I've got one (Bencher). Think the model is RJ-1. The base is black
while the key bar is chrome. Been using it now for 8 months as my
primary key. For my style of keying it could stand to have more
weight in the rear. When I'm really pounding the brass it tipped
forward. Worked around this by installing large (as in diameter)
rubber feet. Doubled up on the feet to give it added height.
Now it suits my style much better. It's a noisy thing when brass
pounding, as it really clacks away. OK, it can be used quietly
but I have to work at it, hi hi. The clacking doesn't bother me
so much but I think the family can hear it when I'm doing a post
midnight QSO. There is no provision for the traditional key bar
pivot adjustment. The pivot bearings mount in "pillow blocks" and
that's that. The other adjustments, tension, contact height, and
key bar angle are all very good. It has the Navy knob which I prefer.
Also use a Nye-Viking key which has it's contacts buried in the base.
Doesn't feel as solid as the Bencher but is quiet as a mouse. It's
better balanced as it does not tip when I'm tapping the brass. It has
the traditional key bar pivot adjustments but no bearings in there.
There is no traditional adjustment for contact height as the key bar
moves a short plastic shaft that penetrates a hole in the top of the
hollow base. The contacts look like those in a lever switch and the
plastic shaft pushes them together. Only the key bar angle and spring
tension are adjustable along with the key bar pivots. I failed to see
it's good points until I got the Bencher key, hi hi. It is best suited
to a very light touch and, just to reiterate, this key is very quiet.
Don't know the model number...bought it used but did look it up in a
catalog at that time (about 2 1/2 years ago). It has the Navy knob too.
Am on the prowl for a traditional key...perhaps a J-38. Will be seeking
one out at the local hamfest this coming weekend. 73 all.
Stephen Lee, AB7HI, Tacoma, WA
slee@u.washington.edu <snipped msg below>
On Tue, 4 Mar 1997, John Mckee wrote:
> the Bencher straight key? How does it compare to
>
> John WB4OFT
> jmckee@rfmd.com
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