BD Laser Max Security and Traditional Key Cutting Package

[drapp]

Anyone using one of these machines.

We are ready to purchase one and I want to be sure this is the right thing to do. Apparently this is the only unit that is available (30-45 days) that will do most all of the keys we see on a daily basis. It won't cut VATS keys.

I understand the machine bits are expensive and don't last long. I am told a $200 bit only cuts 100 keys. If you have to flip the key then it counts as 2 keys.

This thing is expensive and I don't want to make a $9500 mistake.

[WhoParted]

Make sure you get an extra tracer bit, ours broke and the new ones are on back order

[Bailo1]

Don't have one of those machines yet myself, but am looking into it as well. Looked on GM Dealer Equipment website and they're showing a "Futura" machine now. Says the machine does high security and traditional keys. The flyer says they're on promo right now for $7,250. Might be worth looking into...

[possum]

Based on my worldly experience I would recommend to always LEASE these delicate machines. (if your department can afford the expense, and mine is creatively distributed since I get the monthly invoice to code). If you purchase outright, you're still going to get charged the monthly depreciation by your accountants, as well as "support" fees etc. and you'll be on your own when the warranty runs out.

[drapp]

Looked at the Futura model but it is not available until late October at the earliest. Much cheaper but N/A and we need one now.

Also looked at leasing but $260 a month for 36 months and at the end the machine goes back - we wouldn't own it. The lease payments add up to more than the current "promo" price. If purchased the unit comes with a 36 month warranty - bits not included. Then we would be on our own - supposed to be able to purchase warranty extension at that time.

This is just a whole lot of money for something we really don't want to purchase at this time but with all the recalls we really don't have much choice. I have a lot of other things I could spend the money on but as I said - no choice. It really sucks to gain this expense right now.

[Stevenspeaking]

I don't know if they will service dealers other than Chrysler. You might check with the Mopar service equipment site. http://www.psedealerequipment[dot]com

[Richard]

I hate Barnes. I have talked about my experience with Barnes over my lazer machine at length. It it wasn't for Jeff Busch, who sells the machines as well, I probably still would be down. Jeff, I apologize, I don't recall your website at this time.
He was able to help get me back up and running.

[Richard]

ONE other thing to think about!! The combo pack kit that the OP listed; you have to switch the cutting bit out to cut old style keys versus laser keys. The side cut bit is still only good for about 100~120 keys. I kept my PC+ machine to avoid having to reconfigure the machine every time I needed to cut a key, plus if the side cut bits are as high as the laser bits ($250 shipped, currently on backorder), that $2.09 per KEY in just bit costs.

[twkrantz]

bump

Hows the Futura machine working for everyone that uses one? Or Barnes a better machine?

[sfifield]

We purchased a Futura machine earlier this year based on a recommendation from a lock smith we work with regularly. I must admit the machine is smarter then most of us who use it. We did buy it from a locksmith supply company instead of a company program. The reason was customer service. The Tech support has been good and help full each time we have had a call. I did buy extra tracers and cutting tips, but have not had to install them yet.

The only downside I have had is tracing regular keys, again it's probably an operator error.