Home Brew Code Cutter

[Flanigan]

Here are some pics of how I modified a key duplicating machine into a precision code cutting machine. In doing so, I realized considerable savings over a commercially available one while still maintaining the original key duplicating function of the original machine. My all in costs (not including my time) for parts and materials was somewhere just over $1,000. This project is probably on the outer edges of being a true “homebrew” capable design. I am a high school trained, amateur (hobby) machinist who has a small/medium size vertical mill. My tools and training resulted in a more attractive end product, but there is no reason that a determined person using only the tools found in most homes like taps, a vernier micrometer, transfer punches, drill press and a good knowledge of shop procedures could not make the same machine. Alternatively, you could probably get the one part that requires the most metalwork done by a friend who has a mill or at a machine shop fairly cheaply.
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to see more pics.

[Flanigan]

Ooops - Here are the labels which go with the numbers in the pic!
The machine is made up of 5 major assemblies;
1 – Base
2 – Key cutting machine.
3 – an X-Y Table Assembly
4 – Key Vise Mounting Arm
5 – Digital Read Outs (DROs)

[jeffmoss26]

Very cool. The company I work for makes linear actuators that would probably do something similar, to move X/Y/Z axes.

[Altashot]

Awesome! Well done!
I love to see how creative people are when in need...
Bravo!

M.

[Oldfast]

That's fantastic! And welcome to the forum.

[jones]

I paid $400 for a used Framon #1 machine that had been converted by Framon to a #2 for code cutting & medeco key duplication
I got mine from Hawleylocksupply.com

I'm sure I missed out on a lot of the fun & good times though that you had building your conversion

[Flanigan]

Thanks everyone!