WB2LQF's Sideswiper

This is a straightforward hacksaw blade based sideswiper with no chatter and enough overtravel for comfortable and accurate operation with close contact spacing. It stays put on the desk and looks pretty darn nice too1

[@Aerospaceman]

Nice work for a radioman. I'm a former USN ET (Comm.) studying for my technician and learning morse code. 73's from Spokane Valley, WA.

[@stanscoyote]

Thank you, William and enjoy amateur radio!

[@hs1754]

Congrats! Nice sideswiper! Very good job! CW forever!!

[@gsansoucie]

Nice work Stan and welcome back. It’s been a while. de N1XF

[@JuddieBurgess]

Great key!!!! I made a few keys for QRP, but not really something to brag about. I made them out of mouse traps to use with my QCX 40 Meter CW rig. Sure would like to make something like that!! 73 DE WD8WV

[@susanthompson6881]

WOW! What a Beautiful piece of craftsmanship. You have a great skill. Recently I took a DOA Heathkit DX-60B and restored it to working condition. I would like to build your sideswipper(cootie) key to complement my DX-60B. Could you tell me the finished lenght after you cut the hacksaw blade, the size of the the wood block, and lastly the distance from the end of the block to the center of the 3/4 " wood doll. Thanks & 73's...... K9ADT

[@stanscoyote]

The hacksaw blade finished length is 110mm. The wood block (and the zinc base) are 76mm wide by 88mm deep. The distance from the FRONT end of the block to the center of the 3/4" wood dowel is 29 mm. Good Luck and 73!

[@DuaneVT]

How about a long set of stainless feeler gauges? You could choose the flex force by blade thickness. They would already have a hole in one end too.

[@mlr06121974]

Your friend KN4YB mentioned you in his cootie key video. Very nice sir
KE5MUG