reply to u/General-Writing1764 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g7a8y5/does_anyone_know_how_do_they_make_new_platens/

I'm guessing that JJ Short is taking the original, removing the rubber. Placing the core into a mold and pouring in new material which hardens. Once done they put it on a lathe and turn it down to the appropriate (original) diameter. Potentially they're sanding the final couple of thousands of an inch for finish.

I'd imagine that if you asked them, they could/would confirm this general process.

The only other shop I've heard doing platen work is Bob at Typewriter Muse, but I haven't gone through his YouTube videos to see what his process looks like. (I'm pretty sure he documents some of it there.)

One of the few others aside from JJ Short who is doing platens is Bob over at Typewriter Muse. Might be worth checking out his YouTube channel for some potential tips.

I presume you're already aware of how to make your ring and cylinder adjustments when you're done, so things are properly tuned...

Can't wait to see what you come up with...

reply to u/throneofashes at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g2j4hz/platen_experiment/

The 2024 Phoenix Type-In by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Platen shrinkage

• most typewriters are 6 lines per inch
• 6.5 lines per inch based on actual measurement per JVC on one of his machines
• 2mm shrinkage??
• Per Bob/Typewriter Muse 1.1

Bob had a machine that was supposed to be 1.27 but was measured at 1.259 when pulled off. So shrinkage of platens can be roughly fifteen hundredths of an inch (0.015" or about 0.4mm)

Bob at Typewriter Muse custom tunes platens to the typewriter. Only place doing platens outside of JJ Short.

JVC's partner took him to the Phoenix Type-in for her birthday.

Bill Wahl of Mesa Typewriter Exchange

grandfather started in the 40s<br /> bill started in 73<br /> part time help to 92 and now by himself<br /> does his benchwork after hours and chats during the day

Ted Munk

adding machine database consideration

looking for service manuals for: - royal portables 50-59<br /> - skyriter 40s / 50s<br /> - sm9 service manual

Royal Mercury manual is a clear, well-written manual. The Smith-Corona series 5 typewriter manuals are great too, though a bit more dense.

Brian Goode and Christy organized this year's Phoenix Type-In.