Mon Jan 19, 2015 4:53 pm by MrWizard
Harvey you are correct make copy of a copy of a copy and if the 3rd one still works you are as close as you will get. Takes practice with each machine how much pressure to apply when you copy the key. Equal pressure on both the sample key and the blank should be applied. Best to use a dial caliper to adjust your machine. Easy way to start to adjust it is use original Schlage C key blanks in both jaws rotate the cutter by hand while applying equal pressure on cartridge. Usually you will find the cutter has a high spot that is obvious when you rotate the cutter against the blank. Adjust it until it just seems the cutter is not touching the blank turn on the machine slowly raise the cartridge and listen to see if the cutter is scrapping against the blank if it is you will be cutting too deep. Get it to where if you push a little harder it barely scraps the blank and cut a key using the pressure you feel is how you will be using the machine and see if the key works smooth in factory pinned Schlage cylinder. Then use dial caliper to check if it is shallow or deep and readjust it again until it is as close as you can get it. After you try this method you will quickly understand how to adjust your particular machine using the pressure you like to use.I have always found it best to use original Schlage blanks instead of say Ilco blanks. After adjusted try cutting several makes of keys to see they all works as best as you can get them to. Such as American, Master, Kwikset, Schlage, Yale ect and you are good to go.
Richard
"Those who believe in telekinetics, raise my hand."
Kurt Vonnegut