HPC Mini Groove 8000MGDC User manual
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the Mini Groove™Machine. This machine is a fully portable
duplicator for high security, laser-cut automotive keys. It is powered by an internal 12-volt
battery that is supplied with the machine. Alternately, the Mini Groove™can be wired to the
battery in your service vehicle using the included DC cable.
The battery is fully charged prior to packing the machine. As with a cordless drill, when the
motor begins to slow down, use the charger that is included to re-charge the battery for 12
hours.
Do not use the machine when the battery is being charged.
The motor harness has been disconnected for shipping. If you desire to run the machine on
the internal battery, connect the harness to the battery. If you would like to run the machine on
your vehicle’s 12 volt battery, connect the harness to the supplied DC cable.
The versatile jaws hold virtually all 2-track and 4-track, internal and external cut keys. The
machine has been calibrated and tested. It is ready to cut right out of the box.
Please read this manual to become familiar with the features and operation of your Mini
Groove™. Also, please complete and return the enclosed warranty registration card.
We are confident your Mini Groove™will provide years of service for you. If you have any
questions or comments about this machine (or any HPC products), please contact us.
Thank you,
HPC, Inc.
3999 N. 25th Avenue
Schiller Park, Illinois 60176
U.S.A.
Tel: 847.671.6280
Toll-free in U.S.A. & Canada: 800.323.3295
Fax: 847.671.6343
Email: [email protected]
www.hpcworld.com
012512 360MG-000-PR
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
Visit us online at:
www.hpcworld.com
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8000MGDC
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................1
1. Product Packaging Checklist ....................................4
2. Parts Designation ..............................................5
3. Holding and Gauging of Keys....................................6
4. Cutting Keys..................................................9
5. Machine Calibration ..........................................12
6. Changing The Cutter..........................................14
7. Changing The Lamp ..........................................18
8. Charging ....................................................19
9. Exploded View and Parts List ..................................20
10. Warranty and Service .........................................22
MiniGroove™Technical Information
RPM: 1800rpm
Cutter Diameter: 3/32" (2.5mm) - No. CW-332
Battery: 12V 7.2 AMP - No. MGDC-38
DC Charger: 12VDC 300ma
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
1. Product Packaging Checklist
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8000MGDC
Charger Unit
No. MGDC-C120
Other Chargers:
No. MGDC-C240E
No. MGDC-C240UK
No. MGDC-C240AU
Allen Wrench, 3/32"
(No. WRENCH-4)
Instruction Manual
(No. 8000MGDC-MAN)
Allen Wrench, 1/16"
(No. WRENCH-10)
DC Cable
(No. MGDC-CABLE)
Cutter, 3/32" (2.5mm)
No. CW-332 (installed)
2. Parts Designation
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
Master Height
Adjusting Knob
Cover
Cuttershaft Mandrel
Cutter Set Screw
Cutter
Key Blank Side Jaw
Wing Nut
Platform Guide Handle
Key Retaining Plate
Y Motion Platform
Tip Stop
Motor Activation Switch
Power Switch
Tracershaft Mandrel
Tracer Adjustment Set
Screw
Tracer
Original Side Jaw
Charger Port
Base
X Motion Platform
12 Volt Battery
3. Holding And Gauging Of Keys
To ensure accurate duplication, it is imperative to gauge both the original key
and the key blank in exactly the same way.
The original key and the key blank must be flat (not tilted) and held securely in
the jaws.
There are 2 slots in the jaws for inserting the tip stop. Most keys can be gauged
using the slot at the back of the jaw. Depending on the design of the key and
the length of the blade, some keys should be gauged using the slot closer to the
front of the jaw. Make certain that the key is gauged so that the entire length of
the key to be cut will be engaged by the tracer and cutter.
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8000MGDC
Depending on the design of the keys, it may be necessary to use the Key
Retaining Plates on top of the jaws to hold the keys securely. These plates
are indexed on one side and may be flipped over to provide a more secure
hold.
To utilize the Key Retaining Plates, loosen the two set screws on each plate,
slide the plate over the key, and tighten the screws. Make certain that the plates
do not interfere with the tracks to be traced and cut.
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
1/16'' Allen Wrench (#4.40 Buttonhead screw)
Note:
If interference is detected the
removal of plates and screws will be
necessary. They should be stored in
a location where they can easily be
retrieved for use when needed.
• Gauge and secure the original key.
• Before loading the key blank, adjust the cutter and tracer height to properly
engage the track of the key. Position the carriage so that the tracer is over the
track of the key. Using the Height Adjusting Knob, lower the tracer so that
it touches the key (in a cut position) and impedes movement of the carriage.
Raise the tracer just enough to allow the carriage to move freely. The tracer
should be at the bottom of the track.
• With the tracer properly positioned, gauge and secure the key blank in the
same manner as the original key.
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8000MGDC
4. Cutting Keys
• Switch the Power Switch to ON.
• Switch the Motor Activation Switch to ON.
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
Guide the platform inward and use the tracer to follow the angles of the cut
along one side of the key, then back out the platform guiding the tracer along
the other side of the key. The cutter will cut an identical path on the key blank.
Keep tracing until all of the key has been cut.
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8000MGDC
Switch off the Motor Activation Switch, and repeat the gauging and cutting
procedures on the other side of the key.
Note: these keys are usually cut the same on both sides. It is usually not
necessary to flip the original key to trace the other side.
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
Note:
You may notice a very slight re-
moval of the black coating on the
cutter side jaws. This is a normal
occurrence and in no way will it
interfere with the Mini Groove
performance.
5. Machine Calibration
Calibration is achieved by adjusting the spring loaded tracer to the exact height
of the cutter which is fixed in place by a 3/32" set screw.
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8000MGDC
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
The calibration is performed using
a small piece of paper between the
top of the jaw and the cutter and
the tracer. This is done to prevent
damage to these as well as the internal
components of this machine.
1. Place a small piece of paper between the tracer and cutter and top jaws.
2. Use the master height adjustment knob to lower both the cutter and tracer until
the paper is held firmly under the cutter.
(Note) if paper cannot be held firmly under the cutter, this would indicate cutter
is held too low.
3. Loosen the 3/32" set screw on the tracer shaft and the spring strength will permit
the tracer to achieve the same height as the cutter. Visually verify such.
4. When readjusting the master height knob, and both pieces of paper are now being
held snugly, retighten the tracer shaft set screw.
5. The machine is now calibrated and ready to cut
Switch Power Off
6. Changing the Cutter
When the cutter becomes worn you will need to replace it with a new cutter.
The cutter is held in place by 1 set screw on the mandrel.
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8000MGDC
Loosen the screw with the supplied Allen wrench, and cutter will be easily
removed from the collet.
Any unworn sharp edged 3/32nds Allen wrench can be used.
(The thread size is 10/32").
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
Install the new cutter and retighten the set screw, on the flat
of cutter. Make sure that the cutter is tight in the collet.
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8000MGDC
You will then need to recalibrate your machine to make sure that the tracer
and the cutter are equal in height.
Refer to Section 5 for Calibration procedures.
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
7. Changing the Lamp
To replace the bulb, you will need to remove the cover over the bulb.
Unscrew the lamp cover, and unscrew the bulb from the base of the machine.
Replace the worn out bulb with a new one, test the new bulb and replace
the cover.
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8000MGDC
8. Charging
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Mini Groove™
8000MGDC
The Mini Groove™is supplied with a battery charger. This is to be used only for
re-charging the battery.
Do not switch the machine on while the
charger is plugged in!
When the motor begins to slow down, the battery should be charged for 12-24
hours. Connect the charger unit to the machine via the charger port located at the
upper right rear section of the machine base. Plug the AC charger into a
standard outlet.
If the machine is to be connected directly to your vehicle battery, separate the
connectors in the back of the machine and connect the supplied DC cable to the
machine.
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