Can someone ID these machines?

[Silverado]

Got another lead on some used machines for sale. Wondering if anyone can ID these and let me know what they think they would be worth?
I am guessing they're selling the cabinets/key hangers as well, since there were more pictures with diagrams of keys and whatnot inside the cabinet door. Lots of blanks here too!

[jeffmoss26]

They look like Curtis to me.

[Squelchtone]

They look like Curtis to me.

+1 the blue one is a Curtis 2000 model

like this one: https://www.armslist.com/posts/4385337/ ... 6-hp-motor

repair manual https://www.scribd.com/doc/88213821/Cur ... air-Manual

[Silverado]

You guys are awesome! Thank you!

What would you say is a fair price on them? The seller says everything is in working condition, and they're just dusty.

[Squelchtone]

I would say any key machine that is clean and works is worth at least $100. If it has not been abused and is known by locksmiths to be a well made work horse then $200 to 300 would be fair. Since they are old someone may try to sell them as an antique worth $500 each instead of a key machine that you have to clean up and calibrate. What are they worth in your mind? I would offer $100 for both machines, cash an carry. But ask yourself, do you *need* these machine right now? do you already have a machine or two that work well and cut your keys? I'd buy something newer personally, just in case I need to get parts or service. Hawley lock only has so many spare parts.

good luck!
Squelchtone

[Silverado]

Post by Squelchtone » Tue Oct 18, 2016 12:58 pm

I would say any key machine that is clean and works is worth at least $100. If it has not been abused and is known by locksmiths to be a well made work horse then $200 to 300 would be fair. Since they are old someone may try to sell them as an antique worth $500 each instead of a key machine that you have to clean up and calibrate. What are they worth in your mind? I would offer $100 for both machines, cash an carry. But ask yourself, do you *need* these machine right now? do you already have a machine or two that work well and cut your keys? I'd buy something newer personally, just in case I need to get parts or service. Hawley lock only has so many spare parts.

good luck!
Squelchtone

Thanks for the input!
I currently don't have any machines that cut keys so what I'm after is an inexpensive introduction to key cutting so I can learn more about it. Everything I know about locks and locksmithing is self taught so far, might as well stay studious and keep on it. I do not need to have these to go on with daily life but the previous sentence addresses my want. I'll think about it a bit...I would really like to have a newer machine, but I'm not certain I can afford a newer machine.

I was actually considering bartering for these for some thing(s) I have and don't use anymore (if the seller is even interested).

[billdeserthills]

Personally I would stay away from both of those machines. The top machine is an automatic machine and as already said, spare parts are no longer being made for it. The bottom machine is trouble, because those key vises do not grip keys well. In fact I have the same curtis machine in my van and I recently replaced the carriage and the vises, because it would pull the blank right out of kilter when cutting a key. Curtis redesigned the key vises for the lower machine and the redesigned key vises are a black color--Those silver vises are bad news.

Also both of those key machines have one-way vises--That means you will not be able to cut any double sided keys in either machine, just one more reason to stay away from them

[cledry]

I agree with Bill even though I have a Curtis in my truck and it is ok for single sided keys the later jaws are better but the machine is quite slow. They are solid and keep their adjustment well.

[Silverado]

All the information is greatly appreciated!
The way I'm looking at it right now is if they're interested in making a trade for the things I have to barter with, I'm gonna go for it. Just so I can familiarize myself with cutting keys. If they want cash I'll just save up for a newer machine.

I also found an ad for a Silca Bravo III that says it was picked up at an estate sale...The catch is, they're asking $2,750 for it and I see that I can get exactly that machine for $1,000 less. I did send them an email informing them that they're asking $1,000 above brand new price on a used machine asking if the listed price was a typo. I guess we'll see what happens.

[billdeserthills]

All the information is greatly appreciated!
The way I'm looking at it right now is if they're interested in making a trade for the things I have to barter with, I'm gonna go for it. Just so I can familiarize myself with cutting keys. If they want cash I'll just save up for a newer machine.

I also found an ad for a Silca Bravo III that says it was picked up at an estate sale...The catch is, they're asking $2,750 for it and I see that I can get exactly that machine for $1,000 less. I did send them an email informing them that they're asking $1,000 above brand new price on a used machine asking if the listed price was a typo. I guess we'll see what happens.

I saw a Silca Bravo machine on E-bay yesterday for $450, it looked good from the pics, especially the 4-way vises

[Silverado]

Found an offer and picked up an ilco 190KM for $75! Now to start making some copies.

[kwoswalt99-]

I bought a Curtis 2000 a while ago, but I've never used it... Just don't need to copy keys as much as I thought I would.

[Silverado]

Here's one that has been offered to me. The tag on it says "Simplex", "6210", and "H.P.C. Inc." and for the life of me, I can't find any info on it out there on the interwebs.
Here's the pictures, any help is appreciated!





I also picked up an ILCO 025 recently. I'm planning on restoring it, it's mostly just dirty but all the parts are on it and working. The motor squeaks a bit while it's running but I can get that fixed.

[billdeserthills]

I have that same exact machine, as your Simplex cutter, but mine says something else, I'll hafta take a look

[billdeserthills]

Have you noticed the Simplex machine appears to be missing the cylinder key copy dog, or tracer?