Sideswiper (Cootie) Telegraph Key

thingiverse

I designed a sideswiper, also known as a cootie key, using a base model that's now ready for printing. No supports were needed, which saved me some extra work. For the connections, I used 24 AWG wiring with brass bolts for the contacts and a hacksaw blade to create the flipper. Detailed pictures will be posted later. To make this project, print one base unit and two grip units. The grips can be attached to either side of the hacksaw blade using glue, where you'd normally touch it to move it back and forth. I'll post more pictures and a parts list once I've completed the project. My printer settings were as follows: I used my MakerBot Replicator 1 with a .20 resolution and 50% infill. This gave the key some weight, which is essential since you don't want it sliding around everywhere. It took about five hours to print on my CTC Makerbot clone. If you prefer, you can use supports, but I found that they weren't necessary in this case.