I’ve finally started the journey of learning CW. The price of some of these CW keys are outrageous for someone who is just trying to start out and learn. Luckily K6ARK has graciously uploaded these 3D print files for making your own with cheap parts from readily available sources (Amazon). Assuming you or a friend has a 3D printer and a soldering iron you can make about 12 of these for $26 in parts from amazon, or about $2.18/key. K6ARK recommends using PETG filament but I do not have any. I’ve been using PLA and the keys still seem to function for a long time. I have not had any break on me yet other than the one in the video where I doused it in CA glue. The model files can be found here https://www.printables.com/model/332611-morse-code-paddle-cw-key along with his instructions to build.
| Mandatory Items | Qty | Source |
| 3d Printed Levers | 1 | Print it using the attached STL |
| 3d Printed Base | 1 | Print it using the attached STL |
| 3d Printed Top | 1 | Print it using the attached STL |
| 3.5 mm TRS Panel Mount Jack | 1 | https://amzn.to/3Hadrd2 |
| M3 x 4 mm Set Screw | 4 | https://amzn.to/3ir8Mca |
| M3 x 4 mm Machine Screw | 1 | https://amzn.to/3uF4ZLb |
| 36 ga Wire (I like NiChrome for this) | 30 mm | https://amzn.to/3h2d0Xx |
| PETG Filament | ~12 g | https://amzn.to/3H9QN4p |
| Additional/Optional | ||
| Aux Cable (4 ft) | 1 | https://amzn.to/3XZ1IUo |
| 10 mm x 2 mm Magnets | 3 | https://amzn.to/3VYIxIp |
| Cyanoacrylate Glue | 1 tube | https://amzn.to/3h2dD3l |
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