Key Cutting Machine | The Framon 2 - The Only Machine That Will Make YOU A Better Locksmith!

The Framon 2 code machine will make you a better locksmith or, for that matter, a better lock boss. Out of all the code machines on the market today, I have never heard anyone talk about a code machine; how they talk about this Framon 2. It's practically a living legend; you'll listen to all sorts of stories about this machine holding up against all types of abuse and still maintaining perfect calibration. The Framon 2 code machine was invented in the 1970s. Here we are about four decades later, and this machine is still as relevant today as it was back then.

THE STRENGTH

One of the most exciting things about this Framon 2 machine, from my perspective, is, although it's a universal code-cutting machine, it's very similar to a punch machine. And all of us know that punch machines are more accurate than non-punch machines, and the main reason for that is the cutting angle. Many machines come up at an angle when it goes to cut a key, where a punch machine goes straight on to the key. Well, the Framon device, once you set it all up, essentially acts just like a punch machine and makes accurate straight cuts. And from my perspective, I think that's where a lot of the reliability and accuracy comes from; you're not getting that angle you have to deal with. So not only do you get an incredible code machine, but you get the benefits of a punch machine in it as well.

I want to get back to my original point, which is why I believe the Framon 2 will make you better at your job. The funny part is that it's the same exact reason why many people are intimidated to buy or use this machine. And the reason is, is because it uses proper space in-depth information. The device is going to be helping you to learn the actual data about the keys and locks. It'll help you be better at impressioning. It can even help you be better at picking locks because you're going to start to learn and understand the actual data of the keys that you're working on instead of just using a card or the likes. At the same time, it helps build your knowledge and understanding. And that's why I believe it will make you better at your job.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Before we get started on the order of operations on the machine, I want to talk about what's included when purchasing the machine. You're going to get a pair of calipers.

Two cutters, the most common one, are installed on the machine.

This little bag has many different spacing bars and a couple of extra little pieces in it.

It's also going to come with a codebook, the space-in-depth book here, and it's going to have a lot of information. As you open it up, you'll see all the different spacing and depth information, which can be helpful.

But one of the best parts about this machine when you purchase it will come with a free Genericode code software. I highly recommend you get used to using that because not only is it going to give you the information, but you're going to have to find the code, the code bidding, as well as all of the information you need on the software. The fact that it comes with a five or $600 desktop software is just a considerable value, which helps keep this machine time-wise.

CUTTING DEMO: SC1

I'm going to go ahead and get it put in on the shoulder stop here.   

Let's first start with the block. Let's go ahead and get this taken out here - says block number one.

As you can see, there's a nice little number one on there. The reason is that if you look at the spacing, it says it is a .156, and you'll see the .156 right here. These white lines represent each different space; you'll see there are six of them there. So you can do a five-pin or a six-pin, no problem. For spacing, that's just the difference between the spacing, so if you look at that bottom line where it says .231, .387, and so on, the difference between those is .156. So that's what that means.

So you also see what's compressible right here at the end. So we'll go ahead and pop that in, and then find the .156 and keep it right up front facing this little arrow.

The next thing we want to do is bring the jaw down here; we want to zero it out. So we're zeroing it out right there.

And then we want to get to .231, where it says the cuts start at .231. So each for rotation is .050. So we'll be doing four of them plus a little more here. So we'll go one, so we're at a .050. Now we're at a .100. Now we're to .150. And now we're at a .200, and we want to get to a .231.

We're going to bring it up here to the 31. Once we do that, we need to align the spacing block with it here.

The reason I want to do this is that the root of the Schlage cuts is pretty big. Now you can use it as is, but I like to add a bit extra root of the cut there a little bit but let's go ahead. Now that we have that set, I'll show you how I do that here in a minute. Now that we have that set, let's look down here at the depth, and let's take a look here.

So the key we're going to be cutting, the code is going to be a 55154. So if you look at our chart here, number five is a .260, so if you look at our little cheater here and get to .250, visually find it over here, and then look here for a zero. We want to get to .260; we're going to bring it up 10. And once we get there, go and turn the machine on and make our first step here. Now I like actually to widen that out a little bit.

Put the second one here; it is also a .260, so let's go ahead and cut it.

Put in space number three, which is a number one, which is a .320. We're at .260 now, so let's visually get up here to .300, then we go to .320, so we'll go right there to the .320. Once we're there, we're going to cut this third space.

Let's move it over a bit and widen it. Go to space number four, which is another five, which is .260. So we'll back it back down here. Let's find that .250 again to bring it up 10 to .260. Go and cut this space.

Alright. The last one here is number four, which is a .275. So we'll get it, put in there, and then we're at .260, so let's go and bring it up 15 to .275, and we'll cut it.

I like to widen those cuts a little bit. You don't necessarily have to, but I like having that little extra bit of root on that cut there for this. So I want to put it in there. Let's give it a try. And there you go, it works perfectly, and that's how you want to get it done. Now, as I said, you don't necessarily have to widen the root. However, on these Schlage keys, I found that I prefer to have it a little enlarged because otherwise, I'm always thinking, do I have it perfectly aligned, and it's such a great precision machine. That's just kind of something I like to do. 

And that's a basic overview of the Framon 2 code machine, really the living legend. I would love to know in the comments below what you think of this machine, or if you currently own one, what your experience has been. Thank you, and we'll see you next time!