Curtis Model 2H key-cutting machine

[too-picky]

Hi,

I just found and purchased a key-cutting machine from a buy/sell/trade shop down town. I cleaned up the nameplate and it is a Curtis Industries Model 2H. I stripped it down and cleaned it up as best I could, then put a three-wire cord on it so the chassis is grounded. It had two keys with it, already cut. I used them to re-adjust the machine after I reassembled it.

Now everything works and adjusts as it was designed to (I still need to add a bit of oil to the motor just to make sure the GE doesn't fry itself). I ran the machine on the two keys and it seems to be nearly perfect (I'll buy a new caliper soon as my old one managed to make itself disappear).

I have two questions: 1) is this a reasonable machine to use for cutting duplicate keys on a regular basis? It seems to be a good machine, but I suspect it dates back to the 40's, 50's? 2) are there any parts and manuals available? I managed to find out that Curtis was bought out by some other big company, but otherwise haven't come up with much info. I did come up with a lot of links back to this site, but the images don't show on my Linux machine.

At any rate, if anybody knows much about this machine, any input would be very much appreciated. I'd like to at least buy a new cutter wheel if they aren't too much.

Thanks in advance.

[2octops]

Curtis was purchased several years ago by Barnes Distribution. Parts are still available for many of their older machines. I do not think that the machine that you have is as old as you think it is. That looks like something from the mid-late 70's.

You can call them at 216-416-7200 and tell the operator that you want to speak with someone about ordering parts for your machine. You might have to leave a v-mail but generally they will call you back the same day.

Good folks to deal with.

[too-picky]

Thanks,
I'll give that a try.

You could be right about the age.

I was going by the voltage off the top of my head and the general condition of the machine. It is rated at 115Vac and that was the standard up until the 4o-50's. It has been 120Vac since that time, but you still see all types of ratings: 110Vac, 115Vac, 120Vac, 125Vac (mostly the first two or three). Though the actual line voltage may vary somewhat depending upon time of day etc.

The machine appears to work quite well since I stripped it down and put it back together. Amazing what a little WD-40 and rust removal will do. I'll strip it down again once I get a new cutter. Then I'll re-paint it and use proper lubricants.

Thanks again.

[cledry]

I'm not familiar with the 2H but I do use a 2000 in my service vehicle every day. I don't care for it, but it is accurate and will cut just about anything provided the crappy jaws will hold it.

Hawley Lock would be the people to contact. http://hawleylocksupply.com/

[too-picky]

Thanks. I have zero experience with key-cutting machines--except now I seem to have revived one that was about to expire.

For single-sided keys, the 2H jaws seem quite good. I did take extra effort in filing the jaws parallel and flat. Doing this was quite easy if done with a little care (I suspect you have done similar or more, so ignore this if you already have done this etc...). I removed the springed wing nuts. Took my flat needle file and inserted it in the key position, then using my hand for tension, I filed it. Since I don't know the tolerances of the alignment of this machine, I was very conservative. I reground a key the machine came with and they looked much better matched than when I bought the machine.

Hope this helps, if not, you may safely ignore it.