Abstract: A key duplicating machine and the method of operating the machine wherein one or more key cutters move linearly along an axis perpendicular to the rotation of the key cutters. The linear movement enables the cutters to precisely cut a single sided or double sided key blank to a profile corresponding to the key to be duplicated. In addition, the key to be duplicated and the key blank are clamped together in a single operation in one clamping unit with one clamping force.