Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013 — Santa didn’t leave me my Christmas wish list — one each of every bug still in production around the globe. I figured Father Christmas would be able to collect such a collection during his route, but apparently he’s no longer using HF CW to communicate with international ATC. 🙁
My key cleaning spree continues in my shack, though tonight’s victim is one I’ve had several years laying around on the computer desk, Vibroplex Original DeLuxe SN 204035 circa 1958.
The key mostly suffered from desk rash — dust and neglect. I briefly cleaned it up and then took time to clean the contacts well. Once that was done, the key played like a champ, as an Original DeLuxe should. I may need to adjust the lower pivot because the lever action seems like the lever wants to “stick” … and the return spring is plenty strong. The lever arm action isn’t nearly as snappy as it should be, but for slow speed CW it works. Might be a problem at higher speeds.
The key has rust issues on the base. The quality on the plating on some bases probably varies, not to mention the environmental issues where the key lives and how it is used. I often see chrome deterioration on bases that obviously indicate how a previous owner held the key steady. I suspect this key’s chrome issues also indicate this wear pattern. The top parts of the key are in fine shape, as noted in my My Vibroplex Keys inventory page. Is it worthwhile to replace the base of this key with a new one? A new Original DeLuxe is $259.95, though a new base does not a “brand new” key make.
I have several Original DeLuxe keys with plating issues, some worse than others. One of the things I have considered doing is to remove the plating from one of the poorest bases and then refinishing it in the japanned black finish of old. Of course, if Vibroplex could sell me a couple of 100th Anniversary key bases, that would save me a lot of time! The bases aren’t listed on the parts list, but something tells me they probably aren’t available as individual parts … or if they are, they are more expensive than the chrome base. The truth is I could use practice japanning and striping the key bases, so perhaps my best solution is to use these “de-chromed” bases for learning purposes. The refinishing would have to look better than the poor chrome.
The key is a 1958 Original DeLuxe, nothing rare or particularly collectible, so there’s nothing of true value to be lost in doing so … or that’s my thoughts at the moment.
-30-