Cutting machines

[sugurfoot]

If you were to purchase your first duplicateing machine what would you recomend? A code punch, a hand held punch or a automatic duplicator? And what about brands? Is one better than another? You guys that have been there what would you tell a newbe? Please take into account I am not trying to steal the bosses money or break into someones business and this will not be used for ill gotten gain. Just a new person wanting someones advice.

[freakparade3]

It depends on what you are willing to spend. Hand punch machines are VERY expensive, and with some you have to buy attachments for every different brand of key. If you want an inexpensive machine that duplicates and code cuts and is not bad quality I'd recommend the Foley-Belsaw model 200. It's the machine that all of us FB graduates have and it's a good starter machine.

[sugurfoot]

Thank you for that info. I saw hand punch machines for $495.00 and you right it was for Kwickset. I have saved to purchase a machine and plan to spend $2,000.00 if that is what it took. I hate to get something and later find out I should of got something else. If I understand this a code punch is good for just cutting keys you know the code for and the other you clamp in a maching and cut the copy, but can't you gage the key see what the cuts are and punch that in? Then you have a perfect key rather than following a worn key and making a copy that shows the wear. some cuts will be off enough so it does not work.
I guess I can google Foley-Belsaw and see what they have. Thank you very much for your time.

[keysman]

If you were to purchase your first duplicateing machine what would you recomend? A code punch, a hand held punch or a automatic duplicator? And what about brands? Is one better than another? You guys that have been there what would you tell a newbe? Please take into account I am not trying to steal the bosses money or break into someones business and this will not be used for ill gotten gain. Just a new person wanting someones advice.

It would all depends on what you plan on doing ? Are you setting up your own rekeys or master systems ? Then a code machine is essential.
Are you just planning on duplicating house and automotive keys ? Then a code machine is VERY impractical. Yes you can decode and make a new “ factory key “ but all that takes time and most people are not willing to pay for the extra service/ time required to do that.

A good duplicator will make a very close to factory specs key from a factory original.
So depending on the volume of business you expect .. a foley belsaw duplicator with the code attachment might be ok for you if you aren’t doing a large volume of keys . Other wise you need to step up to one of the many “ commercial “ machines You may want to look at RYTAN for a duplicator and Framon2 or HPC 1200 for a code machine ( both can cut most any key by7 code).

[Shrub]

I couldnt agree more, factors as mentioned include how many keys you would like to duplicate per day, how many keys you would like to cut to code per day, do you need to cut to code or are you just wanting to copy keys,
Is it for a business or simply to help you along with hobby picking?

If its just to make the odd key here and there for your hobby picking then i think one of the hand held clippers would be the cheapest for somthing used so infrequently,

Cost is the second biggest factor as if you dont have a couple of grand your not getting a code cutter that will deal with commercial useage, where as there are a lot of decent duplicators that you can do as keysman said fit attachments of use space and depth keys,

If you can tel us what and why you want one for it could help others give models etc although the above suggestions are probably still the same answers you would get,

[unbreakable]

What type of keys are you trying to copy, is it your tenant keys?
viewtopic.php?p=249994&highlight=#249994

It would help to know what type of keys you're trying to copy.

[Eyes_Only]

If it is just for fun, like a hobby a FB 200 machine will do just fine. Just make sure you calibrate it right, otherwise none of your keys will work.