Is This Key Grinder Worth Buying?

Out shopping yesterday I spotted a small lathe-like tool in a shop's window display. (Not for sale.) Although several bits were missing, a maker's nameplate was visible 'Jankey'.

Trying to find out more I came across this much more complete example on ebay. It's a key grinder. Judging by the control box this one is a later model and the maker's name has changed slightly.

I never cut keys, but would a tool like this be of any use in a hobby workshop?

Please don't say yes too enthusiastically: I'm short of space already!

Dave

It might make a fabby project for the precision grinding of hss toolbits

...but don't let me influence you...

Might be handy for shaping or making small duplicate parts.

Fabby chic for an old antique for display in the living room?  Or perhaps for the barn or attic collection?

Edited By not done it yet on 16/12/2016 12:06:36

Well if nothing else is used, those geared motors can be very handy.

Looks to have a nice wooden knob on the handle as well.

Edited By V8Eng on 16/12/2016 13:20:58

i don't know where the 'grinder' came from, that is a complete red herring. These key cutters use a milling type cutter to make keys or rather copy from an original.. If you think about it logically, most keys are made from brass if you were to use a grinding wheel it would be clogged before you had cut one key let alone a dozen, which you can with a cutter.

Edited By Dusty on 16/12/2016 15:15:56

I think I'd have to put it on a shelf with the future project's.

Dave

I suspect that you know the answer - if you can't see an immediate use for it then you don't want it.

( Oh how I wish I had followed that example throughout my life !)

Norman

Personally I see a mini copy lathe nearly emerged from the tool. Just needs the right midwife..

Regards

Richard

Considering that it's only a motor and a couple of connected clamps mounted on a rod, you would have made one already if it was of any use? To me it just looks like junk for your executors to dispose of.

Good advice as always chaps!

Seems jolly sensible that I shouldn't buy a tool that I don't need, that's not what I thought it was, and don't have room for. Seeking permission on the forum before buying tools may be one of my New Year's Resolutions. On the other hand it does have some potential...

As to my executors, they are already visibly worried.

Thanks,

Dave