Abstract: A key cutting apparatus for cutting a series of longitudinally spaced notches in the blade of a key blank according to specifications set forth in key manufacturer's code books. The apparatus includes a cutter mounted on a base, a carriage assembly movably mounted on the base for controllable movement toward and away from the cutter; the carriage assembly includes a sub-carriage adapted for controllable independent movement in a direction perpendicular to the carriage assembly movement. A key blank clamping assembly secured to the sub-carriage holds the key blank for the cutting operation and cooperates with positioning means which effects proper positioning of the key blank to permit cutting of the first notch at a code book specified distance from a reference point which is generally the key blank shoulder. The remaining notches are equidistantly spaced from each other along the remaining portion of the key blank blade. A variable spacing control assembly allows selection of this spacing.