I have a Xhorse Condor XC-002 Pro and I am currently duplicating internal-track/high-security keys using the original 2.5 mm cutter and 2.5 mm tracer. The machine is correctly calibrated and the indicator is green.

However, I noticed that if I apply slightly more downward pressure to the main Z-axis handle while tracing the original key, the cutter physically moves deeper and removes additional material. Since the main handle and the cutter are both located on the right side of the machine, even a relatively small change in hand pressure seems to affect the cutting depth.

I confirmed this experimentally. With light and controlled pressure, the depth is correct. But if I apply just a little additional downward force, I can immediately hear and feel the cutter start removing more material, and the copied track becomes visibly deeper than the original.

For internal-track keys, I found a workaround that gives me much more consistent results:

I first install and align both the original key and the blank and perform the normal calibration without applying excessive force. Then I remove the blank, lower the tracer into the track of the original key using only very light pressure, and lock the Z-axis height with the main handle. After that, I reinstall the blank against the same stop and perform the entire cut by moving only the X/Y carriage, without touching or applying pressure to the Z-axis handle.

This works very well for internal-track keys with a constant cutting depth because it prevents my hand pressure from changing the Z position during the cut.

**However, I would really like to correct the underlying problem rather than rely only on this workaround.**

My concern is that I will probably encounter the same issue when duplicating **dimple keys**. The machine is new and I have not tested dimple keys yet because I am still waiting for the appropriate dimple cutters, tracers and key blanks to arrive.

With dimple keys, locking the Z-axis at one fixed height is obviously not a practical solution because the tracer must move vertically to follow the different depths of the holes. Even when the machine is switched to Dimple Mode, I am concerned that if the operator applies slightly different downward pressure with the main handle, the cutter may penetrate deeper than the tracer is actually indicating and produce a hole that is too deep.

In other words, the internal-track workaround solves the immediate problem, but it does not solve what appears to be excessive sensitivity of the Z-axis to operator pressure.

**Has anyone who owns an XC-002 Pro experienced the same behavior?**

Is there an adjustment to reduce vertical play, flex or excessive sensitivity in the Z-axis/main handle mechanism?

Is there a bearing, tension adjustment, pivot adjustment or other mechanical setting that can make the Z-axis more rigid while still allowing it to follow the tracer properly?

Or is this amount of movement under hand pressure considered normal on the XC-002 Pro?

I am particularly interested in hearing from people who have actually used this machine for both internal-track and dimple keys, because I would like to correct the issue before I start cutting dimple keys.

Xhorse Condor XC-002 Pro – cutter goes deeper when pressure is applied to the Z-axis handle