Growster Posted February 26, 2014 Report Share Posted February 26, 2014 Yesterday, our local wholesaler Aldridge had a Futura show-off day. A few random observations: 1) It is slower than either the Unocodes or the Triax 2) It cuts far more keys than either the Unocodes or Triax, it is a sort of combination of the 2 3) It cuts dimple keys in a widening circle, which means one needs less different cutters 4) It has a clever system of lots little slot-in clamps, that individually are much cheaper than the normal, bigger clamps (60-ish pounds each, but there are lots of them) 5) It has a nice futuristic sound card, it produces fun noises 6) It isn't very big, thus very "van-able" and appears very solid and precise 7) It needs a separate Silca software licence for upgrading Eight) Data entry is via a removable Android pad 9) Instacode availability for this machine was an unanswered question, understandably = Eight), it turns into a smiley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted February 26, 2014 Report Share Posted February 26, 2014 eight = lol nice review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted February 26, 2014 Report Share Posted February 26, 2014 Silca still out in front of the competition as always. YES it's more expensive but you get what you pay for. When you say it cuts far more keys than a triax and unocode do you mean if you haven't bought extra jaws,clamps and cutters for them. What can it do that they cannot. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growster Posted February 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2014 What I meant is that the Futura cuts more than either machine, but indeed not more than both machines together. I only need the dimple bit - anyone got a Triax for sale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LockandKey Posted February 27, 2014 Report Share Posted February 27, 2014 What I meant is that the Futura cuts more than either machine, but indeed not more than both machines together. I only need the dimple bit - anyone got a Triax for sale? Got 2 here already - and thinking about triplets... I guess if we buy another we will have more than Silca Might have a few 299's for sale if anyone is interested? We have 4 x399's so the 299's are just sitting there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted March 3, 2014 Report Share Posted March 3, 2014 Please note there are two Futura packages SIL724 (Standard) Silca Futura Electronic Code Cutting Machine For Flat, Laser, Dimple And Cruciform Keys. Price: £6,299.00 SIL72400A (Automotive) Silca Futura Electronic Code Machine With Automotive Kit Included With Machine. 03J VW Jaw, 04J BMW Jaw, 03R Tibbe Jaw and Simplex Citroen Jaw. Price: £6,499.00 I'm hoping to have the SIL72400A by the end of the month Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted March 3, 2014 Report Share Posted March 3, 2014 Are you staying or is this just a fleeting visit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted March 3, 2014 Report Share Posted March 3, 2014 Are you staying or is this just a fleeting visit? "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted March 3, 2014 Report Share Posted March 3, 2014 Welcome to The Hotel California 4.10 in You did know this was coming Steven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted March 3, 2014 Report Share Posted March 3, 2014 I certainly did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a2key Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hi All, We are a locksmiths shop based in Stockton on tees. We are trying to decide between the miracle a9 and the Silca Futura. We want to do it right so we are open to advice. We are new to car keys but will be undergoing full training for either machine. Also would welcome advice on RW4 plus vs TRS-5000 EVO Many Thanks in advance Carlos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Silca always. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a2key Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hi Graham, Thanks for your reply. Can you give some pointers as to advantages? Cheers Carlos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keymaker Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 I have the Miracle A9 and had it about 6 months. I have no issues with it, and any problems I do have are dealt with promptly by Lockdecoders. The Futura is a fine looking machine, fancy lights and clamps etc, but is more expensive and not proven in the real world. I don't pay for updates on the A9, and because it's established, well built, great value and has a more robust built in tablet ( Futura's looks a bit fragile for vanwork ) then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for your business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hi Carlos, I have a Triax-e-code and unocode 399 and they are without equal in the keycutting world. The unocde has now cut over 60,000 keys and the triax is approaching 5000 keys cut. They are in daily use and the only time we get a problem is usually operator error's like forgetting to change the cutter, even when the machine asks if you have (done it myself a couple of times when not concentrating). To me they are essential tools and are built to last same as the Silca rekord plus i have had for over 25 years as well as the Bravo proffesional and a Lancer plus and finally the delta fo with abloy jaw that again is over 20 years old and still working like a dream. Over the years i have come across all manner of machines that are good machines and do a good job but Silca are usually the most expensive to buy because they have that little extra in the build quality that makes them them so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingkey Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 i agree that the unocode and triax are class leading ,formidable machines ,however the lighter smaller motored futura has not been tested yet , i did not like the sound of it, compared to the big guns that i already own . time will tell but, if silca are trying to compete in the light weight auto for vans machines , they are virgins and this is their first offering , i am sure that the guys that sell the miracle machines will admit , their first offering was not their best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Viper ??. That was aimed at autolockies and sold well, but even with the edge kit it didn't do what other machines could thats why the futura was produced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingkey Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 Viper ??. That was aimed at autolockies and sold well, but even with the edge kit it didn't do what other machines could thats why the futura was produced. viper was on the same footplate as both the triax and unocode , whilst being a lightweight to the originals ,i do not think it was designed as a mobile machine , if it was , it was a failure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keymaker Posted March 11, 2014 Report Share Posted March 11, 2014 EDITED BY MOD we are discussing the FUTURA if you have a grievance please contact admin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Gardner Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 DELETED BY MOD! Craig not your fault but doesnt make any sense since previous posts edited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Gardner Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 George Whites in Swindon were a large/the largest Aprilia importer in the country, located in Swindon. I used to cut all the laser keys for them before they went bump and then for all their ex customers afterwards. I made enough cash to fund a 2 week holiday for 2 based solely on cutting that key, the local competitors tried desperately to get a share but despite having Viper, BD Laser, and Miracle, no-one anywhere managed it, I was the 12th person contacted. Silca would cut them if you had a different jaw, which was unavailable from anywhere in the UK Silca machines are good, I use them all the time, the Futura is the same as the Miracle in that they are built down to a price, low voltage motors, slow cuts, they are nowhere near the quality of the "real" Silca machines. I just wanted to see if u bit I half expected a phone call only a laugh mate Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockdecoders Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 Is this not a post for the Silca Futura as it seems to be hijacked yet again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Gardner Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 George Whites in Swindon were a large/the largest Aprilia importer in the country, located in Swindon. I used to cut all the laser keys for them before they went bump and then for all their ex customers afterwards. I made enough cash to fund a 2 week holiday for 2 based solely on cutting that key, the local competitors tried desperately to get a share but despite having Viper, BD Laser, and Miracle, no-one anywhere managed it, I was the 12th person contacted. Silca would cut them if you had a different jaw, which was unavailable from anywhere in the UK Silca machines are good, I use them all the time, the Futura is the same as the Miracle in that they are built down to a price, low voltage motors, slow cuts, they are nowhere near the quality of the "real" Silca machines. I just wanted to see if u bit I half expected a phone call only a laugh mate Craig It's all a laugh, just finished dinner so logged on. I hope the other lads are like this, he has picked it up really quickly. Two people who need training are in Scotland, how far are you from Elgin? When I drop the two machines off they are going Edinburgh and Elgin, I may pop in on the way. 10 miles from Edinburgh pop in for a coffee when u are up mate Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 Viper ??. That was aimed at autolockies and sold well, but even with the edge kit it didn't do what other machines could thats why the futura was produced. viper was on the same footplate as both the triax and unocode , whilst being a lightweight to the originals ,i do not think it was designed as a mobile machine , if it was , it was a failure Can you explain a little further as to why it was a failure. I have a few mates with them and they are more than happy with the Viper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidlocks Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 i still have a viper on the back of the van , been there for 7 or 8 years , still as good as new and still making me money , the number of keys its cut and still cuts makes it far from a failure . i was once told buy silca buy once , twice i have needed help from matt at silca , both times due to a faulty lead when updating , so with almost zero downtime from the machine in all this time makes it a reliable and trustworthy work horse , far from a failure in my view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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