A picturesque narrative: The safe key.

[Altashot]

Some time ago, a customer brought an antique safe door inner panel to our shop. He was in the process of restoring it and needed a key made for it.
Unfortunately he did not bring the whole safe, only the inner door panel where the lock is mounted. I would have really liked to see the whole safe and share the pictures with you all, but I didn't have any and still don't. Sorry.
The safe is approximately 200 years old and the customer wanted to keep it as close to original as possible. I documented the key fabrication and I would like to share it with you. There is no science or measurements to this barrel key fabrication, it is literally custom made to fit the lock and it was fabricated entirely by me.

For your enjoyment, you can see the pictures and read the story on the link below.
Please note that the story and the pictures are mine. You may use the pictures and/or story if you wish, but if you do, please give credit where credit is due. Thanks.

Here it is. http://s1155.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... tory/10273
M.

[Aedalas]

That was pretty great man. Seriously impressed here, came out looking awesome too.

[nozza36]

SUPERB, love to watch the problems being solved ! well done

[verz]

Nice stuff.. that turned out looking great.

[LocksmithArmy]

holy crap... awsome work..

what did you charge for a 14 hour key lol? if you dont mind me asking.

[jruther2]

Great work, the key looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

[Altashot]

Thanks guys!

If I were to charge the costumer regular rates and shop supplies, It would have been worth about $1500.00.
The customer paid far less than that but, it doesn't matter, I took this job as a time killer, a pastime for when the shop was slow.
I worked on it during down time. A 1/2 hour here, an hour there, it took about 3 weeks to complete. I knew I would never get what it was really worth, but I didn't want to see the customer walk away. In fact I really wanted to do it, I thought it would be a nice fun project. In retrospect, I would have paid to make it, just for the hobby. LOL!

M.

[jeffmoss26]

That is awesome!!!! I truly admire the craftsmanship that went into this, as I am sure your customer does.

[LocksmithArmy]

Thanks guys!

If I were to charge the costumer regular rates and shop supplies, It would have been worth about $1500.00.
The customer paid far less than that but, it doesn't matter, I took this job as a time killer, a pastime for when the shop was slow.
I worked on it during down time. A 1/2 hour here, an hour there, it took about 3 weeks to complete. I knew I would never get what it was really worth, but I didn't want to see the customer walk away. In fact I really wanted to do it, I thought it would be a nice fun project. In retrospect, I would have paid to make it, just for the hobby. LOL!

M.

yeah... its an awsome key and looks like a blast to make... great work

[keymaster1053]

Awesome Work indeed!!! a True Labor of Love!

[Oldfast]

Dedicated and passionate.... I love it!
I'm SO GLAD you documented & shared the journey with us.
Very nice work M... VERY nice.

[safe&securelock]

Man, that key was amazing. You are a true craftsman!

[Squelchtone]

Very good quality work! You and Lauren should get to know each other.

Was the customer surprised and pleased? And how did they pay the $500 dollar bill? =) Sometime soon I'll be posting a safe restoration that took me a couple months, some of the things we do are truly labors of love.

Thank you for sharing all the photos!
Squelchtone

[s1deshowmick]

That turned out beautifully!!! Excellent work sir....

[MBI]

Simply marvellous.