Thanks for the hobby shop tip.  I'd forgotten about that source since all of the traditional hobby shops in this area closed years ago.  I can likely find an online source.

I tried a couple craft stores such as "Hobby Lobby" but they seemed to be focused on finished products rather than the materials to make things yourself.


Steve WD8DAS

sbjohnston@aol.com
http://www.wd8das.net/
http://af4k-crystals.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: 1oldlens1 <1oldlens1@ix.netcom.com>
To: sbjohnston@aol.com; CW Reflector <cw@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wed, Jan 4, 2023 5:57 pm
Subject: RE: [CW] Source for bases for straight keys?

I made bases for several Bumnell and Western Electric keys from hobby shop hardwood sheets.  Not expensive,  cut with a coping saw.  You can paint them.  I experimented with French polishing several.  Lots of work but they look beautiful.  Can't find bakelite any more.  Most keys mount with two or three screws.  You can sandwich two sheets with glue to provide clearance for longer wood screws.  
You can also find thin plywood at hobby shops. A little cheaper than hardwood except for aircraft plywood which is warp resistant.  



Sent from my Galaxy


-------- Original message --------
From: Steve WD8DAS via CW <cw@mailman.qth.net>
Date: 1/4/23 3:14 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: cw@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [CW] Source for bases for straight keys?


I have a number of J-37/J-38, Nye, etc keys here that need a base to be useful.  I periodically search Amazon, eBay, etc for a source of reasonably priced rectangular plates of some kind that could be used for this purpose without too much fabrication.  I've not found anything yet.

The dimensions would be about  3" x 4.5" minimum,   1/4"-1/2" thick

Plastic, wood, metal?

I'm hoping to find something roughly like the base in this photo. 

http://www.wd8das.net/MyFirstKey.jpg

Any ideas?

Thank you.


Steve WD8DAS

sbjohnston@aol.com
http://www.wd8das.net/
http://af4k-crystals.com
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Radio is your best entertainment value.
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