Why Choose A Framon #2??

The code machine debate will roll on forever. Here's a few reasons that you should choose our machine over the others (also some testimonials at the bottom of the page):

Customer Comments

Below are comments we have collected from locksmith forums over the past few months from Framon users. 

I have nothing but good to say about the Framon 2. I have been into locks since early childhood. I first saw an HPC 1200 in use around 12 years of age and was totally impressed. I went to work for a shop in phoenix at 18 and another employee told me about the Framon. I went to the ALOA trade show in Las Vegas and saw a Framon demonstrated at the Framon booth. I made up my 
mind that I would get one. I purchased one from DiMark after saving money. I used it while employed for another lock shop here. I (regretfully) sold it to the local school district while employed there. I wasn't kidding when I said that if I could have only ONE code machine, the Framon 2 would be it! 

The best code cutting machine ever!

Chris Gonzales

I operate three mobile vans and have three Framon's on them.
Two of them are #2's and the other is a #1 (DC). I also have the Sidewinder with the Tibbe adapter. As you can probably guess I wouldn't be without these machines. I have called Phil on several occasions to ask questions or order replacement cutters and he has always been extremely helpful. He went out of his way to help with a problem on the Sidewinder to include some replacement parts. 
When I find someone who gives excellent service I very much appreciate it.

Ed Humes Locksmith Service Inc.

I too, have been asking about what a good and affordable code cutter would be. I started last May and I have used my FB200 but I haven't had very accurate cuts. After reading all the posts, I'm now saving my pennies for the Framon. It may take me a while to get but I really believe that it is the way to go. No cards, no gimmicks, no programming or programs, no expense for updates... just straight forward depth and spacing that can be updated with info online. The best part is that it is made by locksmiths!! Who better to know what is needed. I'll be requesting a copy of their video to see what it is all about but I'm quite sure that I will buy the Framon 2.
Again as always, thanks to you all here on the forum, you really have no idea how much you help the new people like myself.

Frank Kitchen

I was in your shoes Sir and I must say it was taxing in making a decision on a budget and for practical reasons as well. I too was looking at the code max machine, but could not see spending that much money at the time. Very good machine and great capabilities, but on a practical sense I found the Framon to meet all my needs and it covers a lot of applications paid $850.00 for mine used with everything that they sell listed brand new except the slotter cutter and calipers which I already owned. I work as a setup operator as well for a fastener company so working with this type of machinery is not new to me. Over all for my first code machine it is with out a doubt the best machine for the price and value. As far as speed, well it can be taxing remembering the different tasks this machine can do, but it's really like riding a bike. I use Instacode 2000 for software and Framon's spaces and depths are in the program. So for me it is the best investment I've made yet as a locksmith.

Mark C CPL Cleveland

I recently purchased a used Framon #2.
It was not functioning properly when I got it, so I sent it in to Framon for repair. (I emailed Framon to ask about servicing, and Phil responded in a quick and helpful manner each time.)
The day it arrived at Framon (I tracked it), Mike called me from the repairs department. He was courteous and pointed out a few things that I was unaware of. He told me that he would ship it out the very same day. He even took the time to answer my limitless questions about it. I am utterly impressed with this level of service.
Their website mentioned a two-day turnaround time for repairs, but I didn't fully believe it. It is a great experience to actually find a company that lives up to their word.

Just my input.

Best,
-Merlin@mLok

When strictly a novice a friend talked me into going to a Hank, Frank and Bill show in Bozeman, Montana in 19??. Gulped three times and bought Bill's codes, Hanks books and FRANK'S machine (Framon #2). Went home feeling like the country yokel after the county fair with the new do-all potato peeler (WHY). A month later said I CAN be a professional locksmith. Found I could make money by spending it on state and national conventions and that led me to ALOA, SAVTA, many national conventions, CML and many helpful friends. All in all my best locksmith purchase has been the Framon #2 and will always have one. Would like to send it in for a factory check-up but cant hardly do that long without it. That show and those purchases were one of the better things in my life.

I agree with Bill. Very much so. The Framon #2 does not meet your spec of "automatic" and if you have never operated a lathe, or any machine tool, you may at first find it a difficult tool with which to become accustomed. That will quickly fade away, and you will be delighted. It's a marvelous tool, and you will always cut keys that are "bang on." It's actually simple to use, and hard to make a mistake.

The company, in Alpena, MI, is run by the sons of the man who designed the machine, Frank Agius. If the #2 is reminiscent in some ways of a machine tool, it's because Frank was a machinist come locksmith, and made it so. I love mine to death.

If "automatic" is really what you want, then plan on a major investment. If you are using space and depth keys to generate keys by code, and are not "in a big hurry" to acquire a code-machine (i.e.. do not need to create 50 or a 100 system-planned "originals" at a time for large re-keys), then chances are that you can't justify the investment necessary for "full automatic" operation.

That's my guess, and maybe Bill's, too, since we've both come forward to recommend the Framon #2, a "non-automatic."

Take care,
Bill

I bought it used on Ebay and it came via UPS in a wooden crate. The machine was sitting directly on top of a wood crate bottom (no padding). The rest of the crate was then built around the machine using a pneumatic stapler. No padding whatsoever. The person who packaged it did not think about how it was to be unpackaged. I had to beat the snot out of the crate to get it all apart. I did some cutting with a circular saw which covered the machine with sawdust. Lots of prying, breaking and pounding and I finally got the machine out of the crate.

After it survived all that, I set it up and cut a Schlage key. It was right on the money. No adjustment required.

I've already seen the evidence of Framon Manufacturing's eagerness to stand behind their product. They will provide full support for it.

I wouldn't necessarily say that the HPC is a bad machine. The Framon just impresses me more. It is a solid workhorse. It is incredibly accurate and very versatile.

As far as I'm concerned, the Framon #2 is the most bulletproof code machine in the world. I use it exclusively and I love it. Here's one reason why:

Frank Agius (the founder of Framon Mfg, Co.) and I went to Winnipeg, Canada a few years ago. While we were there Frank had planned to check out and possibly repair a Framon #2 machine that had been involved a wreck. Because of the customs duty it wasn't practical for the owner of the machine to send it back to the US for repair.

When I saw the machine, I couldn't believe it. It looked like it had been in a train wreck. The van it had been in was in a head-on collision. The machine had come free of the workbench and had narrowly missed the driver's head on its way through the windshield. It had hit the other vehicle and bounced off onto the shoulder.

The machine was scratched, dented, mangled and just plain looked awful. It had mud and dried grass sticking out of parts of it, one side of the wing nut on the vise was broken off and the depth crank was bent around the front of the machine to a point where it could only turn about ten degrees.

Frank replaced the electrical cord - it had been jerked out of the motor when the machine left the workbench. He then replaced the depth crank (held in place by one allen set screw) and cleaned the mud and debris out of the moving parts of the machine. He also removed the mangled guard from around the belt. Next, he plugged it in and fired it up. The machine sounded just fine and after a moment, Frank said, "I think this thing is still in adjustment!” He then cut a code key for a Schlage cylinder and it worked like a champ!

The machine still looked awful, but worked great after replacing about $10 worth of parts! I suspect that the machine is still in use today. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Ever since then, I have been totally sold on the Framon #2. Not only is it the most cost-effective machine to own it is also the most rugged.

Steve Young

I've had both. Between the 1200 and the Framon, Framon hands down. Out of the box, it cuts keys that the 1200 will not unless you buy additional cutters etc and no cards to fiddle around keeping up with.

The Framon does require a little more thought when cutting a key as you are actually dialing your depth measurement as opposed to just feeding the key into the cutter 'till the needle gets to the desired cut. It takes a little getting used to, but you have the advantage of "measuring twice-cutting once" if you are so inclined. I also found that it holds it's adjustment much better in the mobile atmosphere than the 1200. As stated in earlier posts, they can really take a beating.

And, customer service at Framon is GREAT. HPC? Well, let's not go there...

I don't know how common the practice is, but I keep the "100" spacing block in at all times and use it by dialing the actual space measurement required as opposed to changing blocks each time. Just found it easier for me.

So, IMHO, out of the box and dollar for dollar, FRAMON!!

Wiley-OH

Occasionally, we make mistakes...the post below was also from Clearstar. Rick was looking for a machine to cut Keso keys, and stated in his post that he already bought a machine to cut them but it wouldn't work (our Sidewinder machine). Rick bought the machine at a trade show after one of our reps mistakenly told him that the machine would cut Keso keys. Another locksmith had asked Rick which machine he bought that wouldn't work...

Rick

None of the above comments were solicited by Framon Manufacturing Company. All of these comments were copied from locksmith forums from the Clearstar Security Network (www.clearstar.com) or The National Locksmith (www.thenationalocksmith.com) website. If you are a locksmith interested in taking part in the locksmith forums, follow the links above.