Hello Lee,

You're quite right, some of the paddles are quite expensive, but aren't
they beautiful?!

You might want to consider making your own paddle. There are numerous
designs on the web, and a decent paddle can be made for under 15 or 20
dollars.

My first homemade paddle was made using hacksaw blades and worked
rather well. I should mention that they worked well up to 20 wpm or
so...after that they left a bit to be desired.

Another favorite came from the old 73 magazine. Nothing more than two
short pieces of brass welding rod held in place, making contact with a
spacer. This worked really well and I could send just fine with it.

I have a copy of the article I could send along to you if you like.
Even today this should cost no more than 6 or 7 dollars...less if you
have a small piece of scrap wood laying around.

The point being is that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a
great time with CW...and the guy at the other end won't be able to tell
the difference between your homemade paddle and a $300 Whizbang Mark 5.

73 and Merry Christmas de WA2AFD Howard