Expanding in to key cutting any advice?

[bioggy]

Well I been in business 6 months I have a steady stream of work but not enough so now I am investing in a key cutting machine! I managed to purchase today a Parvalux Key Cutting machine for £40 and to be honest it seems pretty decent, any one else used one of these?

My question is in the UK what are the most commons keys to stock up on? I got a brief idea I ordered some just the typical JMA 1A etc. but alot of them confuse me.

Any advice would be appreciated

[bioggy]

I forgot to add the picture For some reason can't edit my original post

http://i.imgur.com/4lkJxHv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DIsguct.jpg

[Squelchtone]

That motor is made by Parvalux, but the rest of the machine looks like someone with machine shop experience made it. If that's the case, then it's a very nice little machine.

am I nuts, what do you machinists think? home brew or factory made?

Squelchtone

[bioggy]

I have seen quite a few of these for sale usually people are asking about £110 uncalibrated, also there was a few PAT test stickers on them, earliest dating to 1992 , I do like it alot after a quick fiddle about with it, you just make sure it is aligned turn it on and it cuts it, it's self, I am new to the key cutting so I am not sure if many do it, but on bottom right that piece of metal goes around pushing the bar across.

[Squelchtone]

I have seen quite a few of these for sale usually people are asking about £110 uncalibrated, also there was a few PAT test stickers on them, earliest dating to 1992 , I do like it alot after a quick fiddle about with it, you just make sure it is aligned turn it on and it cuts it, it's self, I am new to the key cutting so I am not sure if many do it, but on bottom right that piece of metal goes around pushing the bar across.

So you think these were made and sold by a company that made key cutting machines?

Thanks
Squelchtone

[bioggy]

I think they used to make key cutting machines, I have done a quick google search and found other parvalux key cutting machines.

http://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/aucti ... b900e236ef

On the other hand I have only seen2-3 of the same machine I have being sold. So I think more or less they are possibly not being made anymore and the ones I do find seem to be vintage or worse for wear.

If you want any pictures or a video of it working let me know

[Squelchtone]

I think they used to make key cutting machines, I have done a quick google search and found other parvalux key cutting machines.

http://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/aucti ... b900e236ef

On the other hand I have only seen2-3 of the same machine I have being sold. So I think more or less they are possibly not being made anymore and the ones I do find seem to be vintage or worse for wear.

If you want any pictures or a video of it working let me know

very interesting, thanks for the link!
Squelchtone

[bioggy]

I thought I would update you with some of the history behind the motor I spent some time researching.

Back in 1970 to around the mid 90s Parvulax used to manufacture motors to a company called Sankey. They use to fit their sd8- 28 motors to their key cutting machine, I'm not sure if they are around any more but they do not sell motors to the company any more.

Thought you maybe interested

[mach1]

The machine looks like an old Jakey machine, they went out of business probably 20 years ago, RST took on some of their old designs and brought them up to date. They used to use Parvalux motors, and the machines were reliable. There so many makes on the UK market now, and most a pretty good and not too pricey.
As for key blanks , there are probably about 50 cylinder and 30 mortice that you would use the most, .
JMA keys are from SKS www.sks.co.uk
Keyline blanks from M.E. Duffells, NW Keys
Silca blanks from Keyprint, Aldridge Charles Birch
HD blanks from Davenport burgess
Errebi Blanks from Rollins & sons (RST)
Most of these are trade only suppliers and unless you can prove your a legit business you may have problems getting supplies

[bioggy]

Thank you for the info I am a legit business and sent of the forms to the suppliers. I am currently in search of a new machine as one of the keys had a steep decline and bent the bar the blade is attatched to and there is no way to straighten it I believe or even get a replacment.

[mach1]

pm me with a picture of the damage , or whats happened, i'll see if I can suggest anything. A new machine is going to cost from about £350 for the most basic, not many second hand ones about at the moment , but I would look on 'GUMTREE', they sometimes come up on there

[bioggy]

Thank you basically you got the extender bar the black bolt bit, and under neath that the small bar that has bent.

I am prowling gumtree to find a bargain, it seems to be the most decent place to get one from second hand I will pm you with images, thank you for your help

[Squelchtone]

I am prowling gumtree to find a bargain,

I've heard UK folks mention gumtree a lot lately, is it more popular than ebay and craigslist, or are those also popular in the UK?

Thanks
Squelchtone

[bioggy]

To be honest I never used gum tree but it is the only place you can find key cutting machines. The only things you get in Craigslist here is services from women.

I am going to get a JMA machine this weekend and my key stock.

When I do get time I will be trying to fix that jakey machine.

[Squelchtone]

The only things you get in Craigslist here is services from women.

and to think I've been using it to buy safes, Jeep parts, and to sell my old car.