Speedex problem

[lockstar5000]

Im not sure about the right place for this, but this is as good as any I guess. I just got a used 12v speedex, and it is one I have been using before in my friends truck. I just got my van wired up with a farm n fleet rv/marine battery. Anyway it is really hanging up when duplicating. Especially a thick WR5 key. It gets locked up and doesnt have the force to cut through the brass key. I managed on a schlage and a kwikset, but shouldn't this thing be running through the blank like butter? Is it a voltage problem, a dull cutter, or what? Frustrated. Ive seen this happen when its cold in winter, but its summer and its nice out. If this is happening now, winter cutting will be impossible. Any thoughts?

[GWiens2001]

Have you tried an extension cord from a wall socket in a building or at your home to see if it works normally? It sounds like a voltage/amperage problem, and this would tell you if it a problem with your Speedex or with your power supply.

Good luck, and keep us informed.

Gordon

[spoonzor]

First of all I would measure the battery, just to rule that out. Can you give more info about the battery? I think you need 12 amp to run this machine!

Edit: Above suggestion of wall socket connection would also make this clear/rule this out. Good idea.

[GWiens2001]

It is a 110v AC cutter. He has to be using a power inverter. My suspicion is a failing power inverter, which is why I mentioned trying an extension cord from a building, rather than using the inverter. The inverter may not be able to supply the amperage needed for the cutter, even if the voltage is good.

Gordon

[lockstar5000]

No it is a 12 volt dc, not 120v ac. Here is the model number:
HPC-9180MCDC Power Speedex Semi-Automatic Duplicator 12V DC

I dont think i understand how to check it with an extension cord, it is equipped with battery terminal hookups

[lockstar5000]

I just tried my 1200 right next to it, hooked up to same battery, and it is fine, cuts no problem. Even when I brush the key with the softie brush on the dup i can make it stop if i put enough pressure. Will tightening the belt help you think?

[GWiens2001]

Sorry for my ignorance. My Speedex is 110v AC. Not a Lockie, so I was going by what I had seen.

Checking with an extension cord is not going to work with a DC system. You were right to check your 1200 next to your Speedex. That verifies your power system is good. You can check your belt tension, but I think tightening it would only matter if the belt is slipping when the cutter is stopped by the key blank. Does the motor come to a stop when the cutter is stopped by the key?

Beyond that, I have only a few guesses, and would take it apart. Do you have a manual for it?

Gordon

[cledry]

If this is your business you probably already have a spare cutter lying around for just such an eventuality. You don't?

One of my business rules is keep a spare cutter of each type in stock. When you are in business you can't afford downtime, so have a spare, even a spare machine is a good idea.

[spoonzor]

totally agree with cledry.

About the extension cord: of course you need a fine 12 volt adapter that can give a lot of amps with that, but still a good way to test.
Tightening/replacing the belt? Should be obvious if the belt is slipping, you can see and hear that...

I'm just curious, does that speedex really need 12 amps (as i stated above). It sounds like A LOT to me. Any indication about this on the machine (sticker on the motor).

[CarsonReidDavis]

I'm no lockie, but I am a mechanical engineer, and sitting next to me is an electrical engineer , so here are our two cents.

I just tried my 1200 right next to it, hooked up to same battery, and it is fine, cuts no problem. Even when I brush the key with the softie brush on the dup i can make it stop if i put enough pressure. Will tightening the belt help you think?

I think it might be worth looking into. Here is a link to the manual for the Power Speedex http://hpcworld.com/Print/powerspeedex/ ... peedex.pdf. There is an exploded view of your model, 9180MCDC, on page 46.

It looks like it should be pretty easy to take the cover off, I think there are only three screws holding it to the base plate. You might also have to take the brush off. You should then be able to examine the belt while cutting a key to see more clearly if anything is slipping. Obviously be careful when doing this, manufacturers usually install covers for a reason.

If there is no slipping anywhere, then it sounds like your motor has an issue. According to the HPC website, it is possible to buy a replacement motor separately, although I'll bet it is still pretty expensive. The item number for the motor is DC-MOTOR.

As a final note, it doesn't sound like your main problem is a dull cutter. However, if your cutter is also dull then it could definitely be making your life harder. If you have another cutter that fits try installing it and see if it helps out.

That's all I've got, good luck with your Speedex!

[lockstar5000]

I have the manual. I just ordered a new cutter, I have only been in business a week LOL thats why I didnt have one.

[lockstar5000]

Also the guy I bought it from said to let it run a while. we will see what happens. Buying a motor from HPC will cost me a pretty penny I bet, I can probably get one for 100 bucks that will work with similar specs. Funny you engineers, mechanical and electrical. I am a structural engineer by training, obviously I got out of that line of work (why is a whole other story!)

Cutting into a WR5 blank also didn't help things I'm sure

[cledry]

Properly working you should be able to do a Yale GA in nickel silver in one pass. The Speedex is probably my least favourite key machine other than the Miny Mite and the Foley Belsaw machine. That said, it should not bog down on a brass WR5 blank.

You can send your old cutter out to GilRay for sharpening.

[MBI]

Properly working you should be able to do a Yale GA in nickel silver in one pass. The Speedex is probably my least favourite key machine other than the Miny Mite and the Foley Belsaw machine.

I actually like my Speedex since it's so accurate, but you're right, even nickel silver blanks shouldn't be a problem. One time I had to cut a few dozen Everest keys, one after another, and the only problem it gave me is that since the motor is a bit smallish (I have a mini-speedex) I had to turn it off once halfway through the job to cool off for a few minutes since the motor was getting a bit warm.

[keysman]

I just got a used 12v speedex, and it is one I have been using before in my friends truck.

Was it working properly in your friends truck? Or is this a different machine same model ?

I just got my van wired up with a farm n fleet rv/marine battery. Anyway it is really hanging up when duplicating. Especially a thick WR5 key.

Hanging up? What does that mean ? The machine turns itself off? The motor is running and the cutting wheel is turning at the proper speed and won't cut ? The motor doesn't turn ?



#1 check your connections from the battery to the machine, the switches etc .. you may have a loose or broken connection. Make sure all connections are clean / secure.

#2 Check to see if you have the same problem with the vehicle engine running ( assuming you can charge the battery from the vehicles electrical system . You may have a low battery.