First of all, I'm not a locksmith. I'm not here to learn how to do anything illegal or unethical. If anyone is interested in my identity, a quick Google usenet search of my email address will show that I'm real.
I feel the need to say this stuff because when I've asked local locksmiths for help, they seem to assume that I am up to no good.
Here's my problem. I want to reproduce a key that was used on a whole series of minicomputers in the
60's and 70's. I collect old technology, including these machines.
Here's a picture of the key in question:
An original key was an Ace XX2247. Again, a google search will show that this is for DEC PDP minicomputers and not Coke machines or parking meters.
The Taylor key that I have will just barely work in my machines. I've taken it to local locksmiths and the copies will not work. I think it's a combination of the key being a copy itself and the boss being missing.
What I would like is a replica of the original key that works smoothly. I have a milling machine with an indexing head and I am a good machinist. If I had an Ace blank and the dimensions of the cuts, I think I could make a good copy. I could then stamp XX2247 on the key and it would be as close to original as you could get. I asked local locksmiths if they could sell me a few blanks and I was treated with open hostility.
So, is it possible for me to get a few blank Ace keys? How about the dimensions of the cuts for an Ace XX2247?
Thanks for any help.
-jim