Ilco key machine.... peice of crap or gem in the rough?

[awol70]

can one of the experienced locksmiths on the panel please tell me what there is to know about this key machine?
i know it is 12 volt...is it a hunk of junk?
is it ok?do i need depth and spacing keys to cut to code?
is it old?
the wire brush is pretty much shot....
i am totally in the dark,here and would really appreciat any and all input.

[m0ose]

Well, I don't know any specifics, but if I remember right, that's the type of machine my grandfather would use day to day. I much prefer my Foley-Belsaw machine over that design, but having never used that type of machine, I really can't say. Maybe it all comes down to personal preference?

For a quick example, mine is like this one. http://www.sell.com/23NR3K

It has a depth gauge turny thing and stuff.

It has a depth gauge turny thing and stuff.

woah with these extremely scientific in depth explanations.

I wouldn't say it's a piece of crap, but it depends what you're wanting it for.

That's a manual duplicating machine.
There are three types of duplicators, Manual, Semi-auto and Fully-auto.
Manual means both SPACE and DEPTH are controlled by the operator,
Semi-auto means either Space OR Depth are controlled by the operator, while the other is machine operated \ automatic.
Fully auto means the machine controls both Space AND Depth.

Manual machines have they're advantages. you can cut space and depth and modify the key to suit the job. But different pressure and feeding speed can damage the key or cut inaccuratly.

You won't be able to cut to code with this machine, without pre-cut S&D keys.

It really depends on the price you can get it for. These things are really designed for the back of a work van for the one-off's.
Mostly these have been replaced with 007B's.

Before you buy it, check the availability of a new belt, new tracer and new cutter. If these are priced within reason, go for it because those will be the first things you should replace regaurdless of how good the current ones look.

[awol70]

Thank you,GC.
would you happen to know the model of this one? i would like to try and find an instruction manual.
i can buy this machine for 25.00 if i want it,but i am not really sure if i should just wait,
and wait till something a little more advanced comes along.
this one belonged to a failed private locksmithing biz...
it is just about the last of what the guy had...

For $25, it's a score. Even just to get the basic ideas of how to calibrate a machine, and maybe throw it in your car if you do any keycutting for friends or anything.

Definatly buy it. What's that worth, two or three padlocks? Worth the money for the knowledge you'll get.

[aarpazthelockpicker]

BUY IT

[awol70]

BUY IT

I DID ! =)

[chieflittlehorse]

My favorite machine in the Rytan (semi-automatic key duplicator)! You can get a used for about $1,000! It's a favorite of mines and of a lot of locksmiths that I know of have one for the van or shop!

For code machines an HPC with code cards is perfect! But I know a lot of guys who can afford it buy the ITL Code Machine which is more computerized than the HPC!

HPC Blitz FTW!

Electronic machines are for pussys.

[chieflittlehorse]

HPC Blitz FTW!

Electronic machines are for pussys.

Hahaha! I'm going to use that line next time I see my locksmith teacher!

Hahaha! I'm going to use that line next time I see my locksmith teacher!

He'll probably hand you a sheet of 2mm brass and tell you to cut a key to code using only a 4in file.

[m0ose]

Hahaha! I'm going to use that line next time I see my locksmith teacher!

He'll probably hand you a sheet of 2mm brass and tell you to cut a key to code using only a 4in file.

Lol, he's making himself a scary little bed to lay in by pulling out that card.