Foley Belsaw Model 200 Capability

[@edparadis1578]

I still have my model 200 from the early 90's, it certainly worked for me back in the day. I still have one as a backup, but I haven't turned it on in at least 15 years. I have mine setup for flat keys now, but not much use. I purchased a MK2 as the bulk of my work originally was for IC, and I still have it as a backup. I graduated to the Prolock Blue punch, plus I was able to pick up a factory Best combinator at a reasonable price, which does the bulk of my IC work now. The great thing about the Prolock, is that it will do the "fatkey" IC keyblanks - WA, WC, WG, WY, etc. that I have occasion to make, and it's more portable than the Best. Decent trick on the belt too. And I thought that I had destroyed those old brain cells to remember this machine!

[@odinslockllc]

Those factory Best combinators are pretty cool. The blue punch is awesome too. I just don’t do enough “originating” of BEST to justify a dedicated machine but I still keep looking out for an exacta2. I used to have the punch assembly for my Pakapunch but traded them for sc1 which I use more. I do have the BEST jaws for my Framon 2 and can do them on my HPC 1200 if I have to originate them. The foley Belsaw 200 for how light duty it is still is still very capable of duplicating interesting keys with its adjustability. I see people sell them for a lot but I do occasionally find them for around $50. Thank you for watching!

[@danielminskey]

thanks for doing a video on this...there is one selling locally...might pick it up...good for vintage VWs :)

[@JenkinsLocks]

Great video and thank you for tips and tricks on this machine. Its on my list this week to get familiar with using mine.

[@odinslockllc]

Thanks for watching!

[@cayankeelord3730]

I've got one of the #200 machines like your older one. I've used it to cut the same Best series keys 1A1K1, 1A1L1, 1A1M1 and 1A1FM1 keys. Like you said, "Kind of finicky at times". I've had to use shims to correct the angle due to the clamps clamping on the milled portions of the keys. I actually used a set of code keys with it to get a precise cut from an impression of a key in clay. It did what I needed it to do even though they don't get anymore basic than this. Double checking the angles and alignments are the "key" ( pun intended ) to getting a good outcome with these machines. ( Plus having the proper cutting wheel for the metal alloy and process your doing. There is a special wheel you can get for code key cutting for these machines, makes it a lot easier. )

[@odinslockllc]

Yeah for a basic machine that used to come with the locksmith course it really is versatile. I have the digital readout style micrometers for mine I just never put them on it. Thanks for watching!

[@daveaedion]

I like this machine, especially the calibration knob a lot. It cuts keys that work perfectly in a test OEM Sargent cylinder which I believe is about as precise as the Best cylinders. As always, thanks for making another video.

[@odinslockllc]

Thank you for watching!

[@doorandlocktips]

Great video keep it up buddy

[@odinslockllc]

Thanks for watching!

[@stephenzies8867]

If You Want A Belt That Will Out Live You Install A Sewing Machine Belt Like I Did When I Had A 200 Over 30 Years Ago. It Will Be The Last Belt You Will Need.

[@odinslockllc]

Great idea! What particular part# or size did you get? Thanks for watching!

[@danielminskey]

so true....the orange sewing machine belts are a amzing.

[@vickygarner9479]

Got one at an estate sales. What should I sell it for? Thanks

[@odinslockllc]

@@vickygarner9479 I really wouldn’t know. Depends on what accessories and key blanks with it. It’s more about what someone is willing to pay. It’s a wonderful machine if it has everything but in pieces it may not be worth as much. You might check eBay and see what they’re being sold for. I personally would pay more than a hundred if it had everything but someone else might pay $300. It’s possible to cut by code and as a duplicator it’s easily adjustable for new or worn keys. The biggest issue I have with them is the clamping jaws. If those were more robust these would be worth so much more. A maintenance dept or apartment maintenance type place might be interested in it or a locksport person. Most locksmiths would already have this machine and no room for another that won’t get used as much. Clean it up and have it “ready to go” and you will get more for it.