HPC 1200PCH

[jonathanelopez]

I've just bought a brand new HPC 1200PCH Punch machine. I've noticed that with keys such as H75/B102 it seems to bind when bringing the cradle toward the punch. Just in case i'm not explaining myself accurately here... When the part that holds the key up to the punch guide it seems to want to bring the key up vertically a bit. But when cutting KW1 keys it goes in perfectly without any binds.... Even after taking an H75 (Ford 8 Cut Key) out I've noticed that it hits the bottom punch guide so bad that it scrapes the bottom of the key. I was hoping to atleast see some youtube videos of someone really cutting these auto keys having the same issues I was. But really can't seem to come up with any...



Any answers or tips on this would be SUPER HELPFUL! Thank you so much for your time everyone!

[Altashot]

My punch does the same thing with some Ford keys.
It's hard to turn the cranks but my keys work, so I just live with it.
My friend machine does that too and his keys work well also
so, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

M.

[jonathanelopez]

WOW. Thats different. I'm so tempted to fix it. I'm thinking of just lifting the key vise up a bit'. Maybe that'll fix the binding?

[Altashot]

I looked at that too, didn't seem easy to do.
If it bugs you too much, you could always put a shim under the blank to raise it a bit.
I tried that too but lost the shim I had made and never bothered making another one.
Like I said, I just live with it.

M.

[Squelchtone]

Moving this from hobby lockpicking to locksmith business area.

[jonathanelopez]

Altashot I was just going to reply to this last night and claim the "I FOUND THE FIX." But it seems that you've hit it right on the bulls-eye. They actually make a shim. I believe its called the ford a block shim. But I could be completely wrong. They didn't make it completely for this application but it does the job just right. And for anyone else having this issue. I've found that the shim must be flush with the key vise.

But thank you Altashot, I'm just glad I wasn't the only one having this issue.

[Altashot]

No problem, friend.
I'm glad I could help fix an issue that isn't.

M.

[woodfamily]

Behind the depth adjust crank. There is a set screw that matches your t handle. Back it off slightly to allow the cradle a little play vertically. I have removed the handle to allow quick and easy adjustments depending on what key I am punching through the mounting hole in the crank.

[woodfamily]

Reference page 26 of your user manual.