abababa Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 Hi, I'v been in the key cutting game now for just over 2 years and have learnt a lot from this forum, but one thing i am struggling with is safe keys. I would say about 40% are returns. Attached is my latest attempt that didn't work. I notice this one seems to have curved cuts so i don't know how i'm meant to replicate that. I have seen these digital machines from keyline (sigma i think that cut safe keys from about 12k plus vat. Has anyone got one or should i just get a better manual one? Attached is the photos of the keys and my old RST. Any advice would be appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 1. Always try and use genuine blanks 2. Use a good quality vernier caliper and measure all cuts (digital are best). 3. I always cut the keys square and round by hand at the end. 3. Set the cutter a fraction higher than normal on your first cut then use the calipers and measure again. Adjust cutter depth and recut always using the caliper. Adjust slowly till close enough to file. 4. Hand file the curved edge to the same as the original and measure again (if it is more than 25 thousand of an inch out throw it away and start again.) I have a Silca Lancer that is just for double bit safe keys and i have not had one back for a couple of years. abababa 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lock Stock Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 The blank is your problem on the Combi Line. Original blanks on that one abababa 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abababa Posted August 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 Thanks for the reply Graham & Lock Stock. So its not necessarily my cutting... The blank could be a major factor? Excuse my ignorance Lock Stock but what is the Combi Line? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Davis Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 Combi Line is the model of safe that you are trying to make a key too..............it helps greatly if you know your products before attempting to complete a job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 Combi Line is the model of safe that you are trying to make a key too..............it helps greatly if you know your products before attempting to complete a job. we all need to start from somewhere, as has been previously stated, he has only been key cutting for 2 years, i assume going by your comments you know everything about all the products you use, must be great having that capability, what's your secret? abababa and kobblers 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broms Cobb Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 every one who I talk to cutting 'double sided' safe keys always state they never get them back - the reality is imo that all key cutters get the occasional one back, trial and error - BUT the main problem is using the correct blank, get this right and your more than half way there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 every one who I talk to cutting 'double sided' safe keys always state they never get them back - the reality is imo that all key cutters get the occasional one back, trial and error - BUT the main problem is using the correct blank, get this right and your more than half way there Most important key cutting tool in my shop is the Mitutoyo digital vernier. Measure, measure and measure again. Broms Cobb and Auto Key Wizard 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Friend Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 I echo all that has been said cut slightly high caliper and file down, nightmare but it works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x minit uk Posted August 1, 2016 Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 Make sure your key machine is set correct, no need in my opinion to keep messing about re- setting. Use genuine key blanks only. Take your time to line up the keys in the machine, this is where most errors are caused on these keys. Then finally cut the key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abababa Posted August 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2016 Thanks for all the replies. The advice is greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
repodave Posted August 3, 2016 Report Share Posted August 3, 2016 Hope your charging enough money and some Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Most important key cutting tool in my shop is the Mitutoyo digital vernier. Hi Graham, Which model Mitutoyo digital vernier caliper do you have or recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Hi Terry, It is model number 500-115. I think it is possibly 25 years old now and still in daily use. Nearest model i can find to match it is this one https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/calipers---digital/500-171-30-150mm-6%22-digimatic-caliper/p/MIT3254560A?utm_campaign=pla+-+&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping-pla&utm_keyword=MIT3254560A&istCompanyId=6aa6787b-063e-4414-802d-129f235df603&istItemId=aqrxqatir&istBid=tztt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Nice one, Thanks Mr Parker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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