First impressions

[Random]

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I Impressioned my first lock recently, waisted a few keys but got it finally. Did 2 more last night, I'll post pics tonight.
I plan on cutting a key from this one. I have a feeling that this key is a little weak from all the action. Does anyone have any tips on how I should proceed with the finishing look of this key?

[farmall]

good job...I.ve been wanting to try this. What file are you using?

[Random]

Thanks, I've been using a 1/4" chainsaw file because that's all I had on hand. It made the dots and marks tough to see as the chainsaw file leaves rather course lines. By the time my proper files come I feel this process will be much easier. It's awesome to have a funtional lock now and not just a pickable paper weight.

[Anarchy_won]

Congrats on your first key
I did my first one with a chainsaw file as well

Does anyone have any tips on how I should proceed with the finishing look of this key?

I work on the principal of if its not broken then don't fix it . I would just have a copy made and as long as it works just leave it as is.

[twenglish 1]

I have yet to succeed on my first impression, made a few attempts of an old 5 pin master, my problem is not the right file, I used the finest one I had available, but it was still too rough to see the marks, will get back to it once I get a proper file

[farmall]

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Does anyone have any tips on how I should proceed with the finishing look of this key?

Buy a $1500 HPC blitz code machine. But for a $4.00 lock. Leave it be.

[Anarchy_won]

I have yet to succeed on my first impression, made a few attempts of an old 5 pin master, my problem is not the right file, I used the finest one I had available, but it was still too rough to see the marks, will get back to it once I get a proper file

try using layout blue on the top of the key and then you can use any file
http://www.amazon.com/Dykem-80300-Steel ... 0018ACR6G/ that bottle would probably last about 50 years if you used it just for impressioning.

[Oldfast]

Nice job! Exciting isn't it?!

.....anyone have any tips on how I should proceed with the finishing look of this key?

So what kind of "finished look" are you wanting to achieve?

[femurat]

Random, congrats on your first key impressioned. Is that a Wally padlock?

Anarchy_won, the layout blue looks a great idea. I'll try it next time instead of smoothing out the filed surface with sandpaper.

Cheers

[Papa Gleb]

congrads on your first key. The door is wide open now for mastering this skill. If you dont want to buy the blueing then just use a blue sharpie marker, works the same and cheaper too. But make sure to use blue as blank can mix with the dirt of the lock and you wont know whats what. And believe me once the impressioning file will come, the game will change. Its such a huge difference especially on older locks which have been daily used for 10-30 years and with their pins squared.

[farmall]

What files did you order??? I was a little sticker shocked when I looked up pippin files.

[Papa Gleb]

It is a priced crazy especially compared to a round file with the same #4 cut but I think it takes much more work to make a pippin which explains the price tag. I think a round file is more than enough for a beginner and even a pro. Lets use Jos for example who uses a round file and Im sure I dont need to explain his lever of expertise

[farmall]

It is a priced crazy especially compared to a round file with the same #4 cut but I think it takes much more work to make a pippin which explains the price tag. I think a round file is more than enough for a beginner and even a pro. Lets use Jos for example who uses a round file and Im sure I dont need to explain his lever of expertise

Jos uses only rounds?

[Papa Gleb]

In all of the videos I have seen yes. He has several files but for actual impressioning he only uses round. He has a round for brass blanks and another exact same for steel blanks. Again this is from all of the videos of him impressioning that I saw and I think I have seen them all on yt

[Random]

I have yet to succeed on my first impression, made a few attempts of an old 5 pin master, my problem is not the right file, I used the finest one I had available, but it was still too rough to see the marks, will get back to it once I get a proper file

try using layout blue on the top of the key and then you can use any file
http://www.amazon.com/Dykem-80300-Steel ... 0018ACR6G/ that bottle would probably last about 50 years if you used it just for impressioning.

Thanks for the tip. Ive thought about getting some. I do some light machining and metal work in the shop, Im sure id find other uses for it. I have some old graphite compound my dad picked up 25 years ago, Its still over half full.lol