Info Needed on an Independent Lock Company key maker

[gonzales1972]

I have a key machine in good condition but on the logo it say's Minute instead of Duplex. I would like to know the history on this key machine like the year and is it of value. Thanks

[Pschiffe]

I have a key machine in good condition but on the logo it say's Minute instead of Duplex. I would like to know the history on this key machine like the year and is it of value. Thanks

The Minute was made in the same era as the Duplex, ca. 1930-1970. The Duplex had two cutters and was intended primarily to cut cylinder and flat keys while the Minute had had three cutters to make cylinder, flat and bit keys. I actually have an older Minute in my shop which I use occasionally. I've seen them selling in pristine condition for as much as $500.00. Many Ilco key machines were also sold under the Keil marque, an Ilco sister company. Attached are thumbnails of the two machines for comparison, Duplex on the left and Minute on the right.

Pete Schifferli

[dll932]

I used to work in a shop that had a reputation for making flat, bit and antique lock keys (and made a good bit of money doing it, as well as for fitting keys to older locks). We had similar machine and used it quite a bit.

[goldpro]

Hi all, 19 Nov 2015.

I'm looking for parts for the bit key vise tower of an old Ilco minute machine.
I need replacement lower jaws of both the upper and lower vises,- the narrow ends.
Both lower jaws have removable, screw in inserts...I need the inserts.
I'm trying to restore the machine.
The inserts are hardened.
I could use a new large slotter cutter for it also.

If anyone has a complete minute machine in any condition for sale please let me know.

Also looking for a 6 cutter turret machine like the Ilco 2196 / keil6&1/2 any condition.

Any leads appreciated.
thanks
Tom

[Pschiffe]

Hi all, 19 Nov 2015.
I'm looking for parts for the bit key vise tower of an old Ilco minute machine.
I need replacement lower jaws of both the upper and lower vises,- the narrow ends.
Both lower jaws have removable, screw in inserts...I need the inserts.
I'm trying to restore the machine.
The inserts are hardened.
I could use a new large slotter cutter for it also.
If anyone has a complete minute machine in any condition for sale please let me know.
Also looking for a 6 cutter turret machine like the Ilco 2196 / keil6&1/2 any condition.
Any leads appreciated. thanks Tom

Randy Main of Main's Lock Supply collects and sells used key machines, you might check with him to see if he can help. Website here: (no eMails)
http://www.iccores.com/
Short of finding a parts machine, it may be necessary to have a machinist make the jaws you need.
The original large slotter on the Minute is Ilco #3FSHS which is 2-1/2" OD x .055" thick x 3/8" arbor, still available from locksmith suppliers for $33.07 suggested dealer.

Pete Schifferli

[goldpro]

Hi Pete,

Thank you very much for your reply.
I was hoping you would chime in.
Randy seems to have a email box in his contact area
so I sent him a message. If I don"t hear back next week
I'll call him.
If it comes to making them I 'll probably have a go at that myself.
Then figure out how to harden them.
Can I trouble you for a link where I can buy the slotter cutter for $33.07.

There's a turret machine on ebay in florida now
but the seller won't ship to Canada :-(

thanks again.
Tom

[Pschiffe]

Hi Pete,
Thank you very much for your reply.
I was hoping you would chime in.
Randy seems to have a email box in his contact area
so I sent him a message. If I don"t hear back next week
I'll call him.
If it comes to making them I 'll probably have a go at that myself.
Then figure out how to harden them.
Can I trouble you for a link where I can buy the slotter cutter for $33.07.
There's a turret machine on ebay in florida now
but the seller won't ship to Canada :-(
thanks again.
Tom

Tom,
Randy doesn't do eMail, it's just one of his little foibles! Click on your province at the link to find the Ilco rep who should be able to direct you to distributor(s) in your area. ($33.07 is US dollars, dealer net price, also try Google):
http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key-systems...72/canada.html

Pete Schifferli

[jeffmoss26]

I used to work in a shop that had a reputation for making flat, bit and antique lock keys (and made a good bit of money doing it, as well as for fitting keys to older locks). We had similar machine and used it quite a bit.

I am pretty sure those old machines are still sitting on a shelf, collecting dust at the office.

[goldpro]

No luck with any parts from James.
he suggested I call Mr. Chizler.

Pete-no inserts...hmmm...It's possible my machine has been
modified ?

I've attached some pics.
The tower has many shark bites from careless operation and
the area around the vise jaws is not exactly the same on the
top and bottom vises.

If I put a homemade insert in the top vise it will be gripping the
customers key which isn't subject to the twisting torque from the
cutter the keyblank in the bottom jaw is.

Tom

[jeffmoss26]

Found a couple old machines buried in the warehouse at work: