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Medeco cutaway. I prefer the style of one big cut per two pins because I think it offers more visibility. Only problem is, I don't have a key for it! Medeco locks without keys are much cheaper.



All measurements were eyeballed (because I don't know where things are until after I've cut one open!) and the cuts don't all quite line up. For the next one I'll probably actually measure it out. And get one with a key. Also I might extend the cuts all the way through to the bottom so you can see the bottom of the sidebar, and maybe even the pins riding on the key. I think it'll still hold together.

Here's a little widget that slips into the tail so that the inner cylinder can be oriented perfectly horizontal. It doesn't offer structural support; the cylinder is held in place by the vice. But it holds it in the right orientation as the cylinder is placed into the vice.



As for the outer cylinder, I put a couple parallels under the bible in an attempt to make it level. I'd love to hear of any other technique for that.

Post a picture of the keyway, assuming it's original/biaxial, and I'll see if I can match it to an aftermarket blank. I'm pretty good at that, and have had great luck finding blanks for cylinders I've picked up on ebay.

This look awesome. Keep it up!

Very nice. I also have a small supply of blanks and precuts if you post a picture of your keyway.

Actually I do have two blanks. I suppose I could file them into a key if I can muster the patience.

Finally found time to make a properly measured one. Filed a key by hand, which actually only took about an hour.

That's a great cutaway, entropy. Great work!

That's gorgeous mate, it really is. You may have said upthread somewhere, but what equipment did you use to do the job?

MHM: somehow it took four years for me to see your reply. Tools were the Little Machine Shop HiTorque Mini Mill, digital calipers, files (for deburring), sandpaper. I really wish I could make a few more of these now that I have the technique worked out. Problem is it's really hard to find a sizable number of identical Medico cylinders on ebay for decent prices. I had a few of these ones, but I destroyed them while working out the technique. And now the ones I can find are all different models.