Here is my latest home brew sideswiper. This one is made from Dupont Corian. Same stuff they make kitchen counter tops out of. Turned out pretty nice and works FB.

IT'S BEAUTIFUL!  I learned on a sideswiper that my father made (W3NVS - sk) out of a wooden block and a hacksaw blade that had been dipped in hand-tool handle plastic.  It had a sponge rubber base, but it was always held when in-use.  As you know, a sideswiper has its own sound, but IF used correctly it CAN sound like an electronic keyer!  One day the hacksaw blade just snapped in my hand... it was a sad day!  For many years I used a Vibroplex chrome plated, red handled bug as a sideswiper by tying the weight so it wouldn't move.... Oh the good old days!

Gary, K3GW

Originally licensed as WN3KYN in early 1957

Thanks Gary, I use some rubber shelf liner to sit it on, and it stays put. None of my other sideswipers stay put. They all need to be held down. There is a weekly sideswiper net they call the SSN. Not too many involved, but it is growing all the time now. Not really a net, so to speak. More of an organized rag chew. Some of the regulars can make some beautiful music with those cootie keys. Myself, I got my first sideswiper last Christmas. I do ok sending with it and it sure helps my glass arm from setting in too soon. Some guys say the sideswiper is the hardest key to learn. I have more trouble with bugs.
73, Bill NT9K
http://www.nt9k.com

Where does one find brass posts and thumb-wheels for projects like this? My neighbor's friend owns a kitchen and counters shop. I can get my hands on Corian scraps.

I get mine from here:
http://www.antiquelampsupply.com/
Ace hardware sells knurled thumbscrews and knurled nuts, but they aren't the same as the lamp supply place has.
I get my brass and stainless strips for the levers from Ace too. Real cheap, like 59 cents a foot. For the adjuster
posts, you can buy square brass rods from speedymetals.
Good luck with your key, 73 Bill NT9K..

Bill,

Nice looking key and thanks for the info!

Excellent ... I just love it.