HPC Trace-A-Key 3344HQT User manual

Trace-A-Key®
Semi-Automatic Key Duplicator
080510 36334-000-00
© 2010 HPC • Schiller Park, IL • 60176 • USA • www.hpcworld.com
No. 3344HQT
Trace-A-Key®
Semi-Automatic Key Duplicator
080510 36334-000-00
© 2010 HPC • Schiller Park, IL • 60176 • USA • www.hpcworld.com
No. 3344HQT

© 2010 HPC, Inc. • Schiller Park, IL • 60176 • USA • www.hpcworld.com
© 2010 HPC, Inc. • Schiller Park, IL • 60176 • USA • www.hpcworld.com

© 2010 HPC, Inc. • Schiller Park, IL • 60176 • USA • www.hpcworld.com
Index
Introduction, Packing Checklist and Parts Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
1.0 Set-Up .........................................................1
2.0 GaugingandHoldingKeys ........................................9
3.0 DuplicatingKeys ...............................................27
4.0 Depth Adjustment ...............................................47
5.0 Space Adjustment ...............................................61
6.0 Exploded Views and Parts Lists ....................................75
7.0 Preventive Maintenance/Warranty/Service............................83
Introduction, Packing Checklist and Parts Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
1.0 Set-Up .........................................................1
2.0 GaugingandHoldingKeys ........................................9
3.0 DuplicatingKeys ...............................................27
4.0 Depth Adjustment ...............................................47
5.0 Space Adjustment ...............................................61
6.0 Exploded Views and Parts Lists ....................................75
7.0 Preventive Maintenance/Warranty/Service............................83
© 2010 HPC, Inc. • Schiller Park, IL • 60176 • USA • www.hpcworld.com
Index

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of an HPC Trace-A-Key®duplicating key machine, the most
accurate duplicator on the market. With proper care, this machine will cut keys accurately for
years to come. Inside this box you will find your new Trace-A-Key®, as well as a carriage lever
and carriage handle which should now be attached to the machine (check Set-Up section to locate
proper holes). The Trace-A-Key®duplicates most cylinder keys, as well as some of the popular
double-sided keys. For durability the cutter shaft rotates with sealed ball bearings. This enables
the machine to maintain excellent accuracy with minimal care. The HPC Trace-A-Key®is very
easy to use. The operator only needs to know how to insert keys properly in the jaws to run the
machine successfully. The machine cuts standard keys quickly and accurately. The Trace-A-Key®
uses the CW-42HQT cutter for standard duplication. The CW-42HQT is an extremely durable
tool steel cutter which simulates cutting with a carbide cutter. The Trace-A-Key®is a workhorse.
It is a semi-automatic duplicator that is both sturdy and practical. Please read the entire manual
and follow the preventive maintenance suggestions to help prolong the life of your key machine.
If there are any questions after reading the manual, call the HPC Service Department toll free for
assistance (1-800-323-3295).
i
Congratulations on your purchase of an HPC Trace-A-Key®duplicating key machine, the most
accurate duplicator on the market. With proper care, this machine will cut keys accurately for
years to come. Inside this box you will find your new Trace-A-Key®, as well as a carriage lever
and carriage handle which should now be attached to the machine (check Set-Up section to locate
proper holes). The Trace-A-Key®duplicates most cylinder keys, as well as some of the popular
double-sided keys. For durability the cutter shaft rotates with sealed ball bearings. This enables
the machine to maintain excellent accuracy with minimal care. The HPC Trace-A-Key®is very
easy to use. The operator only needs to know how to insert keys properly in the jaws to run the
machine successfully. The machine cuts standard keys quickly and accurately. The Trace-A-Key®
uses the CW-42HQT cutter for standard duplication. The CW-42HQT is an extremely durable
tool steel cutter which simulates cutting with a carbide cutter. The Trace-A-Key®is a workhorse.
It is a semi-automatic duplicator that is both sturdy and practical. Please read the entire manual
and follow the preventive maintenance suggestions to help prolong the life of your key machine.
If there are any questions after reading the manual, call the HPC Service Department toll free for
assistance (1-800-323-3295).
i
Introduction

ii
STANDARD RED TIP STOP (2)
NO. CM-1054MA
CUTTER/ADJUSTMENT WRENCH
NO. WRENCH-1
DOUBLE-ANGLE
TOOL STEEL CUTTER
NO. CW-42HQT
ALLEN WRENCHES
NO. WRENCH-2
NO. WRENCH-4
CUTTER WRENCH
NO. WRENCH-3
TRACE-A-KEY®
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Packing Checklist
ii
STANDARD RED TIP STOP (2)
NO. CM-1054MA
CUTTER/ADJUSTMENT WRENCH
NO. WRENCH-1
DOUBLE-ANGLE
TOOL STEEL CUTTER
NO. CW-42HQT
ALLEN WRENCHES
NO. WRENCH-2
NO. WRENCH-4
CUTTER WRENCH
NO. WRENCH-3
TRACE-A-KEY®
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Packing Checklist

iii
CUTTER HEAD
CUTTER
WING NUT
TOP VISE JAW
BOTTOM VISE JAW
KNOB
BALL BEARING
WASHER SET
BRUSH GUARD
DRIVE BELT
TRACER PIN
LEVER
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB
LEVER HUB
CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY
MOTOR
CARRIAGE HANDLE
CUTTER NUT
SWITCH
TIP STOP
BELT GUARD
BRUSH NUT
BRUSH
Parts Designation
iii
CUTTER HEAD
CUTTER
WING NUT
TOP VISE JAW
BOTTOM VISE JAW
KNOB
BALL BEARING
WASHER SET
BRUSH GUARD
DRIVE BELT
TRACER PIN
LEVER
DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB
LEVER HUB
CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY
MOTOR
CARRIAGE HANDLE
CUTTER NUT
SWITCH
TIP STOP
BELT GUARD
BRUSH NUT
BRUSH
Parts Designation

1.0
Set-Up
1
1.0
Set-Up
1

2
Screw the lever into the hub.
2
Screw the lever into the hub.

3
Pull the carriage down by the
wing nut and hold.
3
Pull the carriage down by the
wing nut and hold.

4
4
While holding the carriage
down move the lever to the
left until it stops.
While holding the carriage
down move the lever to the
left until it stops.

5
5
Now slowly release the carriage
into the rest position.
Now slowly release the carriage
into the rest position.

6
6
Screw the carriage handle into
the carriage.
Screw the carriage handle into
the carriage.

7
Note the proper angle.
7
Note the proper angle.

8
Flip the knob forward to move the shoulder gauges down and
out of the way. You are now ready to duplicate!
8
Flip the knob forward to move the shoulder gauges down and
out of the way. You are now ready to duplicate!

9
2.0
Gauging and Holding Keys
9
2.0
Gauging and Holding Keys

10
JAW A JAW B
Vise jaw A is used for all standard keys with the deepest cut no less than .142 inches.
Jaw B is used for small keys that use cuts of such great depth that a lip on the jaw is
provided to hold the key closer to the cutter.
10
JAW A JAW B
Vise jaw A is used for all standard keys with the deepest cut no less than .142 inches.
Jaw B is used for small keys that use cuts of such great depth that a lip on the jaw is
provided to hold the key closer to the cutter.

11
If the key should tip when placed in jaw A, such as a Best™key, you can use jaw B. Fit the
key groove onto the lip of the jaw so that the key rests firmly against the back of the jaw.
Use this method only if there is a problem holding the key in place.
11
If the key should tip when placed in jaw A, such as a Best™key, you can use jaw B. Fit the
key groove onto the lip of the jaw so that the key rests firmly against the back of the jaw.
Use this method only if there is a problem holding the key in place.

12
Note: Be sure to tighten the wing nut and swing the Shoulder Gauge back down before starting the cutting process.
Keys with shoulders are gauged by placing them squarely into the vise assembly and swinging the key Shoulder
Gauge upward. The key is moved laterally, as required, until the key’s shoulder just touches the left hand surface of
the gauge.
Keys without shoulders are properly gauged by using the Red Tip Gauge (CM-1054MA). The bottom of the tip
gauge has several grooves, allowing it to be held in different positions by a spring loaded ball bearing. These tip
gauges are pulled back to the first position, where they are held within the base of the lower jaw safely out of the
path of the cutting wheel.
Red Tip
Gauge
Position 2
Red Tip
Gauge
Wing
Nut
Shoulder
Gauge
12
Note: Be sure to tighten the wing nut and swing the Shoulder Gauge back down before starting the cutting process.
Keys with shoulders are gauged by placing them squarely into the vise assembly and swinging the key Shoulder
Gauge upward. The key is moved laterally, as required, until the key’s shoulder just touches the left hand surface of
the gauge.
Keys without shoulders are properly gauged by using the Red Tip Gauge (CM-1054MA). The bottom of the tip
gauge has several grooves, allowing it to be held in different positions by a spring loaded ball bearing. These tip
gauges are pulled back to the first position, where they are held within the base of the lower jaw safely out of the
path of the cutting wheel.
Red Tip
Gauge
Position 2
Red Tip
Gauge
Wing
Nut
Shoulder
Gauge

13
In the third position, the Red Tip Gauge is sent forward into the third groove and this is the proper setting for old,
5-pin Ford keys. To clamp and gauge double sided Ford type keys, the offset of the key is set against the face of the
jaw. Slide the key to the right until the tip butts against the tip gauge and tighten the wing nut. The blank is held off
the key rest by this method, thereby eliminating the need for any special blocks.
Note: Red Tip Gauge should be pulled back to position 1 or removed when cutting shoulder gauged keys.
Position 3
Position 2
Position 1
Red (Plastic) Tip Gauge No. CM-1054MA
Position 1: Out of the way
Position 2: Best
Position 3: Ford
Position 3
Red Tip
Gauge
Red Tip
Gauge
13
In the third position, the Red Tip Gauge is sent forward into the third groove and this is the proper setting for old,
5-pin Ford keys. To clamp and gauge double sided Ford type keys, the offset of the key is set against the face of the
jaw. Slide the key to the right until the tip butts against the tip gauge and tighten the wing nut. The blank is held off
the key rest by this method, thereby eliminating the need for any special blocks.
Note: Red Tip Gauge should be pulled back to position 1 or removed when cutting shoulder gauged keys.
Position 3
Position 2
Position 1
Red (Plastic) Tip Gauge No. CM-1054MA
Position 1: Out of the way
Position 2: Best
Position 3: Ford
Position 3
Red Tip
Gauge
Red Tip
Gauge

Standard Cylinder Key With Shoulder Gauging Using Jaw A
Place the key blank in Jaw A. Raise the Shoulder Gauge to its upright position. Position the
key blank with the shoulder of the key lightly touching the left hand edge of Shoulder Gauge
(avoid undue pressure – see Note below).
Note: The spacing of the key cuts can be significantly affected by any damage incurred to the Shoulder Gauge.
Handle the Shoulder Gauge with care! Damage to the Shoulder Gauge most often occurs when the gauge
comes in contact with the cutter, or when undue pressure is used when gauging against the key’s shoulder.
Make sure to gently position the key blank against the Shoulder Gauge to avoid damage.
14
Standard Cylinder Key With Shoulder Gauging Using Jaw A
Place the key blank in Jaw A. Raise the Shoulder Gauge to its upright position. Position the
key blank with the shoulder of the key lightly touching the left hand edge of Shoulder Gauge
(avoid undue pressure – see Note below).
Note: The spacing of the key cuts can be significantly affected by any damage incurred to the Shoulder Gauge.
Handle the Shoulder Gauge with care! Damage to the Shoulder Gauge most often occurs when the gauge
comes in contact with the cutter, or when undue pressure is used when gauging against the key’s shoulder.
Make sure to gently position the key blank against the Shoulder Gauge to avoid damage.
14