Just signed up for Foley-Belsaw locksmithing school...

[Dr Money]

This was definetly the most labor intensive part of the first 15 lessons. I had no vise so my hands took a beating. I used a sharpie to 'smoke' the blank, you can put it on a lot easier and more even. Be extra carefull when taking the blank in and out. Once its all the way in, semi-violently turn to both sides quickley. I think I did about 20 turns, 10 each side. The mark that is left is just as they illistrated, its only a small dash. Check with the acutal key to the lock to make sure its in the right place. When you start filing, begin slowly with only forward strokes for acuracy, once you file away a piolet hole you can kinda let loose. If you dont have a vise, C-clamp from the dollar store can be a life saver. All in all, it took me the better part of an hour.

[Neo]

I'm going to guess that I shouldn't really smoke that blank in the flame for that long. I was messing with it until 2 A.M. last night and discovered that I can see the shoulder better when I use a light coating of carbon "smoke" on the key.

When I was using a little bit of coating on it, I tried turning it in the lock a few times really hard turning from left to right. I was able to see the shoulder a lot better when I pulled the key out. Of course I saw the scrapes against the side of the blank from pulling it out, but the smoke looked like it rubbed off a little bit..

I think this calls for a webcam and maybe a redirection to Got Questions?

[Neo]

This may be a stupid question, but does anyone know how you figure out your Student ID #? I don't remember opening anything and reading about it. Is it on the sticky stamp they give you to put on your package to send back? I see a letter and some numbers under the student # line...

any help?

[Wesson357]

The student id card comes on your student gram which you recieve separately from your lesson packages.

[Tim_Z]

Hey all, just stopped by FB today to pick up the remainder of my course and was informed that around the end of next week they would be moving to a new address (about one or two blocks away). So keep that in mind when you go to return completed courses, as I did not think to ask about the pre printed return mailing address labels. If I can remember to call next week I will get their new address and post it here.

Tim

[Dr Money]

Finally pictures of key machine, the ruler is 1 foot, the motor is seperate and not shown in photos. They say there is 3 different cutting blades and followes although i havent got around to checking them out. Seems there is a lot of assembly required.

http://www.bjjfighter.com/photos/1.JPG
http://www.bjjfighter.com/photos/2.JPG
http://www.bjjfighter.com/photos/3.JPG

[TypicalNuser]

Dr money- Is this the actual key cutting machine that is included in the bf program?

Not to be pushy but any chance you got it running yet?

[Ezer]

Dr money- Is this the actual key cutting machine that is included in the bf program?

That's it.

[TypicalNuser]

Thanks I thought there was a thread discussing the f-b machine but I don't remeber seeing a picture of it.

viewtopic.php?t=7682

[Infosec]

I started the FB courses, just finished the 15th lesson and mailed it in. I'm very impressed by the quality of the presentation and information. It's deffintley a good start to learning the ways of locksmithing. I had a little diffuculty with the warded impressioning, couldn't get to many marks on the key to go by but I eventually got it. I'm really looking forward to the next courses on pin and tumbler locks.

[Lowtech]

Neo, instead of smoking the blank, try using a magic marker. Cover the blank with the magic marker, easier to do than smoking the blank. At this point patience is the key. With a magic marker it's easier to coat the key than smoking it, good luck

[jimb]

I had also been debating for several months on taking the Foley Belsaw course. After reading more into this thread and seeing that some were signing up for $600 with $15 down and $29 per month I gave them a call. Just wanted to let everyone know that it appears anyone can get this deal by giving them a call. I went ahead and signed up and I'm looking forward to getting started.

:D

I have been debating off & on for about 6 months whether or not to do this. I have always wanted to learn how to impression, etc. and I finally bit the bullet and sent away my registration paperwork today. My wife told me this could be my X-Mas present this year, and next year, and the year after that, etc.!!! After I have started I will let you know how it is going. I am very excited about this and if all goes well I hope to have it completed pretty fast. I did look around at 3-4 different schools and this one seemed to offer the best deal. A key cutting machine is included with the tuition and it will cut by codes too. Sorry to be so long winded but I am like a kid on X-Mas morning waiting for my first package to arrive!!!

Happy picking...

lock_assassin

[Lowtech]

jimb, I'm currently doing the fb course. There are some things that they suggest you buy to help in the course. The vacum vise fb has goes for $37.95 and their swivel magnifying lamp $59. I went to harbor freight and got a nice vice that clamps to a table for about $11 and saved about $20-$25 on their lamp which looks similar. The vise really comes in handy filing keys and holding the wafer lock. Hope this helps, just my opinion.

[creamy_bomb]

Does taking a locksmithing course like Foley-belsaw give you any justification to possess locksmithing tools since the course does comes with lockpicking tools?

[Lowtech]

The FB course will make it easier to purchase locksmithing tools from some companies as you get a student ID number to use if they require ID. As far as possession of locksmithing tools, there is a sticky thread in the FAQS and General information forum on Lockpicking laws that should help you out. Also use common sense, if you carry locksmithing tools with you all the time, you better have a good reason. If you look around you will probably find a number of discussions on this besides the above one. Hope this helps.