[CW] What is the best telegraph key??

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

Slot a 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 block of wood so that the end of a hacksaw
blade can be affixed.
This attachment block will be affixed to a suitable wooden (or metal) base.

Get two dash contact posts and contacts from Vibroplex (or Bencher).  Or
these can be made from 1/2 inch square aluminum or brass bar of about the
same height as the hacksaw attachment block, drilling the posts and tapping
them for a suitable bolt which will be used as an adjustable contact.  If
the base is to be metal, you must also provide a method of insulating these
posts.

Measure off about 6 inches of hacksaw blade and cut.  Wrap tape around one
end for a "handle" and temporarily fix the other end at the attachment
block.  A better quality "handle" can be made from poker chips, or checkers
or plastic, etc.

Scrape the sides (both sides) of the hacksaw blade where it will contact the
contact screws and take some silver solder and solder the area.

Underneath the wooden base, connect the two contact posts together and bring
this out with one wire.  Then attach a wire to the hacksaw blade.  Attach
like a hand key to the radio.

High quality machinists can improve upon this disgusting example of a cheap
and low quality cootie by their skills.

73

DR




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sherrill Watkins" <SEWATKINS at dgs.state.va.us>
To: <cw at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 11:02 AM
Subject: RE: [CW] What is the best telegraph key??


Gentlemen: Be advised that many years ago, QST Magazine published an article
on how to home-build a "cootie key" from common items, such as a hacksaw
blade, very inexpensively.