-10-
8.
TOP SHOULDER KEY GAUGING
Standard cylinder keys should always be top shoulder gauged. Use the machine’s full-function flip-up key gaug-
es. We do not recommend bottom shoulder gauging because key blank manufacturers do not always maintain
a reliable correlation between bottom and top shoulder positions on the key blanks they make. See figure 5.
Always remember to flip DOWN your key gauges before cutting a key. Failure to do so may damage the key
gauge and the key gauge shaft with the cutter wheel.
9.
CLAMPING KEYS
Open the vise jaws only wide enough to slide the key in. With the key in all the way into the “throat” of the vise
jaws - put your index finger against the key blade as shown below and with moderate force against the key in to
the vise jaw gently slide the key left and right a few times (about 1/8” will do) to “seat” the key into the vise jaws.
With the bottom shoulder of a standard cylinder key about 1/32” away from the edge of the vise jaws CLAMP
the key with the key clamp knob – still pressing against the blade of the key with your finger as you tighten the
key clamp knob. See figure 6.
Fig. 5
LEAVE ABOUT 1/32”
GAP BETWEEN
BOTTOM SHOULDER
Leave about 1/32”
gap Between
bottom Shoulder of
key and left Edge
RIGHT VISE
Fig. 6
