Please note: this procedure will be different based on your software version. If you have version 6.1 or higher, follow the instructions below. If you have version 4 or 5, follow the second set of instructions, and if you are still using our 2.6 software, see the last set of instructions. 

The version number can be determined by looking at the top blue bar across the screen. If you have version 2.6.16 it will reflect this number. If it only says "Autocode" in the blue bar, click the "About" button and a window will pop up with the version number.

Version 6.1 & above instructions

To change the cutter, you will need the computer turned on & software started. The machine  must be plugged in and turned on. Also, you will need a 1/8 allen wrench as well as the 9" allen wrench that came with the machine.

At the main screen of the software, click "Application Setup". Next to "Framon Automatic" you will see a setup button. Click the "Setup" button. You will now be at the main adjustment page. Click "Change Cutter".

You will now be shown a screen where you must select a cutting wheel. Select the appropriate cutter from the list (this step is very important; a selection that does not correspond with the part number of the cutter will cause the machine to cut improperly) and click "Select" at the bottom of the page. You will now see five steps which you need to follow to change the cutter.

Click "Advance Spindle" to move the cutter head forward, and turn off the "Spindle" switch. If your cutter head has a red cover that has two 1/8" button head allen screws covering it, remove them and the guard. Next, you will find a small hole to the left of the cutting wheel (you may have to rotate the wheel to find it). Insert a small screwdriver into the hole; insert the 9" allen wrench into the screw on the right side of the cutter and loosen the screw, using the small screwdriver to steady the spindle while you are doing so. The cutter screw is standard thread; counterclockwise to loosen it.

Once the screw is removed, remove the wheel and install the new on, with the teeth pointing down and the printing on the cutter to the right. Reinstall the washer and screw, and then the red cutter cover. When reinstalling the cover, insert both screws a few turns and pull forward on the red guard as you tighten the screws down so the small amount of slack is forward on the guard.

Next, click "Retract Spindle" and turn the Spindle switch back on. Click the small door icon at the bottom right of the window to get back to the Setup screen. If you added a coated or carbide cutter, you will see a note regarding adjustment to the machine; simply click OK.

Before cutting a key, check the X and Y Home numbers at the top of the screen. They should match those in your instruction manual that came with your machine; later models have the X & Y Home numbers written on a small tag on the back of the machine. If you added a carbide or coated cutter, you will see that the X Home number differs by 306 from what you have in your manual. This is normal as the cutter does not have a counterbore like the original cutter has. 

Version 4 & 5 instructions

To change the cutter, you will need the computer turned on & software started. The machine  must be plugged in and turned on. Also, you will need a 1/8 allen wrench as well as the 9" allen wrench that came with the machine.

At the main screen of the software, click "Application Setup". Next to "Framon Automatic" you will see a setup button. Click the "Setup" button. You will now be at the main adjustment page. Click "Change Cutter".

Click "Advance Spindle" to move the cutter head forward, and turn off the "Spindle" switch. If your cutter head has a red cover that has two 1/8" button head allen screws covering it, remove them and the guard. Next, you will find a small hole to the left of the cutting wheel (you may have to rotate the wheel to find it). Insert a small screwdriver into the hole; insert the 9" allen wrench into the screw on the right side of the cutter and loosen the screw, using the small screwdriver to steady the spindle while you are doing so. The cutter screw is standard thread; counterclockwise to loosen it.

Once the screw is removed, remove the wheel and install the new on, with the teeth pointing down and the printing on the cutter to the right. Reinstall the washer and screw, and then the red cutter cover. When reinstalling the cover, insert both screws a few turns and pull forward on the red guard as you tighten the screws down so the small amount of slack is forward on the guard.

Next, click "Retract Spindle" and turn the Spindle switch back on. Click the small door icon at the bottom right of the window to get back to the Setup screen. 

Before cutting a key, check the X and Y Home numbers at the top of the screen. They should match those in your instruction manual that came with your machine; later models have the X & Y Home numbers written on a small tag on the back of the machine. 

If you added a carbide or coated cutter, you will need to make an adjustment to the X Home number before cutting a key. The coated and carbide cutters do not have a counterbore like the original cutter has, which will offset the spacing on the machine. If you switched from a standard cutter TO the carbide or coated, you will need to click on "Adjust First Cut" and click the down arrow (Towards Tip) 51 times, which should change the X Home number by 306 units. There is no "Save" button that needs to be clicked on once the adjustment is done, the adjustment in instant. If you go back into the Settings page and click "Adjust First Cut" at another time, the counter number will be back to zero. This is normal! You will notice that the X Home number has stayed at the 306 unit offset regardless of what the counter has next to it. Do this adjustment only once. If your numbers do not appear correct or you are not sure what they should be for your machine, contact Framon at 989-354-5623.

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This page was last updated Monday, June 12, 2006