Treskat

I also own a Framon 2. But, before you commit to it, call them again and ask about the new machine with digital readouts. Like a super #2. Saw it at ALOA.

Dennis

That doesn't have much to do with my intention of using it to originate keys with an attached XY table does it?

I'd agree that the attached micrometer setups are terrible, but then that's the reas>

Sure it does. If there's a lot of runout in the cutter, that's equivalent to slop in the XY table.

Of course the amount of slop varies from sample to sample, and can be managed to some degree. You might find a good one or be able to make one better, with some work. And as the simple duplicating mode of that machine demonstrates, some slop will be tolerated ... but the better the lock, the more sensitive it will be to error.

Of course if you're always originating rather than duping, _accumulated_ error may be is less of a factor. That's assuming you can tell what the depth was originally supposed to be; sometimes folks pin locks strangely, and some keys are so worn that you have to guess...

Personally, I'd suggest that if you're going to go to the trouble of obtaining a surplus X/Y table you can probably also find a surplus mandrel with better precision than the one in the FB, and not need the FB machine at all. Just buy cutters and a motor and go for it.

(Personally, I very much like the design of the Framon. Simple, effective, calibrated machining jig and that's really what's needed. As far as the automated systems are concerned... maybe if you're doing large master systems that will save you some time and error, but will it save you enough to pay for the cost difference? Run the numbers before you plunk down your cash.)

There's no measurable runout in the cutter. This is one of the first things I checked before I started using the thing, and I just put a dial indicator up against it to recheck.

Obviously that would be a problem if there was runout. S> George Richards>

Sometimes the random factors align. May Murphy continue to smile upon thee.

If in fact there is runout in the cutter shaft the XY table won't mitigate that.

I haven't said anything for fear of showing ignorance, but so what! Someone describe an XY table for me. Is it purchased or made, and how is it used? I think I have a vauge idea about the concept, but am not certain.

An X-Y table in it's simples terms, is a platform that can be moved in 2 axis, usually in a controlled manner. X-Y table are available from many sources premade, and many more places supply parts to build them.

The accuracy of the motions depends on the construction of the tables, like anything else, but most of them are for precision work, and are highly accurate.

Positioning controls can vary from micrometer (what I'm using) to ordinary hand crank, to electronic drive system.

It's basically a precise method of positioning something in 2 dimensions. In the case of code cutting, the key is postioned precisely in 2 dimensions relative to the cutter wheel.

MThomas859 wrote: