Restricted Keyblank Acquisition

[TOWCH]

I'm in the middle of a struggle with making a medeco blank and figured I'd test the grounds for discussion on the topic. If there's enough interest(indicated by "I wish I could" and "I make my own") and a mod gives the thumbs up we can turn this into a discussion of fabrication methods.

[wtf|pickproof?]

I don't need blanks to restricted keyways. (yet )

wtf|pickproof?

[Shrub]

Ive seen a nice machine that cuts any keyway you want on to a blank then you cut the key as normal, very nice and not too dear to buy.

[TOWCH]

Sounds expensive. Got a link? I've been thinking of just forking over the cash for a small table saw and abrasive blade.

[Chrispy]

I'm still trying to find an ILCO 9FAC blank....

[kodierer]

Although I am not a locksmith persay.
You should really include that as a poll option.
it should say "I am a locksmith", as many here are

[Shrub]

Towch,

No its no to dear actually for what it is, i will try and find some leaflets out and post back, its basically like a slotting cutter (horizontal miller) that is computor controlled, it can move all 3 axis and make any present keyform or any you can invent!

[tsleddens]

That machine is called the easy entrie key machine. I found the text on the site of wendt.

Simply insert an existing blank into the Easy-Entrie and start the measuring program. The Easy-Entrie accurately reads and calibrates itself to match the exact groove or side milling of the existing key. Once the key is read, insert the Rohlex blank and the "easyentrie's" micro-cutting wheel accurately cuts the side milling or groove of the original key into the Rohlex blank, creating a key blank with a picture perfect profile.
Once the blank is complete, simple trim the end and use any standard duplicator or code machine to cut your duplicate depths or cut the key by code.

Tijs S

[tester293]

See it here:

http://www.fortresslock.co.uk/trade/

[Varjeal]

Just in case it isn't blatantly obvious:

1. Restricted keyblanks usually have patents thus,
2. Manufacturing restricted keyblanks without permission from the manufacturer is illegal, therefore
3. There will be no discussion anywhere on this site on manufacturing restricted or high security key blanks.

[TOWCH]

I guess I need to take a refresher on patent law. I just assumed patents only applied to commercial applications. Would discussion of blank manufacture in general be appropriate if restricted keyways were not discussed? The question was formed with my current problem on my mind, but the problem exists for hard to find blanks in general. Anyway, the easy entrie is a cool little tool, but as a hobbiest I can't justify the cash. It gives me ideas for a dremel guide though. Anyway, I'll let the topic die unless Varjeal gives the go ahead for discussion of non-restricted, non-high security blank manufacture.

[NKT]

Varjeal, TOWCH is right. Patents are only applicable if the end result is used for commercial gain, or sold.

Even then, unlike copyright, where the police can take your life and house off you for a copied MP3, patents are enforced only by civil law (exactly like copyright was before Sony et al. got so upset about it and paid to change the law) and so you will never get into trouble over it.

However, I don't think a public discussion on how to cheaply copy a restricted key or keyblank should be on the open forum. There just isn't a legitimate use for them. And don't say bump keys!

[E-Mind]

bump keys

[Grudge]

See it here:

http://www.fortresslock.co.uk/trade/

Neat machine, but at almost 5,000 pounds, I doubt the patented keyway folks are in much danger (cheaper just to bribe your local locksmith ).

[kemicul]

I have invested countless hours and dollars into finding a tangible answer to this question. My search started many years ago. After all this time I found that the best economical and time preserving method (assuming you start from scratch) is to gather the following, a decent set of SWISS made files, a good vice, decent overhead lamp, desk, chair, and a brain.
Find a close match and simply reshape it. Ive had amazing results.