-7-
Step Jaw
Not Used
Step
Jaw
Standard Top Jaw Configuration for
Step Top Jaw Configuration for
Fig. 2
Fig. 2A
A. Keys are always gauged with the full-function flip-up key gauges.
B. Always remember to Flip Down your key gauges before cutting a key. Failure to do so may damage
the key gauge and key gauge shaft with the cutter wheel.
C. Switch ON your machine and gently release the carriage and operate the “stick-shift” lever until the
stylus is right over the left edge of the first cut closest to the bow of the key. Ease up on the
carriage and manipulate the carriage controls to make a smooth
gentle
cut down the left edge of
the “V” cut in the key to the tip cutting all cuts on the key.
D. You may want to reverse the carriage and make a “clean-up” cut back to the bow of the key.
E. Lock back your carriage. Turn OFF the machine.
NOTE: CUTTING STEEL KEYS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Cutting steel keys will accelerate cutter wear. Some steel keys will ruin your cutter wheel with just one pass.
NOTE:
Some automotive presentation keys are made of Hardened Steel and can ruin the cutter wheel I
instantly! Don’t be fooled by the decorative Gold, Brass, or Silver plating on these keys.
Suggestion: Keep a small magnet near your key machine to identify steel keys. Before cutting a steel
key try filing a small groove where one of the deeper cuts will be made – if the key won’t file easily it
won’t cut any better in your key machine and will most likely ruin your cutter!
7.
VISE JAWS
Choosing the correct upper vise jaw. For most key cutting work the upper jaw can remain in the
standard configuration. In the standard configuration the entire “throat” of the bottom and top jaws
is used. Measuring from the front faces of the top and bottom vise jaws and into the throat of the
jaws – you will measure .142”. This throat dimension of .142” is how much of the key is consumed
by the vise jaws when the key is clamped. Most keys are rarely cut deeper than .142” from the back
edge of the key blade.
Some padlock keys and some General Motors keys have cuts deeper than .142” from the back edge
of the key blade. For these keys you have two choices to clamp the keys.
A.
The old-fashion way.
Use a pair of round wire shims made from Music Wire about .037” diameter and 1-1/2
long. Place a wire shim in each vise jaw against the back edge and lay the key in front of the shim – effec-
tively pushing the key out of the vise jaws and clamping on the remaining .105” of the key.
B.
The modern “step” jaw way.
Loosen the knurled knob securing the top vise jaw in place and flip
the top jaw over to the step jaw side. Retighten the knurled knob securing the top vise jaw.
You must do both vise jaws for this to work. See figure 2 & 2A.
