key machines

by **blackfoot** » 13 Feb 2007 21:34

Im interested in purchasing a key machine from lockmasters and i need some pros and cons on the hpc punch 1200 and the framon 2 machine...........?

by **zeke79** » 13 Feb 2007 21:43

Punch can cut quite a few keys but not everything. Dies are very expensive to replace. Pros of it are that it requires no electricity and is as accurate as you can repeatably dial.

Framon II is more versatile and can but more types of keys such as emhart and medeco along with the capability to cut tibbe keys with accessories. It is very accurate and easy to use. Cons of this machine are you always require your depth and space manual for types of locks you do not memorize. You also have to switch blocks between types of keys on the standard framon #2. The #2D does away with the blocks and is what I use most of the time.

by **2octops** » 13 Feb 2007 22:17

I love my 1200 Blitz.

by **keysman** » 13 Feb 2007 23:14

In case you didn't know I am a GREAT fan of the Framon 2 , never tried the 2D but I would think it has solved the minor "quirks " of the # 2 .
In addition to being able to cut all cylinder keys, medeco, and other angled cuts, it also has optional blades for flat keys (safe deposit)
I have never had a problem with mine.. At all, the service from the factory is excellent. A phone call to Framon will have the owner answer the phone (Phil Angus ( ?)).

We have a HPC Punch at work .. It is ok .... It is not designed for high volume work, but it works well enough to cut a few code keys from time to time.
If I was buying a new machine .. Framon hands down.
Check around ... the prices vary from distributor to distributor by as much as $4-$500 for the same machine

by **Biaxial Ranger** » 14 Feb 2007 18:32

Framon has always been one of my alltime favorites, though you do need to pay a lot more attention than on most cutters as I have found them very particular with some of the options.

by **blackfoot** » 19 Feb 2007 17:36

ok i rolled up all my loose change a bought the framon 2 machine it was on sale ...................cant wait to cut some keys :lol:

by **zeke79** » 19 Feb 2007 17:41

Great to hear

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by **blackfoot** » 19 Feb 2007 20:14

man was i tore up about these machines its such a big purchase and i really liked the 1200 punch then the guy told me how much the blitz was and i started to order that one then i asked how much more for the framon and he said its on sale and it comes with alot of extras......i was sold the blitz you had to buy extra stuff im an all or nothing kinda person..............and all the locksmiths i've talked and advice on this forum led me to the right decision thank you LP101. i have alot of best cores to practice coding on and to cut these keys on my foley,s just agravates me sometimes.............

by **blackfoot** » 21 Feb 2007 22:00

received my framon two days after i ordered it im already cutting keys and it looks intimidating coming out of the box but its really easy to use and understand, ive already cut a couple best keys and its on the money.

by **zeke79** » 21 Feb 2007 22:32

Great to hear. My suggestion is get used to the vise. It is always easier to set keys up properly when it is dialed to 150 or under on the spacing. Place in properly, apply inward force in the center of the blank and tighten the vise. Do not over tighten the vise though as it can cause the blank to go slightly sideways in the vice. You'll only notice it if you check the key with a caliper though as they will still operate just fine. I think this is more a result of cheap blanks than the vise but it does happen.

Now enjoy that framon

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by **blackfoot** » 25 Feb 2007 22:01

whats the deal with the 1st cut on the best keys i have to widen it out or just cut it normally.

by **zeke79** » 25 Feb 2007 22:28

That I cannot help you with blackfoot as I do not cut best or IC keys.

by **blackfoot** » 25 Feb 2007 22:49

i will keep cutting away and figure it out. best keys are a challenge to cut, ive cut some change and control keys they work fine but i know i can get them better if i try.

by **WOT** » 26 Feb 2007 2:45

blackfoot wrote:i will keep cutting away and figure it out. best keys are a challenge to cut, ive cut some change and control keys they work fine but i know i can get them better if i try.

Best keys are challenge to grip, ESPECIALLY the 1A1FM1 blank.

by **blackfoot** » 26 Feb 2007 6:51

i hate cutting 8 and 9 cuts tweaks my blank almost every time im learning to cut it really slow.

key machines

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