Another Bug Restoration

by Gary Johnson, NA6O gwj@me.com

It seems that I spend too much time restoring old keys but somehow it’s more fun than trouble to me. I recently was given a beat-up and not very valuable Les Logan Speed-X model 510 bug.

This represents the low-end of the market in the 1930s, with a cast zinc base and all-steel components. It’s also too light and almost demands bolting to the table. As received, it was dirty and rusty, missing the damper assembly, the dot spring was broken, and an adjustment screw had its head broken off. Also there was no return spring. I stripped and repainted the base, cleaned everything, and machined the required parts. So this sow’s ear is… Well, still not a silk purse but at least it functions and is non-toxic. If you need any Morse key of any type repaired, let me know.