It took me 7.75 hours to restore World War II J-47 telegraphy key. Now, the brass glistens, the bakelite is gloss black again. I managed to remove a lot of oxidation from the silver on the key lever. But there is an area on it that needs to be buffed and replated with silver. I could use electrolysis to plate the key lever. I just need to know what electrolyte I need to plate it smoothly.
No you don't mount straight keys on metal, wood or plastic only. You don't want any excess static when you're sending.. You want to isolate yourself from your transmission. I'm a ham radio operator. I still do morse code on the radio as many of us still do.
Beautiful work, perhaps your best restoration to date. I became a ham when I was a sophomore in high school (WA4YZE). Continued until I got too busy in college. Was so bad at CW I think my best day was a solid 12 wpm. Tried for an extra class at the time (20 wpm) and the examiner said I needed to go home and practice a few more years. 😂 Both of my good buddies in HS were hams and one continued into a career in electronics (WA4TJS), now a silent key. I wish I had a beautiful key like yours, I might have done better on that extra class exam.
You had me at the brass, but when you added the oak board, well that’s a stunning restoration mate.
It took me 7.75 hours to restore World War II J-47 telegraphy key. Now, the brass glistens, the bakelite is gloss black again. I managed to remove a lot of oxidation from the silver on the key lever. But there is an area on it that needs to be buffed and replated with silver. I could use electrolysis to plate the key lever. I just need to know what electrolyte I need to plate it smoothly.
That looks amazing...wow. i dont get many visitors, but i want to upgrade my doorbell. Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers
That's a great idea! A straight key and oscillator for a doorbell. I'll only answer the door if they ring with their call sign! Lol
Lovely looking little machine, interesting stuff, Thanks Wire 🛠️👍😊
Wow!!!!!
The polished brass looks way better than the nickel plating!
What type of chemical agents did you use during the process. Nice job!
White vinegar
@@wireworks616 thanks
Wire! Outstanding job! That key came out great! Love the oak mounting board!!!!!!
Nice job. Have you considered mounting the key on a brass base?
No you don't mount straight keys on metal, wood or plastic only. You don't want any excess static when you're sending.. You want to isolate yourself from your transmission. I'm a ham radio operator. I still do morse code on the radio as many of us still do.
@@wireworks616 My Bencher and Kent paddles are mounted on metal bases! They must know what they're doing! I've had an Extra class license since 2000.
@@eminusipi my bencher is also. I've never seen a straight key on a metal base
@@wireworks616 Bencher makes a straight key on a metal base.
@@eminusipi I'll have to check that out.
Beautiful work, perhaps your best restoration to date. I became a ham when I was a sophomore in high school (WA4YZE). Continued until I got too busy in college. Was so bad at CW I think my best day was a solid 12 wpm. Tried for an extra class at the time (20 wpm) and the examiner said I needed to go home and practice a few more years. 😂 Both of my good buddies in HS were hams and one continued into a career in electronics (WA4TJS), now a silent key. I wish I had a beautiful key like yours, I might have done better on that extra class exam.
The examiner was rude. I'm a VE and I would never tell another ham to study a couple more years. I would have offered to help them.