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The growing interest in fiber arts is part of the granny-core trend, the movement of younger generations adopting analog hobbies as a way to spend less time in digital spaces.
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https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tDj9H92SQNI
Olympia SM4, SM5, SM7, SM8, SM9 case restoration
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archive.org archive.org
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Various typewriter type foundries and foundry marks, excerpt from the Haas Atlas.
https://archive.org/details/typewriter-foundry-marks-haas/mode/1up
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I got one of these quiet models after using a pancake for years. Absolutely life changing. I know they make smaller tank models, but you'd be surprised how fast the air goes on a blowout attachment. (Amazon has some cheaper 1 gal ones that appear to have great reviews) The old pancake I used before this was small, and ran NON STOP at like 100+ db. Shoo
via Nashville Typewriter at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1srashb/handheld_alternative_to_canned_air/?sort=old
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Christopher Buckley: “Steaming to Bamboola” and Other Journeys
Bill Buckley's Royal HH from the National Review.
Almost hilarious that a gloved assistant brings it out and then removes it once they're done discussing it. Something so effete-ist about this that would be befitting Buckley himself.
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Signed card and headshot of Natalie wood in front of a blue series 5 Smith-Corona Silent-Super.
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I've been doing this for many years and there are only a tiny few of us, beyond professional document examiners, who might care enough to delve into these questions.
A few things to consider:
You're more likely to find solid advice from typeface historians than you are SCM historians. You're also likely to find better advice on this topic in the more specialized fora like https://typewriter.boardhost.com/ or the typewriter discord https://discord.gg/UzaREHJnX
You're better off using the exemplars from the catalogs (several .pdfs in the TWdb when you're logged in, or on munk.org in scanned photo format). The photos and identifications in the individual galleries of the database are USER IDENTIFIED and aren't always the most consistent as a result. Knowing some of the bigger, more knowledgeable collectors on the database and who knows what best or who has studied areas the most is incredibly helpful here. (Several of your examples are via James Grooms, who is a significant collector and generally does solid identifications, provides photos of slugs and foundry marks, but still often asks for confirmations of typeface identifications in the various fora.)
The foundry marks on the numerals for most machines are very often are different from those of the alphabet so you may find that particular machines used something like Pica No. 1 for the letters but something different, but potentially close for the numbers.
The slugs and designs for the number one are often the least reliable over time as it was often left off of machines entirely until the 60s or 70s. Even when a foundry specifically designed this numeral, many manufacturers left it off their machines though they often put an exemplar for it into their catalogs. Thus when you compare, you may be comparing the lowercase letter "L" in exemplars for individual machines. In particular, I've seen examples recently for Royal who had the number 1 in their catalogs, but almost never had a key on the machine for it and either relied on the user using the "L" or in cases of double gothic faces the letter "I", and as a result, you'll never find an exact "match" between the two.
An exact determination is highly unlikely to change the value of your particular machine in the slightest.
It would be nice if the Typewriter Database encouraged people to upload photos of their slugs and foundry marks specifically and had data fields for identifying the typefaces as well as fields for which sources they used to provide those identifications.
The level of resources and knowledge in this area means that it's incumbent on you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions based on what is broadly available in terms of original catalogs and exemplars in the wild. This being said, the only way the state of the art changes is for people who do this sort of research to publish it with their lines of reasoning on their own websites, here on Reddit, or other typewriter related fora.
Reply to u/frankinreddit at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1sskes0/smithcorona_id_help_are_these_actually_pica_no_1/
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typecast.munk.org typecast.munk.org
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variety.com variety.com
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Tucker Carlson Apologizes for 'Misleading People' About Donald Trump<br /> by [[Todd Spangler]]<br /> accessed on 2026-04-21T14:00:02
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https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1srcjcv/a_service_worth_2760/
Original at $240: https://www.ebay.com/itm/336526639070 <br /> Relisted with modest service at $3,000: https://www.ebay.com/itm/318179612134
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typecast.munk.org typecast.munk.org
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1938 Corona Zephyr Typewriter Service Adjustment Methods<br /> by [[Ted Munk]]<br /> accessed on 2026-04-21T11:16:31
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writingball.blogspot.com writingball.blogspot.com
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The Typewriter Revolution blog: Guest post: Disassembling a Smith-Corona Zephyr<br /> by [[Garrett Lai]] on Richard Polt's site <br /> accessed on 2026-04-21T11:13:26
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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In the hopes of helping those seeking to remove the body/shell/jacket* of a Corona Zephyr (1938, in this case), I've created a step-by-step process based on my recent experience. (\The user manual from the 1930s refers to the machine's body as a "jacket.")* The steps are: Remove the two screws underneath the keys at the front of the machine (holding the typewriter to the base of the body. 2, 3, 4. ON EACH SIDE, remove the screws at positions #2 & #3 and the lug nut at position #4. Don't remove the screw at position #4 as it's not necessary & will be difficult to set back in place. Remove the back lower panel of the body to reveal the screws at position #5. Remove the screws at position #5 from EACH SIDE of the machine. Using a thin piece of cardboard (I used the cardstock from a cereal box) or a stack of a few pieces of paper, depress the top row of keys so that they'll slide under the body as you slide it forward. Slide the body forward, slightly lifting the back end to help guide it out. Work slowly & gently, keeping an eye on the keys to ensure that they are not getting caught on the body & that nothing is getting crushed, scraped, or scratched as you work. Continue gently & carefully sliding the machine out of its body. A view of the body without the typewriter within. Note that it is a single piece and the top & bottom do NOT separate. Good luck! ALSO: this guest post from Garrett Lai on Richard Polt's Typewriter Revolution site has a good approach for aiding in the sliding of the typewriting in & out of the body by making some plastic skids to avoid scraping/scratching during movement: https://writingball.blogspot.com/2020/06/guest-post-disassembling-smith-corona.html If you want to get any Corona Zephyr servicing details from the source, be sure to see Theodore Munk's post which includes his insights along with a copy of the original "1938 Corona Zephyr Typewriter Service Adjustment Methods" manual: https://typecast.munk.org/2023/02/11/1938-corona-zephyr-typewriter-service-adjustment-methods/
Details for removing the jacket of a Corona Zephyr.
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At 24:47 in this Type Pals video Joe Van Cleave talks about the ribbon cartridges for the Coronamatic typewriter and how they work.
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ultimatepopculture.fandom.com ultimatepopculture.fandom.com
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site.xavier.edu site.xavier.edu
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William F. Buckley, Jr.: Royal HH, Olivetti Lettera 32
At 1:13:45 into the documentary Best of Enemies: Buckley vs. Vidal (Magnolia Pictures, 2015), William F. Buckley is pictured using what appears to be a Hermes 3000 typewriter.
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When does your zettelkasten start talking back?
reply to DueNinja7096 at https://reddit.com/r/Zettelkasten/comments/1sqvydk/when_does_your_zettelkasten_start_talking_back/
It will happen to you more quickly as you thumb through your notes or search through them for things you know you want. Along the way you'll discover you find things you need, but didn't know you needed. You'll see things you know you wrote or put into the box, but forgot long ago but realize you can use right now. Searching regularly increases the level of the conversation as well as the chances for serendipity.
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Royal Canterbury pica - PC<br /> Royal Semi-Gothic pica - P SG
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sevetech.substack.com sevetech.substack.com
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Why Index Cards Are Still The Most Powerful Productivity Tool<br /> by [[Sevetech]] aka [[Seve Tessarin]] accessed on 2026-04-18T21:10:50
Not sure I see the value of putting index cards into notebook form? How is it different from "just a notebook"?
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www.mcsweeneys.net www.mcsweeneys.net
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When It Happens<br /> by [[Tom Ellison]] in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency<br /> accessed on 2026-04-18T08:30:46
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Fortunately the attachment point on both the mainspring barrel and the carriage were conducive to a single strand of telephone wire (core) which is a trick I learned from getting a machine fixed at a local shop many years ago.
https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1soc415/remington_noiseless_drawband_repair_with/
Use of telephone wire to replace a drawband on a Remington noiseless.
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- Apr 2026
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Sarah treated the internal felt of her typewriter by spraying it down with white distilled vinegar. This kills any living molds, etc. Vodka is also good for removing scents on typewriters (and vintage bags).
The variable line spacer is inside the platen of a Hermes 3000.
The carriage of the H3K comes off with the removal of two bolts.
For rust removal Sarah starts with a wire brush then does PB Blaster for more.
Replace rusted springs.
Fingernail polish for a H3K:<br /> - Sally Hansen Insta-Dry line "Time is Money" (discontinued?) - Expressie Essie quick dry "In the Modem" (closest in her opinion) - Sinful Colors Eucalypta - Blank Beauty (color match to Hermes Ambassador) - Orly (meh, too green)
The case doesn't remove intuitively.
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Platen repair experiment… This platen on a Royal Arrow was badly cracked with large chunks missing. So, having nothing to lose, I took some black Flexseal paste and filled it in like spackle. Of course, I applied way too much and ended up sanding most of it off before applying 240 grit sand paper to the entire platen via my drill. It’s smooth to the touch, not perfect, but passed the typing test with all letters clear and neat.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794856020751839/posts/4419835824920499/
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JHoff Art painting the plastic key caps on a typewriter keyboard and repainting them with letter-based corporate logos.
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laist.com laist.com
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John Waters on AI, LA’s pros and cons, and why he thinks laughter can bring the country together<br /> by [[Monica Bushman]] in LAist<br /> accessed on 2026-04-17T10:32:00
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But I want AI to cure cancer. I want AI to cure AIDS. I want AI to cure COVID. I want AI for science, and I'm all for it, if that works.
John Waters is interested in AI for use in science.
This seems to track with Harari's perspective that self-correcting systems have more value.
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What’s more intriguing to me, is to go to that edge where you can't walk and have both sides laugh with you, and at themself first, and then that's change. That's the only way we're gonna solve this. That's the only way we're gonna bring the country together. And maybe we should have sex with each other. Maybe every Proud Boy should have sex with antifa.
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“I go to heavy metal concerts. I'm always going to things to spy on young people,” Waters said. “I'm always watching. All writers watch all the time.”
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en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
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yukon-outfitters.com yukon-outfitters.com
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https://yukon-outfitters.com/products/scout-sling-pack?variant=42977841479848<br /> Scout Sling Pack<br /> $ 49.99 USD
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These Writing Devices Changed How I Write (7 Tested)<br /> by BYOK
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Getty Center in Los Angeles Is Closing for Year of Renovations - The New York Times<br /> by [[Matt Stevens]]<br /> accessed on 2026-04-17T10:02:41
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Herbert Gross' complex variables course is a delight to follow even for those already familiar with the material https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD971E94905A70448
via u/innovatedname at https://www.reddit.com/r/math/comments/1shlljv/20th_century_math_explainers/
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There's an amazing and very large list of Open University courses by T. K. Finchley here https://tkfinchley.com/ou-maths-courses/. I particular recommend their course OU M335/M386/M435 Metric and Topological Spaces and Geometric Topology. Just wonderful pedagogy
via u/dnrlk at https://www.reddit.com/r/math/comments/1shlljv/20th_century_math_explainers/
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OLIVETTI'S ONE SPANISH PLANT TO CLOSE AT COST OF 185 JOBS - Tech Monitor<br /> by [[CBR Staff Writer]]<br /> accessed on 2026-04-17T09:50:16
no typewriters at this factory closing in 1996...
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“Raffaella della Olga: Typescripts,” the artist’s first solo museum show brings together her artist’s books, mesmerizing typed paintings, and striking cut-fabric works. Her work is accompanied by rare and artist’s books from the Clark library, spanning the late nineteenth century to the present, which reflect the typewriter’s still-vivid potential as a creative tool. “Raffaella della Olga: Typescripts” is open through May 31, 2026.
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The advice in your last picture is spot on. I have had success with #0000 steel wool and metal polish in particular.
Advice for polishing and cleaning up nickel plating
via Erik Bruchez https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1230905545894884/
Others recommend penetrating oil or WD-40 in combination with 0000 steel wool which should be enough to remove corrosion, but not damage the nickel plating.
I've also seen Marty Morren suggest 0000 inside Dremel tools for dealing with nickel plated key rings.
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Hamilton Typewriter Company opens at Cotton Factory, reviving vintage craft<br /> CHCH News on 2026-03-28
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East Nashville gifted with free sidewalk poetry<br /> News Channel 5 Nashville, TN
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Caring for the Holiday Case. This was a straightforward cleaning. The case was pretty bad. I scrubbed with soap and water, let dry for a few days, then cleaned metal with steel wool (0000 grade). Inside the movements were lightly lubricated with Marvel mystery oil, including the carrying handle and hinges. The case was polished with Meguiars cleaning wax (maroon tin). Final buff with mircrofiber.
via Katie Typewriter-Alliance on https://www.facebook.com/groups/1713118022537412/posts/2399628867219654/
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The spring latches, handle, gray bookcloth and specialty screws came from Amazon. $40 for all. The rest of the hardware is original - I just cleaned it with CLR and steel wool. The black leatherette is Skivertex Ubonga, applied with contact cement after sanding and priming.
via https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10237035449038216&set=pcb.2417813885401152
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10163497490649678/
Royal Pica Italic typeface example with P1 as a foundry mark on the slugs.
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https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2178175212945906
For stripped screws:<br /> - try manual screwdriver<br /> - locking pliers on head sticking up<br /> - screw extractor with two tips: left hand drill bit to drill hole, then extractor to pull screw out<br /> - hole saw-like extractor (for wood only) and fill with tapered plug afterward
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10163497483964678
In 9 to 5, Dora Lee seems to be using a Royal (Triumph-Adler) SE1000CD typewriter.
See also trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qni6HOyPNBA
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Odell No 4 index typewriter<br /> by [[The Vintage Type]]
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This is L.A.’s oldest paper store, and used to be the gold lining supplier for the Oscars. What started at UCLA campus in 1923, this is McManus and Morgan in West Lake, run by Gary Wolin.
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www.typewritergazette.com www.typewritergazette.com
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Odell and His Typewriter<br /> by [[Typewriter Gazette]]<br /> accessed on 2026-04-14T16:31:03
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Unfortunately ribbon carts for these (Olivetti Lexicart) is almost impossibe to find.
https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1sksg4n/i_just_purchased_a_smith_corona_vantage_1978/
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“Century of the Typewriter” has illustrations of nearly 200 keyboard latyouts used by Olympia.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1244830544502384
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liorpachter.wordpress.com liorpachter.wordpress.com
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Hausdorff<br /> by [[Lior Pachter]] in Bits of DNA<br /> accessed on 2026-04-14T12:11:12
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- Das Chaos in kosmischer Auslese (Chaos in Cosmic Selection)
- Hans Wollstein
- mathematics
- Charlotte (Lotta) Goldschmidt
- feminism
- Theodor Fritsch
- suicide
- Holocaust
- Protocols of the Elders of Zion
- suicide of mathematicians
- history of mathematics
- Felix Hausdorff
- Henriette Goldschmidt
- Hammer-Verlag
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reply to u/Greydusk1324 about the difference in Royal Standard typewriters at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1skmfum/comparing_royal_standard_desk_machines/
I'm (sorry?) to report that the internals of the Royal standard typewriters including the Ten, H, KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, RP, HH, FP, Empress, 440, 660, etc. are all incredibly similar if not exactly the same over several decades. The biggest change is probably the introduction of Magic Margins with the KMM. The margin release button also moved down to the keyboard around this time as well.
Most of the rest are smaller, subtle differences in how the ribbon reverse mechanism is done or things like keytops changing from glass and acetate to plastic, the threading design of the ribbon vibrator, as well as the external design and some of the other small fit and finish. Some of the much later models allow one to remove the entire chassis from the body of the typewriter to make cleaning and servicing easier.
There are certainly differences in type-feel and "weight" in the changes in the keytops, but broadly they're all mostly the same machine. The biggest differences between them all (for me) tend to be how well they've been maintained and/or been cleaned and adjusted. One seriously well adjusted Royal is better than any 20 other random Royal standards you might pick up for a fraction of the price. Of course, if you're doing your own wrenching work, then once you've learned one machine well, the rest are a breeze to work on and bring up to snuff.
If you think there's a huge difference between your KMM and KMG (which are probably the two closest models), then perhaps it's worth it to try some others? The biggest difference may be the FP which has chunkier key caps that have more effect on the "feel". The HH and many of the other later models have thinner key tops. The Ten is probably the most different from the rest. The H, KH, KHM are what I would call "experimental" models moving toward the perfection in the KMM and KMG.
Context: I'm an owner of a KHM, 2 KMMs (including a 47+ pound, 18" wide carriage), 2 KMGs, 2 HHs, half a dozen FPs (in all the colors but Willow Green), and a 440. This includes a variety of their standard pica and elites, a Clarion Gothic, and a Pica Double Gothic. Stylistically I love the KMG and the FP, but my KHM has one of the most satisfying "actions" of any of the machines I own.
Of course, all this depends on what sort of collection you're aiming for. I love a good Royal and have a smattering of other makes and models, but I am slowly working toward a completist picture of Royal Standards. I do try to add machines that have a unique typeface or other feature as I add more of them to get some additional depth and breadth to my collection.
If you're a collector with limited space, then pick up the best looking design(s) (for your personal aesthetic) and rest easy that you're not missing too much. You can also pick up new machines to curate for a few years and then move them along to other collectors to enjoy so that your collection is always changing.
You might get some more detail and nuance by watching Joe Van Cleave's YouTube channel where he's done a few dozen videos on Royal standards as well as comparison videos over the past several years.
Good luck on your hunt!
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DXAGAK5DebK7-WL9xcuVQqlXQP8-lUQGnMK4kM0
Upcycled typewriter ribbon winder using what looks like an old hand drill.
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via https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1240478151604290/Typewriter tables built onto a swivel attached to the leg of a large partner's desk.
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I've always wanted an Olivetti Valentine and recently purchased one. To my surprise, there is a metal commemorative marker on the back that reads, in English, "Commemorative Edition. 31st Anniversary. 1965-1996. Special Anniversary Edition. 179/250". This was surprising because 1) the Valentine was released in 1969 and 2) production ended in 1975. From the reading I've done online, it seems like production lingered in Mexico, but 1996 seems very late.
https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1sg32qw/help_with_olivetti_valentine_mystery/
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www.cbc.ca www.cbc.ca
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In the age of autocorrect, this typewriter shop owner in Hamilton wants you to write with intention<br /> by [[Justin Chandler]] in CBC News<br /> accessed on 2026-04-06T22:46:03
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10163444395754678/
$100 in $2 bills found inside of a Royal KMM.
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Kenneth Goldsmith: Retyping a Library - Announcements<br /> by [[e-flux]]<br /> accessed on 2026-04-01T09:34:24
June 9–August 7, 2022<br /> Curated by: Francesco Urbano Ragazzi with Anne Hilde Neset
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www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
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Professor and poet Kenneth Goldsmith has spent the past 24 years transcribing manuscripts onto ultra-thin onion-skin paper, amassing a total of 750 to date, as part of his ‘Retyping a Library’ project.Find out why he finds digital so passé, via link in bio. DOP: @kalumkoCamera assistant: Rory WagnerInterview: @donnasalekEditor: Daniel FinnSenior creative producer: @valmessersiDigital director: @ellycparsons
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWAosAxjIRI/ via The World of Interiors
Why in God's name would he choose the worst typewriter on the planet to effect this project?
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www.amazon.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk
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The BSIE Typewriters Store ribbon is poorly inked according to this Redditor/post: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s6xr1k/first_attempt_at_typing_on_my_new_typewriter/
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kunstnerneshus.no kunstnerneshus.no
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Kenneth Goldsmith – Kunstnernes Hus<br /> accessed on 2026-03-31T22:06:40
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retypingalibrary.com retypingalibrary.com
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About - retypingalibrary<br /> by [[Kenneth Goldsmith]] <br /> accessed on 2026-03-31T22:00:26
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- Mar 2026
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apnews.com apnews.com
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College instructor turns to typewriters to curb AI-written work<br /> by [[Jocelyn Gecker]] | AP News<br /> accessed on 2026-03-31T08:39:49
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“I’m probably going to hang them on my wall,” Mong said. “I’m kind of fascinated by typewriters. I told all my friends, I did a German test on a typewriter!”
Tom Hanks has mentioned framing typewritten letters before, but German exams?
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“I was so confused. I had no idea what was happening. I’d seen typewriters in movies, but they don’t tell you how a typewriter works,” said Catherine Mong, 19, a freshman in Phelps’ Intro to German class. “I didn’t know there was a whole science to using a typewriter.”
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https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s7eiav/table_score/<br /> Vanpe, Inc. of Chicago manufactured typewriter tables with drop leaves and drawers.
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Type Deck: Index Cards Cards<br /> by Steven Heller, Rick Landers<br /> https://www.amazon.com/Type-Deck-Index-Steven-Heller/dp/0500420793
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www.indiewire.com www.indiewire.com
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'Porgy and Bess' to Screen at Quentin Tarantino's Vista Theatre<br /> by [[Jim Hemphill]] in IndieWire accessed on 2026-03-30T10:47:37
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www.latimes.com www.latimes.com
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Don McNeill's Breakfast Club, Program #600
Good morning breakfast lovers, good mornin' to ya. We woke up bright and early just to howdy-do-ya.
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reply to u/Vibeuel_ at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s7lfdu/i_hate_loving_typewriters/
He used Chapstick as a heavy grease to hold ball bearings in place to re-insert the carriage and ball bearings into a Royal Arrow.
Sorry you went through this insertion of ball bearings into a Royal in this manner. For the future attempts, there is a re-creation of a custom tool for doing this sort of operation which also includes some repair manual details: https://www.m-morren.nl/product/17071027/royal-bearing-guide-ball-feeder-tool
Lucas Dul also has a video that might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_PONcT8HHI as well as some discussion of using straws at the 21:40 mark in this video: https://virtualhermans.com/lucas-dul
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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Today I learnt that the flange nut that holds the carriage lock pawl to the frame of the Olympia SM3 is an eccentric nut, so you can adjust the position of the pawl up or down, forwards or backwards. While I can very much understand why it would need adjusted up or down, so it lines up with the slots in the carriage rail, I could not, at first, figure out why you'd want it adjusted back/forwards. That is, until I put it back together and the little tab where the spring attaches started binding against the frame, jamming the carriage lock in the open position. Hopefully this will help fellow tinkerers who might be tempted to form the tab out, with the risk of damaging the carriage pawl on their machine.
via u/guneeyoufix at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s73hcz/sm3_did_you_know/
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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I've had the same issue after taking mine completely apart. I can see the the a is too high, and the o and p are too low. This will happen the the type guide isn't in the correct position, and on your machine, it looks like it needs to be adjusted to the right, to bring the left side of the kb down, and the right side up. It's a fiddly process, and a small adjustment makes a big difference, so take it slow. Use the q and p keys as they are further apart on the segment. Give it a try and come back here to show the results.
via u/guneeyoufix at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s6irjx/can_someone_help_me_with_unaligned_letters_on_my/
as a reply to u/Fit_Artichoke_8668 with respect to unaligned letters on a Corona 3 typewriter. The typing line of the lowercase was very wavy (up and down), so not simply a case of on feet or motion.
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typewriterdatabase.com typewriterdatabase.com
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typewriterdatabase.com typewriterdatabase.com
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Some interesting typewriter hunters:<br /> - Joe Van Cleave<br /> - Richard Polt<br /> - Michael Hoehne<br /> - Robert Messenger - Ted Munk<br /> - Ian Brumfield - Sarah Everett (aka JustMyTypewriter) - Mei Travis<br /> - Currie Russell - Otto Koponen - Marcin Wichary<br /> - Martin Howard - James Grooms - Suzanne LaPierre - Chris Aldrich<br /> - Matt Watkins (Ignaciob) aka u/TC3Guy
Typewriter repair people: - Scott Connors<br /> - Elisa Makoon-Singh
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typewriterdatabase.com typewriterdatabase.com
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Matt Watkins (Ignaciob) on the typewriter database aka u/TC3Guy on Reddit are the same person<br /> via comment at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s4vndm/most_collected_typewriters_on_the_typewriter/
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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David Kearby (aka D****2 on SGW) purchased this Underwood https://shopgoodwill.com/item/258398206
via https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1229591519359620/
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davistypewriters.blogspot.com davistypewriters.blogspot.com
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So THAT"S what's wrong with it! I knew it!!<br /> by [[Will Davis]] of Davis Typewriter Works <br /> accessed on 2026-03-26T21:08:50
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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www.caughtlooking.app www.caughtlooking.app
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https://www.caughtlooking.app/<br /> Caught Looking
New app launched opening day 2026-03-25<br /> found via https://www.reddit.com/r/BaseballScorecards/comments/1s3xlvl/i_built_caught_looking_a_live_scorecard_viewer/
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More often than not I just go simple pencil all the way through.
Sometimes I use a Pilot Coleto Hi-tec C multipen with four different colors to make things more interesting and differentiate between types of data, particularly within the boxes so I know what happens from one box to the next, particularly when going back to prior boxes to add in historical information. (I also tend to go with their 0.3mm fine tip ink refills for being able to pack more writing into small boxes!) Sometimes I'll do the starting pitcher and their work in black, and relievers in blue, purple, and orange rotating through to differentiate each pitcher's work to make it easier to keep up with their individual data, especially when I do full pitch counts.
Sometimes I'll take along a Mitsubishi 772 "editor's pencil" that has both red and blue lead to add in some color. Often it's a simple line for pitcher changes or for substitutions across an individual line to distinguish when a sub came into the game.
Sometimes I'll use a typewriter with a bichrome ribbon and switch between black and red ink to help break up some data, or to highlight things like RBIs to make summing things easier in the end. Example: https://www.reddit.com/r/BaseballScorecards/comments/1s33f1d/20260324_tampa_bay_rays_vs_atlanta_braves_spring/ which has red lines between pitchers and red "I"s to break up substitutions.
Looking at example cards that get posted here will give you some ideas and pointers. Usually one can puzzle out what the scorer was doing using different colors or highlighters.
A lot of how I score depends on my mood, where I'm watching a game, how much time I want to put into it all, and which tools I have at hand. Experiment. Have fun. Do what works best for you. There's no single "right" way, just the same way there are thousands of different formats in scorecard formats.
reply to u/Alej_Betancourt at https://reddit.com/r/BaseballScorecards/comments/1s3mbzt/your_advice_for_a_rookie_highlighters_and/
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Congratulations and welcome to the club.
For some insane reason, the majority of typewriter collectors like 15-20 pound machines that fit into rectangular cases. This means that the value of fantastic machines like yours which are fully featured, better engineered, and which will last centuries aren't as high. With a solid clean, oil, and repair, this is the sort of machine that can do nearly everything you could want from a typewriter. This is a true writer's machine. I've got about six of these around in various colors as well as typefaces and type sizes.
Yours is a Royal FP made sometime between '57 and '62 and can be more closely dated using the serial number under the hood and comparing with the database.
Historical users of the vaunted Royal FP include the likes of Herb Caen, Peter De Vries, Stephen King, Melissa Ludtke, Frank O'Hara, and Morley Safer. Amongst many other appearances, this typewriter was also used by Sgt. Joe Friday in the TV show Dragnet, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (S5, E2), and was in the opening scenes of Miami Vice when Crockett first meets Lt. Castillo.
Your manual, should you need it: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalFP.pdf
Joe Van Cleave has a solid video intro and review of it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOnQRBo7YqA.
The spools for the standard Royal typewriters (Ten, H, KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, RP, HH, FP, Empress, 440, 660, etc.) have a custom metal mechanism for their auto-reverse. The spools are known as the T1 (which is the same as General Ribbon part # T1-77B , T1-77BR, and Nu-Kote B64.) If winding on universal ribbon onto them, remove the eyelette which isn't needed and may interfere with the auto reverse. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMDfGkKqbgE If necessary, Ribbons Unlimited carries these spools, but it's much cheaper to just buy 1/2" ribbon on cheap plastic cores or bulk ribbon on cardboard hubs and wind your own on by hand.
More resources: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/
Reply to u/zoke10 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1s3mngq/thrift_store_find/
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Mail Time With Aldo<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]
Tags
Annotators
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bestiary.ca bestiary.ca
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The white feathers of the swan signify deception; just as the white feathers hide the swan's black skin so does man's deception hide a sinful heart.
With respect to Marie de France's Milun in the Lais of Marie de France, the two lovers hide their love by sending letters hidden in the feathers of the wings of a swan.
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www.ams.org www.ams.org
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Scharlau, Winfried. 2008. “Who Is Alexander Grothendieck?” Notices of the AMS 55(8): 930–41. https://www.ams.org/notices/200808/tx080800930p.pdf (March 21, 2026).
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Allyn Jackson, “Comme appelé du néant—As ifsummoned from the void: The life of Alexandre Gro-thendieck”, Notices, October 2004 and November 2004.Grothendieck around 1936 in the garden of the Heydorn’shouse in Hamburg-Blankenese.Archive of Winfried Scharlau.
this seems to be more of the sort of biography of Grothendieck that I'd be interested in reading.
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This isn't what I might have expected. It focuses on Grothendieck's early life, a hint of his mathematics, and then his later unravelling and mentions of texts he wrote later in life which sound of a philosophic nature, but in the manner of a crazed person. Curious, but I'm not inclined to go read them.
The author seems hopeful about these works, but doesn't provide any pointers or proof of their importance beyond the fact that they're well written. All his evidence seems to indicate they're more meandering and don't have solid themes or points.
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After afew years of toiling in vain, he must have reachedthe conclusion that mathematicians and scientistsare blind to the dangers threatening human societyand do not think and behave rationally.
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Grothendieck’s main activity with regard tothese goals was the foundation of a group initiallycalled Survivre and later on Survivre et Vivre:SURVIVREMouvement international pour la surviede l’espèce humaineAn international and interprofessionalmovement for the survival of humanity
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Shortly after his official letter of resignation,on June 26, 1970, Grothendieck gave a lecture tohundreds of listeners at the University of Paris inOrsay in which he talked about all that had becomeimportant to him: the spread of nuclear weapons,the arms race, the threat to humanity posed bytechnological progress. He went so far as to callmathematical research dangerous because it ispart of this technological progress. The content ofthis lecture was later circulated in various unof-ficial manuscripts under titles such as “Respon-sabilité du savant dans le monde d’aujourd’hui: Lesavant et l’appareil militaire” (“The Responsibilityof Scientists in Today’s World: The Scientist andthe Military Establishment”).
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he may have believed that hehad passed his peak and that thence-forth he would be able only to repeathimself with less effectiveness.
a problem that haunts many searchers...
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the pernicious view that sets 40as the age when mathematical creativityceases
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Comments in this direction havealso been made by the physicist David Ruelle, acolleague of Grothendieck’s at the IHES: After asuperhuman effort, Grothendieck had to admitthat he would never be able to complete the oeuvrehe had begun. It was as if he had set his mind onbuilding a cathedral with his own hands. When thewalls were two meters high, he had to stop.
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Many scholars (or artists) giveup a project they have started because their cre-ativity and strength dissipate.
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For a while he identified withthe stigmatized Catholic nunMarthe Robin, who claimedto have lived for thirty yearson the Eucharist alone.
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At the 1966 InternationalCongress of Mathematicians, Grothendieck wasawarded the Fields Medal.
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Grothendieck began working on theEléments de Géométrie Algébrique (EGA) and heldthe legendary Séminaire de Géométrie Algébrique(SGA
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IHES, which had just been founded bythe businessman Léon Motchane.
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This systematic rebuildingpermitted the solution of deep number-theoreticproblems, among them the final step in the proofof the Weil Conjectures by Deligne, the proof ofthe Mordell Conjecture by Faltings, and the solu-tion of Fermat’s Last Problem by Wiles.
consequences of Grothendieck
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- ecology
- repetition
- Fields Medal
- Séminaire de Géométrie Algébrique (SGA)
- Winfried Scharlau
- Allyn Jackson
- Jean Dieudonné
- Mordell Conjecture
- Survivre et Vivre
- environmentalism
- survival of humanity
- biographies
- art
- Weil Conjectures
- want to read
- pierre cartier
- military–industrial complex
- read
- Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES)
- References
- Catholic nuns
- quote
- mathematics
- Jean-Pierre Serre
- responsibility
- number theory
- student revolution (1968)
- Léon Motchane
- mathematics at 40
- cathedrals
- peaking
- Laurent Schwartz
- 1966
- Alexander Grothendieck
- lectures
- Pierre Cartier
- rationalism
- Marthe Robin
- David Ruelle
- Fermat's Last Problem
- Eléments de Géométrie Algébrique (EGA)
- quotes
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Did you read about the killer who used a typewriter as a weapon? Apparently the shift key was locked so it’s a CAPITAL offense.
via Brian Young at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10163215438729678/
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www.artnews.com www.artnews.com
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SoCal’s Bunny Museum Receives Gift of Rabbit Sculpture<br /> by [[Anne Doran]]<br /> accessed on 2026-03-21T12:08:12
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typewriterdatabase.com typewriterdatabase.com
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https://typewriterdatabase.com/1949-royal-kmg.16171.typewriter
Marshall Plan sticker on Royal KMG
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typewriterdatabase.com typewriterdatabase.com
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I turned around and placed it with the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville, PA, where the 1958 Steve McQueen sci-fi movie "The Blob" was filmed, as a similar grey 1949 Royal KMG appears in the police-station scenes.
via Mark Schrad at https://typewriterdatabase.com/1949-royal-kmg.15160.typewriter
The Blob (Paramount, 1958)
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Just saw a man get killed with a Lettera 32. Man in the High Castle.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1224514289867343/
Season 4, episode 4 “Happy Trails”
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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The Rules of Typewriter Club
The first rule of Typewriter club is Do not oil the segment.
The second rule of Typewriter club is DO NOT oil the segment.
Do not ask the value of your typewriter: they are invaluable.
Always talk about typewriter club. Every chance you get: to family, friends, complete strangers...
If you only have one typewriter, you must refer to it as "my FIRST typewriter".
If you're new to typewriter club, you have to type.
A typewriter is not broken unless it is clean and broken.
Parts of a typewriter should only be removed in order to repair another typewriter.
Keychoppers shall have the extremities they used to chop keys chopped off.
More than one machine is allowed to be your "favorite".
The last typewriter you bought is the greatest one. Until the next one.
Never leave a typewriter outside, in a barn, or in a damp basement to rust.
Typewriters are to type with. They should not be "flipped".
Any reason is a good reason to buy and use a typewriter.
The hardest part of typewriter repair is believing you can do it. Everything else is just instructions plus a careful, thoughtful hand. —Rt. Rev. Theodore Munk
If you see a typewriter, you should take photos and upload the details to the TypewriterDatabase.com.
Typewriters are not mood setting decor, they are meant to be used.
Always leave a typewriter in better condition than you found it.
We form things; we do not "bend" them.
The only acceptable way to dispose of a typewriter is to find it a new home. The only exception is in dire circumstances in time of war when one should follow the guidance of the Underwood manual and "Smash typewriters and components with a sledge or other heavy instrument; burn with kerosene, gasoline, fuel oil, flame thrower, or incendiary bomb; detonate with firearms, grenades, TNT, or other explosives."
If anyone asks you about your typewriter, you must spend at least five minutes talking to them about it.
Legitimate typewriter sellers never use the phrases "it works" or "it just needs a new ribbon."
Remember that typewriters are dangerous and can be used for samizdat. As Woody Guthrie wrote: "This machine kills fascists."
Blessed are those who give typewriters to children for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
"In death, they have a name." Lenore Fenton. Lenore Fenton. Lenore Fenton!
The Typewriter Database does not list every single serial number, just ranges of numbers and years in which they were made. You are responsible for figuring out which year your number fits into.
"Working but needs new ribbon" is seller's code for "I have no idea if it really works, but I'm going to try to sell you this machine for the price of a fully functioning machine that was just serviced by a professional shop despite the fact that I just took it out of grandpa's barn and I'm not sure if the mouse inside is dead or not. Also, I can't afford $10 to replace an old ribbon to truly participate in the charade of the price I'm going to try to fleece you with."
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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<br />
via https://reddit.com/r/TheWayWeWere/comments/1hfhufr/throwing_old_typewriters_into_the_sea_as_trash/Bergen, Norway
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en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unfrosted<br /> Unfrosted (Netflix, 2024)
Marjorie Post attacks her toady assistant with a Royal KMG typewriter.
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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https://youtu.be/4-8adc39DV0?si=Upi9PjBrYFiE_5kn&t=54
Misery (Columbia Pictures, 1990)<br /> clip when Paul attacks Annie
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[Repo Men (2010) - Death by Typewriter Scene](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnq1Q0JMfS8
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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Why Scientists Can't Rebuild a Polaroid Camera featuring [[César Hidalgo]]<br /> by [[Machine Learning Street Talk]]
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reply to u/Minimum__Dot1795 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1rx45d7/imperial_70_can_i_use_any_spools_wanting_to_try/
I'm not sure of the internal diameter of yours, not having used Imperial spools before, but some of the cheap plastic "Universal Spools" have removeable plastic cores that may allow you to pop them out and be compatible with your machine. The one's I've got have a 3/4" or 19mm diameter hole and are meant to be used with Remington machines instead of their metal spool hubs. (Example: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Typewriter-Typewriters-Replacement-Compatible/dp/B0D9P2P2Q7/?th=1)
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Thoughts About Typing Paper<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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Congratulations. You've joined an exclusive club that includes writers like: Edward Abbey John Ashbery, Saul Below, Johnny Carson, Joan Didion, Bernard Kalb, Elia Kazan, Helen Keller, Grace Metalious, Arthur Miller, Carl Reiner, Fred Rogers, Rod Sterling, George Sheehan, and Wallace Stegner.
I've got over 60 typewriters in my collection and the KMG is my favorite, especially when it's clean and properly adjusted. I've got one each in Royal Elite and Royal Pica typefaces they're so nice.
KMG controls diagram: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalKMGdiagram.jpg<br /> Richard Polt's site doesn't have a manual (yet) for the KMG, so pull the manual for the Royal KMM instead. It was the model made just before the KMG and should be functionally identical. The Royal HH which followed it was also broadly similar. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html
The spools for the standard Royal typewriters (Ten, H, KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, RP, HH, FP, Empress, 440, 660, etc.) have a custom metal mechanism for their auto-reverse. The spools are known as the T1 (which is the same as General Ribbon part # T1-77B , T1-77BR, and Nu-Kote B64.) If winding on universal 1/2 inch wide ribbon onto them, remove any eyeletes which aren't needed and may interfere with the auto reverse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMDfGkKqbgE
Incidentally when browsing YouTube for repair videos, the mechanics of all the Royal standards (listed above) are all incredibly similar if not exactly the same, so search beyond KMG to find solutions.
For cleaning:<br /> - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjumGF9NFE8&list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS&index=5<br /> - https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/ - The tombstone "glass" (acetate) keys are metal rings that hold a piece of acetate over a paper legend (with the key letter printed on it) onto a metal platform. Don't get liquids or water on these as it will seep inside and discolor or damage the paper legends. They're replaceable, but it requires a special tool and/or lots of patience. Incidentally, these were the last US manufactured typewriters with glass keys.
Use and maintenance: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/
If it helps, here's a link to all my posts about the purchase, history, use and some restoration pieces I've written about mine (start at the oldest and work your way forward): https://boffosocko.com/tag/royal-kmg/
Other resources as you may need them: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/
Good luck!
reply to u/Saltiend at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1rwsfxp/just_bought_a_royal_kmg_any_tips/
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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unpublished reply to u/kinga_forrester at https://www.reddit.com/r/vintageads/comments/1rvqt0e/comment/oayqqbd/
Rightly or wrongly I'm sure a vanishing number of people at that time would have held your view.
You've got to remember the historical context of this ad. During World War II all but one typewriter manufacturer in the US ceased production of typewriters and the one remaining was really producing machines for the military. This ad from 1943 actually says in tiny print at the bottom: "Royal is making bullets, and parts for airplane engines, propellers, machine guns, rifles." Civilian groups did drives to collect typewriters to send them to the war effort. Many of the extant and upcoming generation of typewriter repairmen went off to the war effort. All this against the backdrop of people being used to taking their machines (especially office ones in use 8 hours a day) in for service every year or so for cleaning and adjustment. Most office typewriters of the time were in use for an average of 3 years before requiring complete overhauls or replacement. In addition to all of the other things being rationed, typewriters and typewriter service were also being heavily rationed, particularly because the manpower and steel was being diverted heavily to the war effort.
At the time, most typewriters were in the $125-200 range which is the equivalent to about $1,500 now. They were trying to help people preserve their machines and functionality. This was at a time when almost any sizeable town in the US had at least one repair shop busy with work. A city the size of Chicago probably had several dozens of repair shops working full time and that likely dropped to just a few during the war. (There's only one now, and it's only been open for a few years; it also has a wait list of several months for service because it's so busy.)
The issue of typewriter preservation was so great during the war that the U.S. Navy produced a series of videos about their proper use and maintenance of them *and other expensive office machines of the time). See videos at https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/ The government also got involved in creating maintenance manuals like Basic Typewriter Care and Maintenance, Equipment Maintenance Series No. 1 (US FWIP, 1945) and repair manuals like War Department Technical Manual TM 37-305: Typewriter Maintenance (1944) which is essentially the same as the [1945 Ames manual[(https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/AmesVol1-Standards.pdf).
Comparing this with today when the general value of typewriters is almost nil and we're lucky to have a few dozen professional typewriter repair shops still operating, but the rate of retirements and deaths has long been outstripping the replacement rate and you'll understand why self-service is necessary. Even given this, the number of typewriter fora on the internet, Facebook, Reddit, etc. the amount of tinkering knowledge is almost cripplingly bad but seems to chug along. You'll notice that there are an awful lot of people just trying to identify their machines much less carry out the most basic repairs. The number of "broken machines" I've acquired in my collection that only needed the ribbon color selector set to something besides "stencil" is a sad indicator of the state of typewriter knowledge now, much less what it may have been in their heyday, tinkering or not.
Even by 1983 as typewriters were already beginning to feel the pressure from the computer business, books like Bryan Kravitz and Nancy Gorrell's Hints for a Happy Typewriter were attempting to educate people on proper maintenance and light repair before needing to rely on repair shops that were already starting to feel the pinch.
Incidentally, IBM wasn't what put most typewriter companies out of business. It was vicious competition caused by offshoring and the cheapening of parts and materials while computers in general did the rest. And as for all those typewriter repair shops: most began selling/servicing word processors, office machines like fax machines, photo copiers, dictaphones, and even computers.
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via https://reddit.com/r/vintageads/comments/1rvqt0e/1943_royal_typewriter_ad_imploring_people_to_not/
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Choosing a Typewriter for Writers<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]
Manual typewriters for writers with a focus on machines made without needing to tinker/repair them.
Joe primarily focuses on typewriters he actually has in his personal collection more than other potential great machines. Having been collecting for his particular purpose for a long time, he's got a pretty tight set of good recommendations.
He's also got some good advice here about how to go about finding a machine and using professional typewriter shops to do so.
Electric typebar typewriters with more tolerance for poor technique.
IBM Selectrics, maintenance intensive, need carbon replacement film.
Printwheel/Daisy Wheel typewriters. Brother, Nakajima, Swintec (components made by Nakajima),
Ultra portable typewriters
- Royal / Silver Seiko typewriter - no tabs
- Olympia Splendid 33, 66, 99 - no tabs the 33 is monochrome
Portables
- Smith-Corona 5 Series
- Olympia SM series: SM1 - SM9
- Hermes 3000 series (overpriced on the used market)
Standards
Big and don't come with a case; will last nearly forever<br /> - Underwood 5<br /> - Royal standards, especially those that came after the 10
Typebar Electrics
- Olympia Reporter (Nakajima in Japan); designed in 80s for journalists
- Royal Saturn (Silver-Seiko) one of the quietest out there; uses 9/16" ribbon; bichrome with tabs,
- Smith-Corona Electric - first portable electric to hit the market.
- IBM Selectric (71; manual correction)
Daisywheel typewriters
- Brother
- RaRo has new Daisy wheels
- delay between keypress and print
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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@billwheaton5048
@BillWheaton5048 is the same user as u/joe_skidiachi_irl on Reddit
cross reference:<br /> - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcgFizJWQoI <br /> - https://www.reddit.com/r/BaseballScorecards/comments/1rvm25m/comment/oatnbe4/
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Mail Time March 2026<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-03-16T13:17:39
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Royal KMM Paper Bale Tension Adjustment<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]] on YouTube
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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via Peter Weil at https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1218941250424647/
This could be an interesting template for a stationery design.
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1219057343746371/
Tom Hansen has delineated the differences in some of the Smith-Corona 5 series typewriters from the 1950s.
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1220366670282105/
Tom Hansen recommends using acrylic craft paint from Walmart for $1.50 for a small bottle to touch up the corners of black Royal typewriter cases. He also uses anti-skid rubber stick-ons to the bottom to keep the case from scratching surfaces when he uses his typewriter still in the bottom portion of the case.
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1220520400266732/
Viktor Krum LEGO figurine found inside an Olympia SM7 by Fraser Ihle.
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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static.wixstatic.com static.wixstatic.com
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Royal QDLs from '56-59, though advertisement more likely from '57-58 due to the white.
Royal Green, Royal Star White, Royal Beige, Royal Gray, Royal Red, Royal Turquoise,
Add specifies the QDL is available in Canterbury Pica or Canterbury Elite.
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.comFacebook1
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https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=8664575033636687&set=pcb.10161146832999678
Test of Shift and motion<br /> nNnNnNn
Test of Color Control<br /> __ 1/41/41/21/2// (black) __ 1/41/41/21/2// (red)
Test of Magic Margin<br /> x<br /> x
Test of Tabulator and Back Space<br /> x x x<br /> xx xx xx
Test of Line lock and margin release<br /> nnnnnn<br /> nnnnnn
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10161611646934678/
1950 Underwood Rhythm Touch with Victoria Elite typeface, 12 CPI, Slugs marked "EV".
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Advanced Typing - Shortcuts (1943)
Advanced Typing: Shortcuts. 16 mm. Vol. MN-1512c. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUJfCfqgsX0.
Correct typing posture: fingers curved<br /> arms sloping up<br /> light fast strokes<br /> steady rhythm
fast continuous motion of return lever<br /> using backing sheet (aka temping sheet ??)
Shortcuts:<br /> mise en place for office supplies (she doesn't use this phrasing though) - greater efficiency - cuts down on searching
tabulators can be helpful. There are two types:<br /> - automatic - handset
Use tabs for paragraphs, dating letters, columns of numbers, and letter closings.
To clear all tab stops, put carriage to left, hold tab clear key and move the carriage across. (Usually applies to Royal, Remington, Underwood, and Electromatic).
On LC Smith and Woodstock machines sometimes have a tab clear lever on the back.
Decimal tabulator keys help to align a variety of numbers around a decimal point. 09:43
Always have a few tabs set to prevent a flying carriage which can be hard on the machine.
When using carbon sheets which are slightly longer than the paper size, cut off a small triangle at the top left hand side. This makes it easier for one to separate the carbons from the copies by holding the top left with one hand and pulling the carbons out from the bottom of the stack.
To align multiple sheets of paper for carbon copies, use a folded sheet at the top to taco the pages into the machine. Remove the folded sheet once the carbon pack is rolled forward.
Paper bail rollers should be set to split the pages into thirds (for two rollers).
Remington noiseless machines have a pressure indicator on the front of the machine (usually above the keyboard) which can be used when using thick carbon packs that may cause the ribbon guide to stick or bind.
Only erase when the carriage is fully left or right to prevent eraser crumbs from falling into the machine. 15:26
Use a soft eraser on carbon copies. Use and insert slips of paper behind the carbons and allowing them to stick out the sides, erasing from back sheet to front so as not to allow the eraser to mark your carbon copies. For the front sheet, use a shield and ink eraser and erase with a horizontal motion. After erasing, easily pull out the inserted sheets.
When typing a correction, tap the key lightly two or three times rather than hard once.
When in a rush and it's necessary to add a word (on double spacing), underline the last letter of the prior word and type a slash (/). Then move the typing line up and type the insertion above the prior line. This creates an "arrow" of sorts for the inserted word.
Details for inserting extra letters in misspelled words using half-spacing machines. (Underwoods and Electromatics don't have this function.)
Light pencil marks at the bottom of the sheet can help to indicate the coming bottom of the sheet.
Putting up the card holders (fingers) on Underwoods and Royals. They help to hold the card and improve print quality and reduce noise.
Card holders can cause markings on carbon packs if they're not lowered.
Trick for quickly writing postcards in succession: Disengage the ratchet using the platen spring release (or variable platen switch) Type the address on the front of the card. When done give the platen a quick practiced spin. The postcard with "jump" up and stop at the paper table and be in position for rolling in the opposite direction to write the message on the back of the card! When done a faster spin of the platen will shoot the card over the back of the typewriter where it can land in a box to collect all the postcards which were written in such a manner. <br /> timestamp 23:22
Time saving methods for addressing envelopes:
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Front seat principle. Insert the envelope in the usual way and type out the address. When done, turn the envelope down through the machine with the right hand. With the left hand, place the next envelope between the top of the first envelope and the front of the platen. Feed the first envelope back through the machine (in reverse) and the second will be rolled in to place for typing. Continue in this fashion until finished. All the finished envelopes will stack up in the back at the paper table.
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Chain feeding. The first envelope is inserted and rolled partway into the machine. A second envelope is inserted between the platen and the second envelope (behind the platen). Turn the first envelope to the writing line and type the address. Take out the first envelope and insert the next the same way as before.
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Uses paper bail. Do the first envelope in the usual way. Spin it out of the machine up and behind the paper bail into a box behind the typewriter.
For quickly doing labels or small cards:<br /> Create a small zig-zag fold into a piece of paper to create a pocket slot which can be scotch taped on either side. This template paper can then be inserted so that the pocket is visible above the writing line, but the paper below it is still in the platen. The label or card can be placed into the pocket and the platen reversed to feed the label or card in backwards to the desired typing line. Using a v-groove or hole in the typing line can create a pencil line to serve as a guide for inserting many labels at the same place so that the typing lines up between labels.
Some offices had special platens for holding cards like this.
Pockets like this can also be used to hold the page to add additional lines at the bottom of pages. Deeper pockets may need to be used for doing this with carbon packs whose carbons are longer than the pages.
Alternately one can do something similar by creating a inverted u-shaped set of slits into an index card. to hold such labels.
When in the midst of a page and needing to do another piece urgently, roll back the letter until about 2 inches from the top, and then place in the new page and one between each of the carbons. Then roll forward to do the short message as necessary. Turn back to the insertion position to remove the copies and then continue with the first letter where you left off.
For drawing horizontal lines on typewriter paper, push the carriage to the extreme left and place the pencil or pen at the edge of the card guide and the scale. Then move the carriage to the right to effect the line. For vertical lines, put the carriage at the desired space and place the pencil at the card guide and scale and move the platen up/down as necessary.
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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Your IPA is temporarily liquifying the oil and grime, but as it evaporates near room temperature pretty quickly (as do other degreasers like mineral spirits, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, naphtha, etc.), it disappears and leaves the oil and grime behind.
While you're flushing it out, be sure to move the typebars back and forth to help flush the grime out of the segment as you add more IPA (or other degreaser). If you have it available, it's also helpful to loosen things up with a degreaser and follow it up immediately with compressed air to blow out all the grime.
It may take several rounds of flushing and air to completely free up your typebars. Things aren't really clean until they're dry and move freely.
reply to u/Otherwise_Thing_6384 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ruh4u0/faceit_freede_problem/
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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reply to u/UsefulLength9143 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ruew5h/royal_p_this_isnt_pics_font_is_it/
Looking closely at the slugs with letters, several clearly have a "P" foundry mark which was commonly used in this time period to identify Royal's "Royal Pica" face (see: https://typecast.munk.org/2011/04/24/1964-nomda-blue-book-royal-font-styles/) which was the generic name they gave in their catalogs to this particular pica (pitch) typeface. Similarly a foundry mark of "E" was often used to represent their 12 pitch "Royal Elite" typeface. Surely it's the case that the designer had some other name for this typeface, but I've never seen Royal documents which specify anything other than Royal Pica or Royal Elite.
While it certainly helps to see the rulers on the carriage to doublecheck, one can guess the exact typeface in this instance solely by the foundry marks, though this is not always the case for a wide number of manufacturers.
Generally people are right in asking to see the ruler as the difference in width of slug on a 10CPI and 12CPI machine is on the order of 1/64 of an inch which is incredibly hard to discern visually on photos like these without something to use for scale.
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www.reisnerscorekeeping.com www.reisnerscorekeeping.com
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The proof box defines an ancient formula first used by the Greeks: at-bats + walks + sacrifices + hit batsmen + interference calls = runs + putouts + runners stranded. If these two sums are not equal, go find your mistake. (The sum should also be the number of the last at-bat box used.)
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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https://www.reddit.com/r/BaseballScorecards/comments/1291m3f/project_scoresheet_primer/
Downloaded a copy of the 2001-11-10 primer on 2026-03-13
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shopgoodwill.com shopgoodwill.com
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Vintage Sears Celebrity Portable Typewriter Manual With Hard Case & Instructions<br /> by [[ShopGoodwill.com]]<br /> accessed on 2026-03-13T10:33:18
2026-03-12: 9 bids total with last minute bidding going from $82 (5 bids) to $128 with 4 additional bids for a Sears Celebrity typewriter with an obvious (photo of typebasket) double gothic typeface.
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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reply to u/Ripraz at tk
I analogize typewriters to cars: there really isn't a "beginner friendly" option, they're all just cars or typewriters. This being said, how well built and engineered they are and some of the smaller optional features or "trim lines" can differ a fair amount. With typewriters, one of the biggest trim differences is the tabulator (does it have one and how do the controls work? If you're a screen writer, you really want one, but if you're doing other general writing, you can get away without one typically.)
With Olivetti, you're probably going to find peak typewriter manufacturing and materials from the 1930s into the early 1970s. The best stuff is likely in the 50s and 60s where their design chops are also the strongest. Their stuff in the mid-70s and after becomes more plastic and isn't as solid (eg. Lettera 35).
https://typewriterdatabase.com/olivetti.56.typewriter-serial-number-database
Some suggestions: <br /> Standards: Graphica, Linea 88<br /> Portables: Studio 42, 44, 45; Lettera 22, Lettera 32
Be sure to take a peek at the individual typewriter galleries and individual machines in the database to see the shifts in design over time, if that interests you.
This comparison/review on YouTube, of which there are surely others, is pretty solid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW6Ji275FdE
As a beginner, you might appreciate skimming through Dr. Polt's book before or after buying a machine:<br /> Polt, Richard. 2015. The Typewriter Revolution: A Typist’s Companion for the 21st Century. 1st ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press.
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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Reply to u/croceldon at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1rsq69i/dust_cover_recommendations/
I use a lot of index cards, so I often just cover the opening in the hood with one and clamp it down with the paper bale. The rest I can just dust off with a painter's "chip brush" I got at the hardware store for $1.50.
I also use a handful of microfiber cloths I got at the dollar store for $1 each and throw them over the carriages of other machines. They also double for mopping up flop sweat during marathon 8 hour writing/typing sprees if you need them for that.
The only way I'd come close to dropping $80 bones on a typewriter cover is if they were as finely crafted as some of the ones I've seen our collector friend Tom Hanks using: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/16/tom-hanks-ingenious-custom-typewriter-covers-mats/
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joe_skidiachi_irl experiment for baseball scorecards with typewriters.
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www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org
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This Day in History: George Kennan Sends "Long Telegram"<br /> by [[Lacey Helmig]]<br /> accessed on 2026-03-12T09:45:51
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George Kennan and the Long Telegram<br /> by [[James M. Lindsay]] in Council on Foreign Relations accessed on 2026-03-12T09:44:20
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/721704878218903/posts/3019304195125615/
Sarah Everett is collecting typewriter repair shop and typewriter dealer stickers
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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www.vescovorestauri.it www.vescovorestauri.it
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https://www.vescovorestauri.it/
Alessio Vescovo looks like he does typewriter restoration and recovers platens in Europe (Italy) as well: https://www.vescovorestauri.it/laboratorio/european-typewriter-platen-recovery-service/
Found via https://typewriterdatabase.com/1956-underwood-de-luxe.24945.typewriter
Also a notice on facebook:<br /> https://www.facebook.com/groups/olympiasg1/posts/1204636940854718/
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theneorenaissance.com theneorenaissance.com
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www.atticpaper.com www.atticpaper.com
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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truthout.org truthout.org
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Florida Has Deemed All Existing Intro to Sociology Textbooks Illegal and Produced Its Own<br /> by [[Zachary Levenson]] in Truthout<br /> accessed on 2026-03-11T11:16:07
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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www.vescovorestauri.it www.vescovorestauri.it
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1963, Olympia SG1 - bishop restoration<br /> by [[Alessio Vescovo]]<br /> accessed on 2026-03-11T11:05:46
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thefeltstore.com thefeltstore.com
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F-15 (minimum 55% wool) and F-55 (minimum 80% wool) black are the two industrial felts recommended for use as acoustic panels.
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www.advancedliquidators.com www.advancedliquidators.com
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en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
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Kilroy Was Here (album)<br /> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilroy_Was_Here_(album)
relationship to World War II graffiti tag "Kilroy was here" see also notes on Immerwahr's book on Empire
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www.baseball-reference.com www.baseball-reference.com
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www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
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Can I Rescue This 1957 Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriter and Find It a New Home?!<br /> by [[Dynamically Typed]] on YouTube
One can use a hairdryer or heat gun at a medium setting to remove the white moldy-looking (it's not mold) outgassing/plasticizers found on old plastic typewriter keys.
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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it is not mold; it is plasticizers coming out of the plastic. I remove it with various means: alcohol, polishing with a very fine polish, Goo Gone™, naptha, and such.
The white gunky substances seen on the plastic keys of old, unmaintained typewriters generally isn't mold, but plasticizers coming out of the plastic. These can usually be cleaned off using simple household cleaning products or if necessary heavier cleaners (Goo Gone, alcohol, naptha, etc. - test these on hidden parts first to ensure they don't react with or destroy the plastic or remove the paint of the key letters) followed up by light waxes or polishes and buffing.
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typewriterdatabase.com typewriterdatabase.com
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Following the redesign in '56 with the red badging on the front, all QDLs had a 1/! key.
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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reply to u/KingCollectA at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1rpr1ha/got_quite_lucky_finding_a_free_olympia_sg1_had_to/
Typically the SG1 has at least 3 serial numbers. Two matching ones on the main body (one hiding deep inside), and the third on the bottom portion of the carriage, which may or may not match the other two. (The carriages were meant to be easily swappable for machines with the same CPI/escapement sizes.) Removing the carriage will usually reveal the body serial number (typically a 7-XXXXXXXXX) format which you can compare with the grid of serial number ranges to see where yours fits in at https://typewriterdatabase.com/olympia.61.typewriter-serial-number-database.
I just got mine and have finished most of its servicing, though one or two small adjustments remain for it to be where I want it to be. Beyond this, it's been spectacular. See also: https://boffosocko.com/tag/Olympia-sg1/
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1rphrx8/just_finished_my_home_officetypewriter_garage/
The rule of thumb in art is that you should spend as much on the frame as you do for the painting. I'm glad that someone is attempting to do the equivalent for their typewriters. Nice work here!
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www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
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Hiten JoshiI do have some sympathy. If I had to ship my Datsun two hundred miles to the nearest dealer for a tune up then I’d have a go first too.
<br />
via https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10163194812329678/
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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so i was wondering about antinet ZK, and i want to ask. can you use it for etertainment?
reply to u/_ItsDin_at https://reddit.com/r/Zettelkasten/comments/1rp1jny/zettelkasten_for_etertainment/
How are you defining "use it for entertainment"? <br /> - Having a zettelkasten for tracking knowledge/information in the entertainment business? (Yes, this is possible, I use it for this regularly.)<br /> - Using it for tracking the television, movies, and other past times and hobbies? (Yes, definitely a thing. I have tranches of cards for all these things.)<br /> - Using it as a daily diversion to entertain yourself in general? (Yes, loads of us find the system interesting and entertaining on a regular basis. I suspect that if we didn't we would give it up entirely.)<br /> - Perhaps you had some other definition of entertainment, I didn't cover?
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u/shapeless_nodule replied to your comment in r/typewriters ok post over thanks for providing this information in such a kind and welcoming way
You're welcome u/shapeless_nodule, even if you somehow didn't feel welcome by the quickest and most precise answer for which you could have hoped.
Given my general experience, you were highly unlikely to get the couple hours of free labor from internet strangers you were requesting to dig you out of the hole you made. Often requests like yours go unanswered for days, weeks, months...
I'm pleased to see exactly how far your "deeply indebted"-ness extended. About 8 minutes by my count. I'm especially glad that you left your post up in an attempt to help everyone else in the future who may search this sub for similar problems.
If you give up on it or feel like it's quicker and easier to go the professional repair route for help, try the list at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html
Good luck with all those springs. The Brother Deluxe 220 is a great little machine.
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[deleted]
Original post by u/shapeless_nodule at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1rp5mh6/brother_deluxe_220_jp1_typewriter_request_for/
Hi All, In a fit overconfidence a couple of years ago, I bought a brother Deluxe 220 typewriter which worked fine other than being sticky. I duly tore it down, cleaned it up, oiled it, put it back together and... watched as nothing happened because somehow all of the springs had fallen out and were now sitting on my workbench. I then put it on a shelf and forgot about it, until starting a clearout last week. I would be deeply indebted to you if anyone who has this typewriter (or one of its sister models, as I understand it most of the JP-1 models are the same) take either some photos or a good video of exactly where all of the springs inside it connect to?
Reply: <br /> This is fairly steep ask, particularly when, for a few dollars, you can get the location of all the springs in the repair manual:<br /> - https://www.lulu.com/shop/ted-munk/the-brother-jp-1-typewriter-repair-bible/paperback/product-186kzqem.html?q=brother&page=1&pageSize=4 - https://twdb.sellfy.store/brother-typewriters/
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www.reddit.com www.reddit.com
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www.reisnerscorekeeping.com www.reisnerscorekeeping.com
