[CW] E.F. Johnson Speed-X bug #114-520

[Rick Dettinger]

Thanks for all the nice comments regarding my "new" bug.  I do like the "feel" of this key.  I added a Vibroplex weight to the Speed-X weight to get the dits below 20 WPM, which is my realm.  The bug is lighter than others that I have used, so I mounted it to a 1/4 inch thick brass plate.  It now stays put, even with my heavy fist!  And, yes, David, the wood finger pieces do feel nice to the touch.  


73,
Rick Dettinger  K7MW

 
On Jan 28, 2013, at 2:31 AM, w4foa at comcast.net wrote:

> Rick,
> You have done a masterful job!  Of all of the many bugs I've used over the years, this model is still my very favorite, by far.  I bought mine in 1954 when I was 15 years old...don't remember what I paid for it but it wasn't much 'cause I didn't have "much".  We had a local radio store and I had gone down there to buy a Vibroplex bug but they didn't have any in stock (or maybe they had none that I could afford).  I WANTED a bug!  So, I bought the Speed-X.  Never regretted it.  I still use it today and at the rate it is going, it will probably be my favorite bug until we both become silent!
> If you enjoy yours just half as much as I have, you will be one happy camper.
> Congratulations on your superb restoration.
> 73
> Tony, W4FOA
> 
> 
> From: "Rick Dettinger" <k7mw78 at gmail.com>
> To: CW at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2013 3:20:33 PM
> Subject: [CW] E.F. Johnson Speed-X bug #114-520
> 
> Some time ago, I mentioned that I was re-conditioning a new to me Speed-X bug, probably from the 1950's.  I had a request to post photos when I was finished.  Since I am done with the project, and since I just got my first digital camera, I reckon it is time to give it a try.  
> I totally dis-assembled the bug, soaked the small parts in alcohol, and used a tooth brush to clean.  The larger parts got cleaned with toothpaste and a cloth.  The finger pieces were in bad shape, and, since I prefer the Vibroplex type, I made my own.  The wood is Ebony, and the knob is lathe turned and glued on the thumb piece.  It works well for me.  I am obviously not a stickler for historical correctness.  I replaced the insulating bushings  with new ones from Vibroplex.  The are available from Vibroplex and work well.
> 
> 73,  Rick Dettinger  K7MW
> 
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