A key cutting and decoding apparatus positions a key blank relative to two distinct, independently movable key cutters and decoding probes. A frame includes a reference axis extending longitudinally from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame. Two locking slots hold removable key blank holders upon a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is arranged for movement along both an X-axis, generally axial direction of the reference axis, and a Y-axis, generally transverse to the reference axis of the frame. A first cutting assembly moves a cutting drill vertically, along a Z-axis generally orthogonal to each of the reference axis, the X-axis and the Y-axis. A second cutting assembly moves a cutting wheel rotationally, about a rotational axis orthogonal to the Z-axis.