Key machines I found today at the swapmeet

[UnlockingBoredom]

Today I was called by my locksmith friend and he said to get down there ASAP to look at some key machines.
I got down to the swapmeet within an hour to look at a Rytan (either 100 or 200, cant tell because its pretty old and no markings or stickers) Everything worked on it so I looked at the next one.. It is an HPC code a key from 1981 (blitz) Its in pretty rough shape, The plastic that covered the needles was cracked, broken and falling out. The power cord was cut as well so I dont even know the condition of the motor.

3rd was a HPC scotsman tubular key machine that would not power up at all but looked in ok condition. The guy started saying prices he wanted for each machine (totaled over $800.00) I started picking apart each machine and what was wrong with it and how much money it would cost to get just one up and running. I only had $180.00 on me (my key machine budget I have been saving up) and I had my 3oz of silver in my pocket. Now I was thinking there is no way this guy would even come close to taking that deal but I put it out there anyway.

He took the deal for $180.00 and around $60.00 in silver for all 3 machines.

When I got home the first thing I looked at was the Scotsman because it is the easiest of the machines to fix. I took off the bottom cover and someone had put in a fusable link (most likely way too small of a fuse) and it was burnt so I started cutting wires and putting them back how they should have been and now it works perfectly!! (I did break the power light housing though)

The Rytan runs great but it is not cutting where it should (its like the cutting wheel is too far to the left) I will take it off to make sure someone didnt put a washer behind it but other then getting it dialed in, it works great and cuts fast.

Now I look at the HPC code-a-key.... switch is missing, power cord is cut, plastic card cover is now missing (had to take it off) and there is no softy brush on it. The needles are there and with a little work getting everything cleaned up and lubed things should work good.

Question.... Where do I get parts for these? I have looked at all of the websites that sell the machines and even HPC but I cannot find the plastic cover to where you put the code cards. I can get a switch and power cord anywhere (still have to find out if the motor is good or not) I would love to take it all apart and paint or powder coat but that would most likely trash any calibration it had... I sure want to get this one in working condition (I really dont care that much how it looks)

I will post picks of them as soon as I can..

[UnlockingBoredom]

Oh, I forgot to mention that my locksmith friend has an entire extra set of code cards that he is going to give me if I get the code cutter working

[zeke79]

You can get the plastic card holder part from hpc but it is the entire holder and needle assembly. You'll have to calibrate the machine from scratch which is not a minor adjustment. I've done it and it wasn't too bad but took several hours and a couple six packs.

It will save time if you buy hpcs calibration kit which is around $60 if I recall correctly.

Seems like the card holder assembly part was around $150 if I recall. I could be wrong as this was ten years ago.

Good luck.

[1mrchristopher]

HL Flake has just the plastic lens, maybe 25 bucks.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Thanks Zeke79!!! I will contact them tomorrow to see about prices (now I have something else I need to start saving for..)

The tubular machine works great now and I just need to go get some key blanks to start calibrating the Rytan...

The person that owned it before must have loosened the screws for cleaning because they knocked the cutting wheel shaft a little to the left. The must not have known to tap it back so they bent the shoulder gauges to make the original key sit to the left so it would cut good keys. I dont like that so I will have to get new shoulder gauges (and probably the whole bar) and set this machine back to how it should have been. I just got done with setting the depth and now it is absolutely perfect in its depth cutting.. tomorrow I will start working on spacing.

I love learning how to do this, although its not really hard.... but its fun to take something that wasnt working properly and calibrate it

[UnlockingBoredom]

HL Flake has just the plastic lens, maybe 25 bucks.

I just looked them up but you have to be a locksmith I guess... it wants your company name and locksmith number.

I guess the HPC machine will have to wait until I move to Oregon in a few months, I will get my nephew to get the catalog so I can look through it and he can order for me..

[UnlockingBoredom]

Ok, I just cut an American key (not the best to use when testing the shoulder stop..) It seemed to cut it perfectly from the shoulder and when I measured the cuts with my micrometer I am cutting up .001

I think thats good enough for now... every time I move that dang thing it goes way off and I have to try to get it back...

Im charging the camera so I can post pictures...

[jeffmoss26]

If your state does not require locksmith licensing - such is the case in Ohio - just put N/A and sign up.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Dang, California requires a locksmith licence and so does Oregon.. Well I guess thats a good thing, you dont want just any moron doing a job where security is the priority..

[jeffmoss26]

If you can't find the parts, shoot me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Thanks Jeff, This is an old machine from 1981... DO you think they have changed that much over the years? I guess I need to take a bunch of pictures and post them on my photobucket... maybe someone can look and tell me if it looks like the newer stuff will work on it.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Ok, here are the pics of the machines....

The Rytan:

I need to get a cover for this side:


Tubular machine / Scotsman

Still need a little cleaning and to get the surface rust off of the key clamp

The HPC Code-A-Key






I still need to go look at my friends machine (his is much newer..) to see about the wiring. With only 2 wires I was thinking it was a 12 volt, not a 110v but I could be way off

I hooked 2 9v batteries together neg to pos and touched the wires to them and the motor turned so at least I know the motor is not frozen.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Can anyone tell me why I am no longer able to edit my posts? I wanted to comment on the "custom" door knob handle on the Rytan...

[cledry]

The HPC is indeed a 12 volt model. The Rytan should have had two plastic sacrificial pieces on the stops. They are often missing but are there to protect your cutter. It is a nice fast machine and not too heavy.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Jim, Can I swap out the 2 way jaws on the Rytan for 4 way?
I love how fast this thing cuts..