Is HPC Blitz one of the more universay cutters?

[pcm81]

I hate buying 17 different tools to do 20 similar jobs. I have a key duplicator, which i can use to code cut low security keys using D&S keys. I have a cheapie chinese top cutter for dimple keys and "secure" wafer keys. What i am looking for is a machine that can be used to originate code cut keys. As far as i understand the Blitz can handle paracentric keyways better than hpc punch and i see that there is a $400 attachment to enable it to cut angled medeco keys. Are there any code originating machines in this price range ~$2K that can originate more keys than Blitz can? As far as i understand (may be wrong), Blitz can't originate dimple keys and tubular keys. What other key types will I be unable to originate on Blitz (warded keys goes without saying)? Are there any kind of pin tumbler locks that blitz cant originate keys for, assuming i know depth and spacing and am not afraid of using the micron card. I am looking for maximum versatility at around $2K or less price tag. Don't care if it portable or requires AC power.

[GWiens2001]

The Blitz is quite versatile and can originate many types of keys. It can also cut flat key type lever locks like safe deposit lock keys.

Numerous cutters are available for the Blitz, and may be needed to cut certain keys. You may also need different jaws to hold the keys.

The Blitz can originate tubular keys with an expensive adaptor kit, but the keys, while they do function perfectly, look like they were not professionally cut. I have the kit, but use a Herty Gerty to cut tubular keys.

The Blitz can not cut sidewinder or laser track keys, nor dimple keys.

That said, I love my Blitz. It is as close to idiot-proof as you can get.

Gordon

[Jacob Morgan]

Does anyone have experience with both the Blitz and Framon and if so how do they compare in terms of accuracy, speed, flexibility, ease of use, etc?

[UnlockingBoredom]

I dont know about Framon but I have a Blitz and I jsut cut a Schlage key by code in about 15 seconds and I wasnt trying to go fast. I love my Blitz, Just got a new to me 120v motor installed on it and then recalibrated it... Raise cutters are not the same size!! I wish I would have just waited and got the HPC cutters for it.

[UnlockingBoredom]

Oh, I used my micrometer to check the cuts afterwards and they were EXACTLY what they should be.

[pcm81]

Thanks guys. Definitely seriously looking at blitz as an upgrade to my current setup. Now, where did i put that lottery ticket?

[tpark]

I dont know about Framon but I have a Blitz and I jsut cut a Schlage key by code in about 15 seconds and I wasnt trying to go fast. I love my Blitz, Just got a new to me 120v motor installed on it and then recalibrated it... <censored> Raise cutters are not the same size!! I wish I would have just waited and got the HPC cutters for it.

I have a Framon 2, and it's great, but It takes more than 15 seconds to cut a key to code on it for me. It's measurement based, so if you know the measurements of the key you can cut one - no cards needed. It comes with a big book of measurements, and that seems to cover all the common keys. It's a handy tool, and the keys are perfect, but some kind of automated system would be better if you're cutting hundreds of keys for a job. It's especially good if you have to deal with creating keys for unique locks, since the space and depth values are read directly.

[cledry]

We have both Framon 2 and HPC 1200 Blitz machines. I would say the HPC is easier and faster but the Framon is more durable and retains better accuracy.

The Blitz can also cut to space and depth using micrometer cards available both metric and inches. Also many code programs will let you print a card for anything you might not have. BTW if anyone needs cards let me know I have hundreds available.

We have 7 Blitz machines and only 1 Framon so that should tell you something.

Next one is going to be a ITL 9700 though!No more cards, fast and greater accuracy.

[C locked]

A copy of the metric micrometer card would be real useful

[pcm81]

We have both Framon 2 and HPC 1200 Blitz machines. I would say the HPC is easier and faster but the Framon is more durable and retains better accuracy.

The Blitz can also cut to space and depth using micrometer cards available both metric and inches. Also many code programs will let you print a card for anything you might not have. BTW if anyone needs cards let me know I have hundreds available.

We have 7 Blitz machines and only 1 Framon so that should tell you something.

Next one is going to be a ITL 9700 though!No more cards, fast and greater accuracy.

Are you saying that Framon is 7x better than Blitz?

/hides under the desk.





Just kidding...

[pcm81]

A more serious question about Framon:
does anyone know if blitz's medeco jaw or if framon's rotating cutter do a better job at cutting angled keys like medeco?

[GWiens2001]

A more serious question about Framon:
does anyone know if blitz's medeco jaw or if framon's rotating cutter do a better job at cutting angled keys like medeco?

The jaw on the Blitz does not cut - it only holds the key. You need the Medeco cutter to cut the keys.

Never cut a Medeco key on a Framon.

Gordon

[cledry]

A more serious question about Framon:
does anyone know if blitz's medeco jaw or if framon's rotating cutter do a better job at cutting angled keys like medeco?

The jaw on the Blitz does not cut - it only holds the key. You need the Medeco cutter to cut the keys.

Never cut a Medeco key on a Framon.

Gordon

The head rotates on the Blitz and the cutter is changed with the jaw to enable cutting Medeco keys.

[GWiens2001]

A more serious question about Framon:
does anyone know if blitz's medeco jaw or if framon's rotating cutter do a better job at cutting angled keys like medeco?

The jaw on the Blitz does not cut - it only holds the key. You need the Medeco cutter to cut the keys.

Never cut a Medeco key on a Framon.

Gordon

The head rotates on the Blitz and the cutter is changed with the jaw to enable cutting Medeco keys.

Am aware of that. Was correcting his question of whether the Blitz jaw or Framon cutter works better.

Gordon

[Tyler J. Thomas]

They're putting an ITL in my truck. Don't get me wrong, I love ITL's - they're life/time savers, but I love the manual control of the Blitz. Sometimes things aren't spec (especially older locks), and cutting a key to spec won't produce a smooth result. It will still work but I'm a stickler for my keys working as smooth as butter.

I also prefer the Blitz's card over the ITL's paper booklet for a source on spacing/depth. Those cards will be lost before they're damaged or rendered illegible - they're bullet proof.