My first try

[eddknapp]

I decided to give impressioning a try.
I choose a Master #40 Disc lock.
Looked up the keyway in the Ilco key blank directory.
Called for 1092-40 (M18) key blank.
The key blanks i got are nickle plated brass.
Preped the key and away i went.
I tried the wiggle up and down method and the push in and pull out method. I really couldnt see the marks until the 3rd try.
After a while i couldnt see any more marks. I tried to color the blank with a sharpie. No more marks. So i got a few questions / comments about it.
Im guessing a depth and space chart for the lock would be helpful.
Once you have grooves filed into the key... When you put turning pressure onto the key should you be able to pull it out if you are binding the pins?
Hope this made sense.
Thanks

[KokomoLock]

You should be able to pull the key out until you get 1 pin correct and it "sets" and the plug turns a little more. What kind of file are you using and how did you prep the blank??

[eddknapp]

At first i used a regular file to prep the blank ( remove plating and file down to knife edge) but that was way too coarse. So i grabbed a flat and round file out of my needle file set. Those have a very fine cut on them. I re-filed the blank to give it the dull finish.

[Wizer]

Hi!
What are you holding the blank with? Its essential to get a good grip.
I´ve used permanent marker to blacken the blank, and the marks are usually clear. If you have a space chart it helps to mark the pin positions on the side of the blank, this way you won´t file the cuts in wrong position. I used several hours and maybe ten blanks impressioning a 7-pin Assa only to find that all other cuts looked fine except for one that was maybe 2mm. too close to shoulder. If I´ve understund the pull-back method right, you only pull the blank back a little so you´ll see the mark. Don´t try to pull it all out.
And last, I don´t know if your Master has security pins in it, but if the key pins are serrated or something, impressioning could become harder.
I´ve impressioned only a couple of pintumblers, so someone could maybe tell you more about it.
Keep us posted, and show a picture of the finished key!
-Wizer