The cable pivot point should lead the boom bearing point by about 1cm to start. This distance can be changed to allow for adjustment of the oscil- lation period of the boom. The use of a threaded rod allows the use of nuts and washers for attaching the magnet, weight, and damping assembly to the boom. Damper style is not critical. The damping medium is motor oil in a coffee can, so the damper paddle should be sized to fit into the can without touching the sides.
Magnet wire comes by the pound.
The styrene should be roughened to provide better adhesion to the epoxy cement. Leave a generous length of lead wire taped to the outside of the coil form. Mount the boom vertically off center. This will keep the knife edge of the boom vertical once it is adjusted. Drill holes in the base, chisel out the bottoms of the holes to accept nuts, and epoxy the nuts in place.