shipping if you spend enough. Keyproducts ships free after $150 order and this includes key machines. HLFlakes states after 125$ order to my area I believe but this does exclude key machines so be sure to read the fine print :wink:

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by **zeke79** » 31 Oct 2006 1:27

Here are a few pics of the 008 Mini mite. It is just surprising to some how small it really is and that is why I am posting pics. Some blanks such as Kwikset and schlage, mine cuts at a severe angle that you can really pick out with the eye. You can get it set up to cut keys that operate just fine, but I figure that they will wear fast over time compared to better machines on the market.

The blank is sitting on top of the motor...... The blank is an axxess 19R2 for Chrysler vehicles such as neons and dakotas (2002 era) without transponders to give you an idea of the size of the motor you are getting with the machine. In the background to the right you also see a kwikset key blank that is cut and a q-tip that gives you another size reference, albeit from a distance.

Then my hand is there for size comparison. Keep in mind that this machine weighs around 9 pounds

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by **maxxed** » 31 Oct 2006 2:54

The 008 is an ok machine for occasional use, it is small with a small motor that runs well on a small power inverter. This makes it very portable.

A local shop recently purchased a 044 and lets just say it did not preform like the older ones, so I would avoid a new one but look for and older one.

by **btierney** » 31 Oct 2006 11:39

Wow, that is small. Thanks, Zeke. I didn't have any idea of the scale. I believe you have talked me into the Ilco 045. At $459 with free shipping, it won't break the budget.

I really appreciate your help, as I don't think I would have been very satisfied if I'd bought the 008. I'll let you know how it works out.

-Brian

by **zeke79** » 31 Oct 2006 12:24

Glad to help :wink:

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by **mojomojo** » 2 Nov 2006 13:04

I think the mini speedex is a good machine also i have had it for only 3 months but I would say its a machine that is worth it

by **maxxed** » 2 Nov 2006 20:16

It's good for occasional use or to have as a portable, but I wouldn't want to have to cut 100 keys a day on it.

by **ComTech** » 3 Nov 2006 22:06

I have the Foley Belsaw model 200 and the HPC mini speedex, the mini speedex is definately a better built machine. The motor on the model 200 is 9/10 of an amp. the mini speedex has a 2 amp motor.
If you going to cut a lot of keys, you may want to consider the next model up in the speedex line. It has a large motor on it. I think it about $475.

by **maxxed** » 3 Nov 2006 22:49

I have 2 of the mini's one has a reverseable guide that allows it to be used as a slot cutter, the other I put a 12 volt motor on and used in my service vehicle. I have had good service from these machines but I want to pick up a high speed duplicator

by **jdelaere** » 5 Nov 2006 13:31

The HPC mini is nice, but if you can get the larger motor size. The small motor size isn't quite powerful enough to cut through deeper cuts on keys, especially if you are using an original key blank.

by **maxxed** » 5 Nov 2006 18:17

Originally the mini was produced with a file cutter that worked well because of the small bite and it the high cutter RPM. Most people ( including myself ) use the MC replacement cutter that requires a slower speed and more tourque, this will stall the machine. The unit I converted to 12volt turns the cutter at about 1400 RPM so the milling cutter works well, but on the stock unit i takes a light touch on deep cuts

by **ComTech** » 5 Nov 2006 18:52

If you look at the HPC 9160 Premier Speedex, it's the same basic machine as the mini speedex, mounted on a metal plate with a large motor.
[/img]http://www.locksmithtoolandsupply.com/store/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PLT&Product_Code=360-9160&Category_Code=MKD
I was thinking that if I ever needed to I can remove the small motor, and add a large motor and make it the same as the Premier Speedex.
Most of those motors are probably 1750 rpms. I would think 1/4 horsepower would be big enough. Then put the MC cutter on it.

If I didn't already have the mini speedex, I would buy the Premier speedex, but I think it would be fairly easy to convert the min to a premier, since I already have a motor, so all I would need is a cutter, and make a belt guard.

by **maxxed** » 5 Nov 2006 21:55

ComTech wrote:Most of those motors are probably 1750 rpms. I would think 1/4 horsepower would be big enough. Then put the MC cutter on it.

If I didn't already have the mini speedex, I would buy the Premier speedex, but I think it would be fairly easy to convert the min to a premier, since I already have a motor, so all I would need is a cutter, and make a belt guard.

That is basicly what I did with a 12 volt motor motor plus I added a micrometer to the guide so that I can adjust depth easily

by **ComTech** » 5 Nov 2006 22:23

maxxed

That is basicly what I did with a 12 volt motor motor plus I added a micrometer to the guide so that I can adjust depth easily

Can you describe how you put the micrometer on the guide, or do you have a picture of the micrometer guide?

I put the digital read micrometer on my foley model 200.
I can see where it would be a big help on the speedex.

Which Key Duplicator?

Which Key Duplicator?

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