Info on HP Punch machine

[Capt_Tom]

I am looking to add a used code cutter to my business. I need to be able to code cut a key on site rather than driving back to the house. I want something that can stand up to the bumps and vibration of being carted around in the service trailer. I am looking at a couple of HP 1200 Punch units. They seem used but in working order. How much use can these units take before they become useless or in need of major repairs. How much maintenance do they need to be considered accurate, and does the wear affect the accuracy? Any help would be appreciated.

[keysman]

Tom
When the HPC punch was announced I looked very seriously at them . I liked the idea that a versatile code machine not requiring power was available. Initially I had my name on a waiting list, I put off the purchase of a powered code cutter for the 30 days expected delivery. There were some manufacturing/ delivery delays and 6 months later I got a smoking deal on a used Framon # 2 and went with it. I am glad I did.
Several years later I took a job as a in-house locksmith for a large c-asino hotel. The main code cutter was the HPC punch. They had dedicated “blue punch” for Schlage, as the HPC couldn't handle the volume for a large master key system ( 2000 doors). The HPC was used mainly for desk , filing cabinet and other small keys.
At one point we had to make keys for apx 200 desks.. codes were on the locks, and available from Instacode. No problem! Bring the HPC, the printed codes, a bunch of blanks and knock 'em out. Yea right. The HPC was slow and not terribly accurate. Many of the keys had to be “adjusted” to work properly. I brought in my Curtis #14 clipper ( the one with the big wheel). I cut and tested the keys, the other guy came behind me and stamped the codes on the keys.. he couldn't keep up with me.

So .. my experience with the HPC punch is: It is probably OK for small volume work or as an emergency machine.. to use it as your main code cutter is not practical.

Hope this helps.

[Capt_Tom]

That is what I needed to know. I will probably go with the "Switch Blitz" AC/DC model. That would save me buying two machines. I hear a lot of good things about them from folks that I know in the business.

Thanks for the info

[lockjock50]

I like the switch blitz. It does everything i need. I also still use the little cheap duplication machine i got from Foley-belsaw.

[Capt_Tom]

How long have you had the switch blitz? Is it on a bench, or do you transport it in your vehicle? I have recently been told that they are having a hard time keeping them in adjustment..... Maybe from vibration?

[brinard]

i reccomend a used HPC 1200cmb. you can search sites like "allofcraigs" etc to find used machines. I found some recently for around 800-1200 bucks for newer models. its what we have in our work trucks.

i havent used any punches...because i hear they are innacurate, and slow, and may not work for every style of key blank.

[Calismth]

Yea...once you've used a blue punch from Pro-Lok, using the HPC Blitz is painstakingly slow. Although, you are able to print additional code cards or switch out to the 1011 cutter to accommodate more types of key types. That being said, i've had to have the machine sent in to HPC to be re-calibrated once within the first year of use (i probably got 300+ keys cut by code using the machine before running into this calibration problem). That cost $250, for an already $1500 machine. With the blue punches, you only get one brand per machine, but they are easily and quickly serviced and in the long run a huge time saver.