General Operating Sequence
WARNING: Do not install or remove keys unless the
off/on switch is in the off position.
1. Rotate both vise jaws to the station suitable for the key
being duplicated.
2. Insert the blank key and pattern key into the vise jaws
using the appropriate method described under
"Aligning Keys in the Vise Jaws". Be sure that both
keys are laying level in the vise jaws and are not tilted.
3. Lower the key gauge to align the keys using an
appropriate method as described under "Aligning
Keys ..." found in the previous section (see page 10).
4. After the keys are aligned, return the gauge to its "up"
position.
5. Press the off/on switch to the "on" position.
6. Lift the carriage with both hands.
7. Move the carriage to line up the cutter guide with the
shoulder of the pattern key, then shift slightly away
from the shoulder. Do not permit the cutter to touch
the shoulder of the key blank.
8. Press in on the carriage, while guiding it to the left.
Carefully trace the cuts of the pattern key with the
cutter guide. The cutter will make a corresponding cut
in the key blank. When the cut closest to the tip of the
pattern key has been traced, retrace the cuts by
guiding the carriage to the right. This will clear away
any metal not removed during the initial pass over the
key blank.
9. Press the off/of switch to the "off" position. Remove
the duplicate key and remove any burrs that remain
by contacting the key lightly against the key rake.
10.Operating Tips - When duplicating a key, avoid an
irregular jerking motion in the movement of the
carriage. Acquire a smooth steady motion, using both
hands on the carriage to guide it. Apply the same
degree of pressure each time a key is duplicated.
Excessive pressure may cause "over-cutting". It is
sometimes best to practice on a few keys until the
operator learns to impart a steady, uniform pressure to
the carriage.
REPLACEMENTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Replacing the Cutter
The 23RF cutter used on this machine is 2
.250" thick (
made out of high speed steel. It has a flat left side, which
is excellent for making deep cuts, when these cuts are
next to the shoulder, such as on GM, Chicago, etc. No
warranty is placed on the cutter, operators should treat it
with care and avoid harsh usage. Do not force the
carriage up, causing the key blank to bang into the cutter,
and do not apply heavy pressure when cutting. Also, do
not let the cutter run into the vise jaw; this will dull the
cutter quickly.
As with any metal cutting instrument, the 23RF will dull
1. Time - a dull cutter takes longer to make the cuts.
2. Sound - a dull cutter will emit a shrilly sound as it
3. Burrs - a dull cutter will not cut away the metal but
To replace the cutter:
1. Remove screw which holds hood in place and remove
2. To remove the cutter, loosen cutter shaft screw using
3. Remove old cutter and replace with new one. Be
1
⁄
") and has a
4
with usage. There are three ways to tell when a cutter
is dull and requires replacing:
runs across the key blank.
will roll it away. When this occurs, there will be a
buildup of metal burrs on the underside of the key. If
this buildup is heavy, the cutter is dull. A sharp cutter
leaves little or no burrs.
hood.
allen wrench supplied with machine. IMPORTANT:
This is a left hand screw. Remove by turning in a
clockwise direction. Screwdriver slot is provided on
the opposite end of the shaft to aid in removal.
careful to replace washers properly. Diagram below
shows placement of washers with standard 23RF
cutter and optional slotter.
23RF cutter
Slotter (optional, order 27X kit)
1
⁄
" in diameter,
4
1
⁄
" hole. It's a milling cutter,
2
11