What are Key Cutting Machines?
A key cutting machine is used to make duplicate keys. It works by tracing the shape of the original key, either with a computerized system or strictly by comparison when held against the original key. The high-speed carving blade of the key cutting machine then makes a copy of the original key’s shape onto an uncarved key. Typically, key cutting machines are found at home improvement or hardware stores. There are seven types of key cutting machines: semi-automatic, automatic, code key, flat steel/bit key, laser key, manual key, and tubular key. Each machine creates duplicates of specific types of keys. The cost of a key cutting machine generally ranges from 350 to 10,000 US dollars (USD). A semi-automatic key cutting machine does most of the work by itself. The operator loads the original key into one vice grip while the duplicate key is placed in another area. A micrometer traces the shape of the original key while cutting the duplicate key with a high-speed cobalt steel blade. Once t
