Straight Key #9

This is the second classic straight Morse key I have made, using oil blackened steel and mounted on a thick slate base. 

As mentioned on my previous and larger key of this type(see here) the steel has also been corrosion protected by the old traditional toolmaker's method of oil blackening, which gives the steel a bluish-black patina that complements well the textured black surface of the heavy slate base. 

Tension and contact gap are adjustable via a spring and thumbscrews. The precision bearings are taken from old computer hard drives.

All the knurled thumb screws were made on my new Clark CL300M mini late which has proved to be one of my most useful investments. I have found making these keys so enjoyable that I am in danger of neglecting my actual using of them and continuing to further improve my morse proficiency. Making morse keys has become rather addictive.

Because of the materials used, this morse key has the look and feel of an industrial bygone era. The key stays solidly in place on the desk when used, with a precise feel of action. 

Below are just a few pictures of its construction:

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