Key Machine Recommendations?

[s3curity]

Key Machine Recommendations?

For regular key machines that will cut most keys ever needed and not leave a person hobbled because of what it can't do. Nothing fancy just a good reasonably affordable machine.

[MacGnG1]

Foley Belsaw Model 200.

Got mine used, bought some replacement parts for cheap.

Great machine, easy to use, nothing fancy.

If you are quick you can get one on ebay for under 200$

[Caesarkid1]

Foley Belsaw Model 200.

Got mine used, bought some replacement parts for cheap.

Great machine, easy to use, nothing fancy.

If you are quick you can get one on ebay for under 200$

From my understanding you can also get this machine and a wealth of information from completing the Foley Belsaw locksmithing course. I was looking into it the other day when someone posted in another thread related to key cutting machines and what they would recommend. From what I hear it is a great starter machine and plan on getting one myself when the time is right.

[mat22420]

i got an Jet KEY MACHINE
9020 modle and can copy every type of key, but high secuity keys. 3 years and still working strong on same brush an cutting wheel. don't cut keys fast and last long time. i use mine every day you can shop around to find cheapest for you 400-500 brand new how got mine

[cledry]

I just sold a Belsaw machine for $50. IMHO it is just worth that.

For a starter machine I would get a Rytan Model 100, should be able to get a used one for under $300.

[grit2]

I started with a Foley Belsaw...it was reliable and did a good enough job.

When I got my HPC Premiere Speedex manual duplicator it was like night and day though - all of the sudden my keys had much better definition. I used my P Speedex for everything including cutting BEST keys by code (with depth keys) with a high degree of success - SFIC has tight tolerances so this is a testament to its accuracy.

[CMS_SAFECRAKR1]

I personally like HPC duplicators, very high quality. If your on a budget i have had a few Wenxing machines (high security duplicators) in past that worked awesome for the money.

[Sinifar]

Key machines, the base of the lock shop. Starting out, the Foley 200 is a super unit. We have one today in the truck because it will work on a 300 watt inverter, due to the "sewing machine" motor. Once you get the hang of this unit, you will find it is super.

ALTHOUGH it is a slow machine, so for the usual stuff around here, Schlage, Kwikset, and cabinet keys, I use a HPC punch on the road. IC is too touchy to use a "rotary" machine on so I use an A-1 punch dedicated to that purpose only. Makes great keys. Also on the road, a Hurdy Gurdy makes great ACE keys. Nothing like machines which don't need power to make what is needed.

Down here in the bunker, we have a Framon # 2 which gets most of the work load. Makes very exact keys. A HPC Speedex mainly for double sided keys needing the center "grab" -- and a real oldie but goodie, a Curtis # 9. That will cut almost everything, including flat keys, and bit and barrel keys, end cuts included. For really high security keys a Jet 2000. Nothing like it for duplicating side winder keys and others like ACE or even some I won't mention ...

It depends on your budget. If nothing else, get an ILCO 008, the old "Dynamite" machine. We used that on the road for ages, in it's own carrying case of course, with a dedicated, read that made for use on that machine -- depth keys.

There are lots more from 45 years of being in the trade, but that is the short list of what is currently working around here.

Sinifar

[cledry]

Just a note, cutting keys from depth keys is not really an original as a code key would be considered. It is a first generation duplicate, if everything is done properly.

[zeke79]

Are you wanting to code cut keys? If so I would spend the extra now and get an ITL950, hpc blitz, or a framon.

Seems like a lot of extra cash up front but trust me in the fact that the first big master keying job you do it will pay for itself in time savings.