The lever or tongue, the anvil, the standard, and the lever of the key are all cut out of hard-wood according to the pattern shown in the illustration.
The armature is a piece of soft iron fastened to the lever with a small brass screw.
Tacks are placed under the heads of the adjusting screws on the sounder so that it will click more loudly.
The rubber band acts as a spring to counteract the weight of the armature and lever and draw it up as soon as the current is cut off. The movement of the lever should be so adjusted that it is only sufficient to make an audible click.
Use care to avoid friction between the lever and the standard, so that the former will move with perfect freedom.
All the screws used in the work should be round-headed brass wood screws with the points filed flat. Bore a small hole before screwing them into place so as to avoid splitting the wood.
The construction of the key is even more simple than that of the sounder. It should move up and down without any side motion.
The circuit-closer should be kept closed when the instruments are not in use, and when you are receiving a message. As soon as you are through receiving and wish to transmit, you should open your circuit-closer and your friend close his.
The tension of the spring under the lever of the key must be adjusted to suit the needs of each individual operator.
