Sidewinder Machines, Then And Now

When viewed from above, the cutter blade rotates clockwise. When duplicating a key, always move the cutter along the key blade in a direction which allows the sharp edges of the cutter to cut into the key blank. As example: Begin cutting a 4-track key starting on the right side at the bow. Move the cutter towards the key tip, then continue cutting around the tip continuing on the left side of the blank back towards the bow to complete the duplication.

ORIGINATING A KEY

Code cutting is accomplished with space and depth rods. Each set of rods is specially machined with grooves and dimple cuts. The space rod is installed on the front of the SD2 machine and the depth rod is installed on the side. Instructions on the Framon videos show the steps required to install

Setup keys are also included which correlate with each space/depth rod set. Once the rods are installed, the setup key is used to prepare the height adjustment. The process is similar to the one used for key duplication.

Setup keys are also precut with required clearance portions. Before originating a new key, clearance portions must be duplicated onto the new key blank using the setup key as a guide.

Space and depth rods are designed to make a laser cut pattern on the key. This requires you to think one cut ahead. If the next cut is shallower than the one just cut, first turn the depth rod to the next key, and then turn the space rod to complete the cut. If the next cut is deeper than the one just cut, first turn the space rod to the next depth, and then turn the depth rod to complete the cut.

Hyundai, Kia and Lexus sidewinder keys use internal cuts. Certain key combinations require a different cutting procedure. A special cutter is used for Hyundai, Kia and Lexus keys. Instead of cutting laterally, this cutter is used to make cuts at each space position by lowering the cutter into the key each time similar to using a drill press motion.

The base of the Framon SD2 occupies a space only six inches wide on your work bench. The SD2 can be ordered with either a 110, 220 or 12 volt motor. Additional space and depth rods are available for most popular auto sidewinder key systems. For more information, contact Framon Mfg. at: 989-354-5623 or www.framon.com.

For more Ledger articles on Framon key machines, visit http://tinyurl.com/framon612.