[Lowfer] Re: Looking for binding-post screw(s)

[Ed Phillips]

KD7JYK DM09 wrote:

>Clarification.
>
>This photo:
>
>http://jhbunnell.com/pix-Bunnellearlykey.jpg
>
>The binding post where the wire would be connected, the closest one to you
>when looking at this photo.  The knurled screws I am looking for are the
>smaller ones on the key, not the ones for adjusting the arm.  I do not know
>the length or thread pitch.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Kurt
>
    There are several guys who sell parts, both old and new, for 
telegraph equipment like this.  They advertise in "Dots and Dashes", the 
publication of the Morse Telegraph Club 
[http://www.morsetelegraphclub.org/] but I don't have a current copy 
handy and can't give you a reference at the moment.  There is an old 
copy archived here 
[http://www.morsetelegraphclub.org/files/dotsdashes/ddwinter0405.pdf] 
but they deleted the for sale ads.  I suspect if you sent an email to 
the editor [see contacts thread] he could help put you in touch with 
someone who can help.  You might also go here [http://www.w6mtc.org/] 
and make contact with Kathy Stanfill, KS6CW, who is sort of hyperactive 
and might help you run someone down.  This is the chapter I belong to 
but don't attend meetings often or know any of the gang there now.

    Have you measured the thread?  6-32 or 8-32 most probable but could 
possibly be 10-32 or something odd.  I'd bet you can find something that 
would fit even if it isn't authentic.  Not much trouble to make a new 
screw but if would be very hard to copy the knurling of the original 
which, if I remember correctly, is almost a work of art.  Also hard to 
duplicate the finish.  One old formula was to make the varnish from 
lacquer with "dragons blood" dissolved in it to get that golden color 
which it probably has if it's in decent shape.

Ed

W6IZJ