Patent ID: 7077607

Claim:
A key cutting machine for the cutting of keys, comprising: a spindle adapted to be driven rotatably about an axis thereof, said spindle having an axially extending throughbore; a milling cutter selectively mountable in said throughbore for corotation therewith; a carriage for supporting a clamp assembly wherein a key blank is clamped for cutting by said milling cutter, said carriage movable relative to said spindle in a plane that is orthogonal relative to said axis; a securing mechanism disposed on said spindle for rigidly mounting said milling cutter to said spindle when said milling cutter is positioned adjacent a first spindle end; and a stem selectively receivable in said throughbore by axial insertion of said stem and said milling cutter into a second spindle end to position said milling cutter adjacent said first spindle end, said stem removable from said throughbore after said milling cutter is rigidly mounted to said spindle by said securing mechanism.