|
|
|
With this key 144 I have decided to build a "Replica" this word is loosely banded about and can mean to some anything from a very loose copy right up to an exact photographic image, my interpretation is a very close copy so much so that you would need a really close inspection to tell the difference. I have set myself a 1mm challenge, in as much as this key won't differ from the original by more than 1mm on the actual component parts, there will be minor changes to the design but these will be internal and so out of sight, such as ballrace bearings and changes to the tensioner. The reason being that I want a "Replica" that has an action even better than the original (ballraces) and some of the construction of the original that is beyond my abilities to replicate (the internal parts of the tensioner) above is the basic arm an exact copy of the shape, so far so good :) |
 |
| Above is the tensioner housing of an original Lindholm and Wikstrom vintage key the one I am hoping to replicate, this part of the key and its matching spring parts is beyond my abilities at the moment so I am making an alternative that will work as well, be easier to make and will from the outside look exactly the same. |
 |
| This above is how the top of the tension adjuster will look, the arm has been slotted to take the round body the top of which is now flush with the top of the arm, and the contact block is slotted into that ready for shaping to the same size as the original, quite a bit of careful slot cutting required but still within my limits |
 |
| Above you can see the shaped front of the arm, a tiny bit of gentle filing required but still on course |
 |
| Above is the basic trunnion or bearing block parts parts so far spot on although very slight changes required to hide my beloved ballraces :) |
 |
| This is the rough parts now together lots of emery cloth required now to clean up the surplus solder and rough bits |
|
| This is the modification to the tension adjustment you can see it is a hollow castled screw that is tapped into the top of the assembly and inside has been soldered a keyway shape, this will enable a shaped piece of studding that has been milled to match the keyway, this will enable the tension adjuster to turn without turning the spring, also a complete threaded part will be left on top so if the adjuster is adjusted beyond its limits all that will happen is the adjuster knob will come off and can easily be threaded back on without the spring disappearing down into the base of the key, this is the function of the original construction, and this modification mimics that exactly and as it is all internal it doesn't detract from the "replica" looks. |
 |
| Above you can see this clarified a bit the milled studding now sliding into the slotted shape |
 |
| Above you can see the new partially made arm and trunnion sitting in the place of the original parts, the front gap adjusters and base are all originals it all matches in exactly so still on course but a long way to go yet.... |
 |
| And above starting to put the terminal posts and adjusters to the trunion, with original to compare, in fact the bearing adjuster is a fudge as these is no adjustment as I'm using ball races, the false adjuster screw is slightly oversize but I can easily reduce it later and make it a bit more dome shaped, and it's brass so will need to be plated to give it a steel effect, these will be the little finishing touches later :) |
 |
| Here above you can see the whole rear assembly of the "Replica" not a good picture but the main tension knob is complete and the handle mounted all sitting on the original base with the original front end components owing to the difference in operation of the tensioner I couldn't make the dimple in the top of the adjuster quite as deep as the original but it is close, Now I have some major parts completed I shall soon have to think about the new Mahogany base to fit them on. |
 |
 |
| Next is the gap adjuster post here, above it is cut to shape and the basic slot cut in, compared to original, I'm quite pleased with this piece it is very close to the original. |
 |
 |
| Slowly starting to take shape now, the knurling on the tension knob is a bit thin, I had a bit of bother with that knob, I may make another, also some accumulative errors creeping in so had to make the rake adjuster knob slightly smaller, still very close though, |
 |
 |
| Progress has slowed owing to limited time available, I have darkened the base and made the front terminal posts, the tension spring is now fitted and so the key is finally operational, I must say these old key makers knew their stuff, the balance and "Feel" of this key is excellent, and the hidden ballraces are icing on the cake, this key has an action you usually just dream about, really just the cosmetic bits to fit now, the brass lined fixing holes the rake limiters and slots cut fore and aft, and then decisions about the final finish need to be made, give it a "Vintage" look or keep it as a "New" replica. Now nearly finished below |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Finished Key click Here
