Olympia SF Companion adjustments<br /> by [[Typewriter Justice]]

https://torontotypewriters.com/products/black-dog-typewriter-ribbon-black-cotton

Holy shit, their typewriter ribbon is expensive! $21.00?!? They are giving you what look like 3-D printed spools with it, so that's where a lot of the value proposition is hiding.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1qhokip/some_typewriter_customization_ideas/

Besides, why go the AI route when there are so many already available custom and chromed machines out there? There is way more creativity in reality.

Examples:

• Smith-Corona 5 series: https://mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us/products/chrome-plated-smith-corona-typewriter-part-of-david-rain-collection-tom-arden
• Richard Polt has photos of his Silver Surfer Hermes 3000, a paint stripped typewriter on page 291 of his book The Typewriter Revolution. Photo here: https://www.facebook.com/TypewriterRevolution/photos/a.1563333157165476/2155401697958616/?type=3
• Polt also talks about the process on one of his Smith-Coronas at https://writingball.blogspot.com/2011/08/sterling-silver-surfer.html
• A sterling silver Smith-Corona Sterling: https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2011/09/on-this-day-in-typewriter-history-civ.html
• Multiples here: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1oouq6o/chrome_typewriters/
• A chromed Olympia SG1: https://www.facebook.com/groups/olympiasg1/posts/1549224696395939/
• A chrome/nickel finished Henry Dreyfuss: https://typewriterdatabase.com/1948-royal-quiet-de-luxe.25508.typewriter
• If you're really crazy, maybe a Candy Apple Green Metal Flake pin striped Hermes? https://typewriterdatabase.com/1956-hermes-2000.17456.typewriter
• A brown pin striped QDL: https://typewriterdatabase.com/1941-royal-quiet-de-luxe.19473.typewriter
• Maybe in custom "white cracked ice" https://typewriterdatabase.com/1946-royal-quiet-de-luxe.19914.typewriter
• A green hot rod? https://typewriterdatabase.com/1961-olympia-sm4.19353.typewriter

And to be honest, if you're going to lay out some money to chrome a machine, why do it with a flimsy Skyriter? Find something showy, something honest, something substantial. Why not a Royal KMG or FP, a Remington Super-Riter, or a solid Hermes Ambassador?

Nothing is more badass than Helen Gurley Brown's silver plated Royal Empress: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/hgbrownroyal.jpg

Typewriter Profile: Comparing the Olivetti Lettera 22, Lettera 32, and Studio 44<br /> by [[Damon Di Marco]] of CreateX3.com on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-01-19T11:32:11

Marcello Nizzoli designed the Olivetti Lettera 22, an ultra-portable, and the standard Lexicon 80. He used the automotive idea of press-forming steel to the Olivetti line.

In 1959, the Illinois Institute of Technology chose the Olivetti Lettera 22 as the best designed product of the last 100 years. It also won the Compasso D'Oro Award in 1954.

1963 Lettera 32 introduced<br /> Square keys

1965 Olivetti Studio 44 introduced<br /> Between the standard and the portable<br /> Comes with a case, but is heavier than many portables

Prefer original spools with spool nuts.

This short has a great shot at 01:02 where they've removed the platen and rear of a typewriter and are filming the back of the typing point as the typebars fly up at the camera.

What Comes Around Goes Around: Typewriters Return to CFM<br /> by [[Robert Messenger]] on oz.Typewriter<br /> accessed on 2026-01-18T11:05:23

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1912-underwood-western-union-special.3619.typewriter

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1912-underwood-western-union-special.3619.typewriter

Backspace does not erase: What are front left foot numbers on an Underwood 5 ?<br /> by [[RobertG]]<br /> accessed on 2026-01-17T19:25:41

VS speed typist Albert Tangora typing on a typewriter on table..<br /> by [[Getty Images]]<br /> accessed on 2026-01-16T12:03:59

It's not just the speed at which, he's typing, but get a load of how fast he manages to change a sheet of paper!

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1qej21g/bulk_ribbon_source/

We are a small typewriter shop based in the Netherlands.

Usually we would order bulk ribbon from USA and pay 100+ euro for shipping costs and duties. The shipping mostly cost us more than the product itself and made it much harder for us financially.

We would even combine orders with other local typewriter shops to cut the costs down.

So we now found an alternative. Make it ourselves.

After much testing we have found the perfect ink saturation. No bleeding. No oversaturation. Plus the ribbon should last 3-5 years when properly stored.

We are happy to now offer 320m cotton reels (black) for other typewriter enthusiasts and shops based in Europe (we do ship worldwide, it is just much more affordable to buy local).

A ribbon can make or break your typing. I really dislike light print or oversaturated ribbons. So zero compromise in quality.

How typewriters are making a comeback<br /> by [[CNN]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-01-14T09:01:22

Could be made by some ribbon company like Alpad who sold Olivetti compatible ribbons/spools.

6mm diameter center holes on spools are indicative of a Gr4 typewriter spool.

via u/Koponewt at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1qcocn1/does_anyone_recognise_this_spool/

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1470635-remington-typewriter-ribbon-spools

https://sophsun1.tumblr.com/post/805029439375310848/misery-1990-dir-rob-reiner

Hermes typefaces by foundry mark:<br /> S TP = Techno Pica;<br /> S TE = Techno Elite;<br /> S PP = Petit Pica;<br /> S DE = Director Elite;<br /> S NO = Epoca;<br /> S 6 = Pica;<br /> S 7 = Elite

via https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q8dabt/what_typeface_is_this_on_my_hermes_3000/

u/viktor72 has new old stock of the rectangular Royal badges for the KMM, KMG, etc. from a typewriter repairman.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q7u6n2/going_back_and_forth_as_to_whether_or_not_i/

On Typewriters: Condition is King; Context is Queen.

It bears mentioning that an expert/professional repair person can only tell very little of the condition of a typewriter by photos. Does it look generally clean? Are the decals in tact? Does the segment look clean (a vague proxy for the potential condition of the internals)? Is anything obvious missing (knobs, return lever, keys)? Does it look cared for or has it been neglected in a barn for half a century? Most modern typewriters made after 1930 in unknown condition are worth about $5-25 and they peak at about $500 when purchased from a solid repair shop unless some Herculean additional restoration has taken place, they've got a rarer typeface, or are inherently actually rare. Hint: unless it's a pro repair shop or very high end collector with lots of experience, don't trust anyone saying that a typewriter is "rare", run the other direction. Run faster if they say it "works, but just needs a new ribbon" as—even at the most expensive—new ribbon is only $15 and their "rare" $600+ machine should have fresh, wet ribbon. The rule of thumb I use is that no one online selling a typewriter knows anything about it, including if it actually works. Worse, they've probably priced it at professional repair shop prices because they don't know that condition is king.

The least experienced typist will know far more about the condition of a machine by putting their hands on it and trying it out. Does it generally work? Does the carriage move the full length of its travel? Can you set the margins at the extremes and space reliably from one end to another? Does it skip? Is the inside clean or full of decades of dried oil, dust, and eraser crumbs? Does the margin release work? Does it backspace properly? If typing HHHhhhHHH are the letters all printed well and on the same baseline?

Presumably a typewriter at an antique store will meet these minimum conditions (though be aware that many don't as their proprietors have no idea about typewriters other than that if they wait long enough, some sucker will spend $150 on almost anything). They've done the work of finding a machine that (barely) works, housing it, and presenting it to the public for sale. This time and effort is worth something to the beginning typewriter enthusiast, but worth much, much less to the longer term practiced collector.

If everything is present and at least generally limping along, you've got yourself a $30 typewriter. Most people can spend a few hours watching YouTube videos and then manage to clean and lubricate a typewriter to get it functioning reasonably. You can always learn to do the adjustments from Youtube videos. (Or just take it to a repair shop and fork over $200-400 to get things squared.)

If you're getting into collecting, you'll make some useful mistakes by overpaying in the beginning and those mistakes will teach you a lot.

Maybe you're a tinkerer and looking for a project? If so, then find the cheapest machine you can get your hands on (maybe a Royal KMM for $9 at thrift) and work your way through a home study course.

Otherwise, if you're just buying one or two machines to use—by far—the best value you'll find is to purchase a cleaned, oiled, and well-adjusted machine from a repair shop. Sure it might cost $350-600, but what you'll save in time, effort, heartache, repair, etc. will more than outweigh the difference. Additionally you'll have a range of machines to choose from aesthetically and you can test out their feel to find something that works best for you.

Or, you could buy a reasonable machine like this for $70 and find out it needs cleaning, oiling, and adjusting and potentially a few repairs. The repair tab might run you an additional $450. Is it worth it when a repair shop would have sold you the same or a very similar machine in excellent condition for $350?

Remember in asking about the cost and value of a typewriter, you're actually attempting to maximize a wide variety of variables including, but not limited to: upfront money, information about the current state of the market, information/knowledge about the machine itself, information about how to clean it, information about oiling it, information about adjusting, information about repairing it, cost and availability of tools and repair parts, and the time involved for both learning and doing all of these. The more time you've spent learning and doing all of these, the better "deals" you'll find, but gaining this expertise is going to cost you a few years of life. What is all this "worth" when you just want to type on a machine that actually works?

Most of the prognostication you'll find in fora like this will be generally useless to you because you're not readily aware of the context and background of the respondents with respect to all of the variables above. Similarly they're working with no context about you, your situation, where you live, what's available in your area, your level of typewriter knowledge, or your budget. You don't know what you don't know. At the end of the day, you're assuredly just as well off to use a bit of your intuition and putting your hands on a machine and trying it out. Then ask: "What is it worth to you?"

If you're simply asking: "Is this highway robbery?", the answer is no.

More resources (and some of my own context) if you need them: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/

Happy typing.

Reply to u/NeverTheNess at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q7eho6/spotted_a_royal_at_an_antique_store_good/<br /> RE: run-of-the-mill late 70s plastic Litton/Royal typewriter

A pen nib found inside a typewriter.<br /> https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q72sk7/what_is_this_piece/

Smith Corona Skyriter Typewriter Draw Band String Rope Repaired Mainspring Wound<br /> by [[Phoenix Typewriter]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2026-01-07T15:56:18

For the average office-type chair, the sweet spot you're looking for is a tabletop about 26 inches off of the floor.

Most modern desks have their tabletops at 28-29" off of the floor which is too high for comfortably typing on a typewriter. The larger old school typewriter desks (double and single pedestals) often had a flip top or spring loaded side compartment that brought the surface that the typewriter sat on down to a more comfortable 26" off of the floor. Similarly you'll see desk returns for these desks which are an inch or two shorter to allow for a typewriter off to the side. Many of the same tanker desks had writing drawers that pulled out to provide space over the other drawers for writing and these also make great surfaces for typewriters to be an inch or two lower than the standard height. These desks usually are heavy and take up some significant floor space.

From the 1920s, a variety of manufacturers made stand-alone typewriter stands, typically with two drop leaves on either side and wheels to give one easy space for their typewriter that didn't take up a huge footprint and could be moved around the office or home as needed. Similar to these in the modern furniture space, you might find a variety of side tables or occasional tables with tabletops at a more comfortable 26-27" for your typing.

For off-label use cases, you could try a counter-height stool (24-26") as a temporary typewriter stand to pair with most standard office chairs. Generally bar stools are much taller in the 36" range, so don't do this unless it's your intention to type standing up.

I've got a 20 drawer library card catalog with a tabletop height of 36.5" that makes an excellent height for a standing desk for typing.

reply to u/The-Wolf-Bandit at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q6e8oo/what_do_you_guys_have_your_typewriters_on/

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1973-montgomery-ward-olivetti-escort-66.1649.typewriter

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q54adl/how_long_does_an_electronic_typewriters_ribbon/

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1jkw9j7/i_dont_know_what_happened_dont_do_what_i_did/<br /> u/severrinX

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q3eqxc/salmon_torpedo_18b/<br /> u/severrinX

https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1pzo2fe/care_to_share_your_typewriter_set_ups_pictures/

Typewriter desks and workspaces

In the typewriter space, the closer you get to the people actually manufacturing typewriter ribbon, the cheaper it gets. As a result you can buy ribbon in bulk for about US$2 per spool versus $10-15. In America, I've had excellent experience with Baco and Fine Line: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/#Typewriter%20Ribbon

Mostly on Amazon and similar platforms you'll find resellers selling for top dollar. If you're going to do this, then the better route is to spend the same (or possibly a bit less) and get your ribbon from a local typewriter shop which helps keep them in business for the eventual day you'll need a more serious repair or help. Try a local shop from the list at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

If they're close, your local shop will also help teach you how to respool ribbon and thread it properly as well as potentially other tips and tricks.

reply to https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q095fg/just_bought_a_typewriter_any_tips/

reply to u/Wheather819 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q0a17w/another_newbie_question/

Totally a matter of preference! Just don't type directly onto your platen without any paper at all.

Almost any paper even into the heavier card stocks will usually work in most machines. I've seen people go Jack Kerouak style and do integral rolls of paper, type on rolls of receipt paper, brown paper bags, envelopes, postcards, labels, and even scrap paper.

For me it's often index cards.

Searching this sub for paper will give you lots of ideas.

If you want to go crazy, Lenore has some fun tips with specialty papers, carbon paper, and cards in her film on advanced typing: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/#Advanced%20Typing

reply to u/14Papa19 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1q0dt1e/new_to_us_remington_streamliner/

Try spooling the ribbon manually in one direction or the other for a foot or so to get to ribbon that's not dried out and you may be in luck and not need to replace it right away.

Ribbon purveyors: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1

If you've got the original Remington metal hubs (which are needed for the auto-reverse functionality), keep those as they're expensive to replace. Spool your new ribbon (1/2" wide and typically comes on 2" diameter plastic universal spools) from cheap plastic spools onto your originals.

If you don't have the original metal hubs, you can call around to repair shops for replacements (which may be the cheapest route) https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html. Ribbons Unlimited also sells these hubs with ribbon attached, but it's more expensive to do this, but once you've got them, you can buy ribbon by itself for much cheaper in the future and just wind the new ribbon onto existing spool hubs.

Here's some useful videos which might help you out in terms of how to spool up your ribbon:<br /> - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTFM54VKKc4 (Slightly different model to yours, but same spool mechanisms) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQTa4b7jPs (This one has some advice about using a Remington without the spools.)

If you needs some tips on color matching your typewriter to a desk or your fountain pen: https://boffosocko.com/2024/03/22/acquisition-remington-streamliner-196x-portable-typewriter-in-metallic-mint-blue/

For more on use and maintenance: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

Good luck and happy typing!

p5

GENERAL CARE-Reasonable care will insure years of satisfactory performance from your typewriter. A typewriter's principal enemy is dust. Keep typewriter covered when not in use. Clean the typefaces occаsionally with a brush to remove accumulated lint and ink.

Do surface not clean your typewriter's with alcohol as it is injurious to the finish. Once in a while you may put a drop of oil on each of the two rails on which the carriage moves and then rub it off again. Never attempt to oil the typebars or any other part of the mechanism as this may have a tendency to gum and clog the working parts.

Remington Rand. 1953. Mechanical Instructions for Remington Portable Typewriter: AN, QR, and ER Models. New York: Remington Rand, Inc. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/MechanicalInstructionsRemingtonPortableTypewriters1953.pdf (December 8, 2025).

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1pypbrf/minimum_impression_maybe_too_heavy_on_sears/

Gates 3M315 polyflex v-belts

reply to u/rawbran30 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1py74mf/internet_hype_trendeffect_and_brand_popularity/

Olympias were imported into the US from the 50s into the 70s and were manufactured at peak typewriter engineering and manufacturing methods before machines slowly got cheaper and cheaper in terms of materials and craftsmanship through the 60s and into the early 80s before typewriters were subsumed by the word processor market.

Compared to Smith-Coronas and Remingtons of the 50s and early 60s (their peaks), Olympias are slightly better manufactured in terms of fit and finish. They're also slightly more modern looking in terms of body shapes and colors compared to other machines, which also helps to drive up price amongst collectors.

Now is an Olympia SM3 or SM9 really so much better than a Smith-Corona Silent Super that they should enjoy an almost 2x jump in price for an unserviced model? Potentially not, but if this is your issue, then buy something from a professional shop that's been cleaned, oiled, and adjusted and a lot of the price differential evaporates.

https://archive.org/details/triumph-perfekt-manual/Triumph%20Perfekt%20Factory%20Test/

A factory test sheet from Triumph

https://archive.org/details/@zach858

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794856020751839/?multi_permalinks=4308967442674005

A reasonable sounding version of why not to use some of the commonly suggested methods for rejuvenating platens.

If you wish to attempt to lower the Shore A hardness of your typewriter platen temporarily, I would recommend applying a more compatible mixture of xylene (non-polar solvent), Methyl Alcohol and Methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) in a 3 to 1 to 1 ratio such as is found in the product called Rubber Renue from M.G. Chemicals. All the necessary chemicals are available on Amazon, and you can make it by the litre for pennies compared to the commercial product.

https://www.designboom.com/technology/toaster-typewriter-burns-letters-bread-ritika-kedia-04-20-2024/

I've got a couple of typewriters I mean I guess you're collector once you have more than three right? I would say that that does count if you if you buy the same item. Yeah three that's probably collecting. Right. If you have two not so much, yeah. —Keanu Reeves on collecting 7:31

TypewriterMinutes - Typewriter Review: 1963 Sears Cutlass - YouTube<br /> by [[TypewriterMinutes]]<br /> accessed on 2025-12-26T01:20:57

https://www.theriaults.com/events/listing/14714/shirley-temples-personal-childhood-typewriter-with-inscription

u/capnrefsmmat reply to

u/lodger238 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1hslx56/huh_i_thought_wd40_was_horrible_as_a_lubricant/<br /> Agree completely and to further the point; typewriters were manufactured with low tolerance in many areas just so they wouldn't need lubricating.

A Visual Compendium of Typewriters – Pop Chart<br /> accessed on 2025-12-06T20:50:36

https://www.reddit.com/r/TypewriterRepair/comments/1pbnomi/mainspring_twisted/

Reply to u/banksclaud at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1pf09vb/please_help_surprise_my_son/

Etsy can often have people flipping machines without having any work done, so be careful on what price you're paying for what you're getting. If it's over $350, it ought to fully serviced and have some sort of guarantee. Otherwise, find something at your local repair shop: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

This question is asked so often, I've written up some good general advice which should apply to your child: https://boffosocko.com/2025/03/29/first-time-typewriter-purchases-with-specific-recommendations-for-writers/ For the age and your desire not to be bulky, go for a portable machine and not a larger standard or the more finnicky ultra-portables.

Some might opt for the brighter colored typewriters for kids for the "fun" factor, but I've found, having done a few type-ins with a huge variety of machines, that it's often the adults that are drawn to the colorful machines (which tend to be less well-built and plastic-y/cheaper) while kids will respond well to the older, duller vintage machines.

Here's a few 1950's advertisements directed at parents of kids just for fun: <br /> - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTrkDa-GuSI<br /> - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOIRul7pXDY

https://www.hanttula.com/typeworks/

https://tickatickading.com/

Collaborating with the Nazis: The Black Mark on Remington’s Typewriter History<br /> by [[Robert Messenger]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-26T10:13:43

Royal KMM basic introduction

Looks like a post-war standard Royal KMM, sometimes best known as the machine used by Jessica Fletcher in the TV show Murder She Wrote (as well as the upcoming Jamie Lee Curtis reboot.)

Richard Polt has you covered for the manual and some repair manuals/information.

Some contemporaneous videos on use and maintenance may help.

As for ribbon replacement, try this video. 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 1/2 inch wide universal ribbon onto them, remove the eyelette which isn't needed and may interfere with the auto reverse. If necessary, Ribbons Unlimited carries these spools or you can get them (and ribbon) from a local typewriter repair shop.

Ribbon purveyors: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1. I prefer Baco and Fine Line for their spectacular pricing and quality.

Other known historical users of the Royal KMM:

• John Ashbery
• Russell Baker
• Ray Bradbury
• Richard Brautigan
• Richard Brooks
• Pearl S. Buck
• Johnny Carson (or possibly KMG)
• Norman Corwin
• Frank Herbert
• Helen Keller
• Murray Kempton
• Ken Kesey
• George Washington Lee
• Harper Lee
• Ursula K. LeGuin
• David McCullough
• Margaret Mead
• Dorothy Paraker
• Grantland Rice
• Georges Simenon
• Christina Stead
• Tom Wolfe

https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1p42tr1/typewriter_ribbon/

It's a small metal ring/hub that fits onto the ribbon spindle. You can call around to repair shops for replacements (which may be the cheapest route) https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html. Ribbons Unlimited https://ribbonsunlimited.com also sells these hubs with ribbon attached, but it's more expensive to do this, but once you've got them, you can buy ribbon by itself for much cheaper in the future and just wind the new ribbon onto existing spool hubs.

Here's some useful videos which might help you out: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTFM54VKKc4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQTa4b7jPs (This one has some advice about using a Remington without the spools.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1p24iee/remington_deluxe_only_works_when_vertical/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1p1w0vx/what_type_of_ribbon_would_this_need/

How to Fix a Typewriter and Your Life<br /> by [[Kurt Streeter]], [[Ruth Fremson]] in - The New York Times<br /> accessed on 2025-11-20T14:52:06

not obvious, but a tiny nod to escapements may be hiding here...

http://writingball.blogspot.com/2014/09/mystery-machine-specialized-lc-smith.html

see another potential example: https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1oincod/can_someone_tell_me_what_yearmodel_this_is/

https://www.typewriter.company/pt/products/rare-olivetti-typewriter-cartridge-ribbon-for-olivetti-lettera-10-12-lettercart-ribbon

It seems like the cartridges for the Lettera 12 are no longer available.

see also: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ov8fa3/olivetti_lettera_12/

For the ribbon vibrator portion, they had to choose at least one key to check, and likely choose one of the repair person's favorite default alignment keys.

It's used in alignment because the capital H is both wide and tall and the lower case h goes above the midline which neither m nor n do. On serifed faces (especially), the HHHhhhHHH combination creates a pretty nice visual baseline to ensure the the type has the proper "motion" and is "on feet". These Hs at both ends of the platen and in the center help to check print evenness when doing the ring and cylinder adjustment. They're also useful when adjusting the level of the line indicator though other letters like m, n, z, and k aren't bad either. Letters like v and i are thinner or almost non-existent on the baseline in comparison.

They also frequently use the / character which extends both above and below most other characters to ensure proper alignment with respect to both a bichrome ribbon and the strike against the platen. You want a nice even imprint from top to bottom. % is also good for this as well.

Some of the repair manuals at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html as well as some of Ted Munk's manuals available through the typewriter database describe many of these adjustments and suggest specific letters for easier visual inspections.

I'd be curious to hear other repair people's favorite letters and characters.

Incidentally, for installing ribbon, many but not all manuals will suggest putting the bichrome setting to red and then simultaneously pressing the G and H keys so that their typebars gently jam together just in front of the typing point. This raises the ribbon vibrator to its highest point and makes it easier to thread the ribbon into it.

reply to https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ovt8ry/but_why_the_h_key/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ou3svd/just_toured_the_museum_of_printing_in_haverhill/

Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA has a section of typewriters.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1otng3x/underwood_wont_type_straight/

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/12-7mmx920M-Black-Inked-Ribbon-Inked_1600231049141.html

Bulk manufacturer of typewriter ribbon

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1or40h6/successful_attempt_at_homemade_multicolor_ribbon/

Old book typewriter Underwood Elliott-Fisher (1930), how to type on books, and why (video N°103)<br /> by [[Old Typewriters and Calculators]] on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2025-11-09T09:32:48

reply to u/SlumberCrow at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1orwxqq/type_writer_leaving_small_divets_in_paper_when/

A new platen will certainly help, but it's also a question of having a proper ring and cylinder adjustment across the length of your platen and segment. Often letters that punch through tend to be the . , and o which are at the extreme end of the segment. Some machines have adjustment screws at either end of the carriage and the adjustment should be checked at not only the center of the platen but both ends. If you don't have an experienced mechanic who knows how to do all of this properly you can easily get issues which will most often show up at the far ends of the the segment/platen.

Beyond a proper adjustment, it's also the case that the surface area of the . and , are smaller than other characters and so they tend to get more force even when actuated by the weaker fingers on the right hand when touch typing. Some older manuals and training films will suggest putting less pressure on these keys when typing. This is likely even more important for those who hunt-and-peck and are likely using the full force of their index fingers.

Unless your ribbon is obviously dry or marginal, replacing your ribbon isn't likely to help much. Slugs are made out of hardened steel and you'd have to do something incredibly drastic to damage the slugs, so don't sweat that too much. Backing sheet will help as a stop-gap particularly on machines with older/hardened platens, but there's only so much help that will do without a good platen and a properly adjusted machine.

reply to question about tension control at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1orxtvt/strange_lever/

Joe Van Cleave has a great video on this with respect to the Smith-Corona 5 series that will give one an idea on the entirety of adjustment points that are at play in some typewriters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYOXgqiHBmg

Personally, I've yet to run across a vintage Series 5 machine whose user-facing control lever was adjusted in a way such that it did anything at all because the linkages were so far out of whack. I suspect this may be the case on a lot of vintage machines.

On some machines the adjustment isn't controlling the amount of finger force one must apply, but it's controlling springs relating more to the return of the typebars and the slugs so that touch typers can type much faster without having issues with typebar return jamming things up.

Further, on many machines the dynamic range of forces involved is so narrow that most hobbyist and occasional typists aren't going to really notice a significant difference. This may be different for those who are more experienced and used to typing on a manual machine for several hours a day.

When your left pinkie is the weakest finger and the 1 key is the longest reach, who cares on a mechanical typewriter? Even my later Smith-Coronas with a dedicated 1, I still use a lower case "l". It's probably more of a distraction for those who hunt and peck and expect the 1 to be up there with the rest of the numbers.

I'm irked that the lower case "l" on my computer doesn't give me the number 1. I'm even more irked on my Royal FP with Clarion Double Gothic that I have to remember to do a capital "I" to get the 1 and end up with either a lower case "l" or sometimes even an upper case "L".

I also have a macro for searching my computer drafts for asterisks so that I can change them to the appropriate apostrophes because my laptop keyboard is just wrong. I've got half a dozen different language keyboards installed on my computer, I just wish one of them was 1950's Royal Standard!

reply to u/Obvious-Bug-5214 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1or7eb6/no_1_keydoes_anybidy_miss_it/

Royal KHM KHY Typewriter, Replace Broken Type Bar Link, Modified Fabricated New Part from Paper Clip - YouTube<br /> by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-07T09:30:07

A rebuilt Royal KHM with a KHY serial number?!

You know a typewriter is being used as flimsy filler decoration when it's sitting on a shelf and simultaneously serving as a book support. [38:33]

A real writer's typewriter is free and clear so that the carriage can move its full length.

https://mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us/products/chrome-plated-smith-corona-typewriter-part-of-david-rain-collection-tom-arden

https://mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/collections/typewriter-accessories-parts/products/one-spool-nut-olivetti-typewriter-lettera-22-32-44-studio-45-dora-dl-underwood-315-screw-holder

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1op26q1/olivetti_studio_42_spool_nuts_size/

DIN 466 M3 nuts fit most Olivetti Studio 42s as replacement spool nuts, but some of the earlier models use smaller ones.

Symptom: Ghosting lines overlaying typed text:

This is assuredly not a type slug cleaning issue and the secret is that the loops in the letters like "a", "e", "o", etc. are clear. The lines are caused by the paper not being held to the platen, so when the slug hits, you're getting ink from the other part of the slug transferring to the paper. The remedy is to tuck the paper underneath the paper bale and rollers.

If one still sees issues after this then check your manual to ensure that the ribbon is properly threaded followed by a check that the ribbon vibrator isn't bent too far away from the typing point and too close to the platen and causing the ribbon to rub against the paper.

A New U: Replacing a key legend on a Royal KMM typewriter<br /> by [[Richard Polt]] on The Typewriter Revolution blog<br /> accessed on 2025-11-04T10:16:51

A good, short tutorial on how to replace the key legends of a glass key typewriter with photos and tools. Also includes a .pdf template for the legends of a Royal KMM typewriter.

via Patty Perkins at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TypewriterCollectors/posts/10162788538859678/

mud wasp/mud dauber nest in a typewriter<br />

RESTORATION of an antique typewriter "BASHKIRIA" 1923. Restoration OF A 100-YEAR-OLD TYPEWRITER. - YouTube<br /> by [[PSV Restoration]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-01T23:46:28

SCM Electra 220 Versus Coronet Automatic 12 - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-01T22:48:53

The Coronet Automatics were one of the first in their line with 1/2 line spacing.

the key guide<br /> by [[Sarah Everett]] of [[Just My Typewriter]]<br /> accessed on 2025-11-01T22:44:16

A collection of photos of keys for typewriter cases

Hunting for Typewriter Accessories - YouTube<br /> by [[Just My Typewriter]] - Sarah Everett accessed on 2025-11-01T22:07:29

Estate sales often have interesting office supplies and paper in desks.

2:45 typewriter ribbon tins; made out of tin, cardboard, paper<br /> sometimes tins come with spools or spare parts

5:35 Typewriter ribbon display kits and pieces

6:58 Typewriter case keys<br /> She's collected images of case keys to know what to buy.<br /> She's got a buying guide on her website with photos.

10:04 Typewriter key tops

13:20 typewriter brushes and cleaning products, blower brushes, typeslug cleaners,

15:25 Typing books, user manuals, Typatune,

16:29 Typewriter toys; often in the $25+ range

17:23 Typewriter advertisements<br /> Sarah often purchases these online and uses them in her videos.<br /> Underwood fingernail polish advertisements

19:15 Typewriter playing cards (advertisement)

20:13 Typewriter related postcards

20:45 Typewriter books:<br /> - references; lots online; - Anthony Casillo - Typewriters (coffee books) - Michael Adler: Antique Typewriters - Paul Robert and Peter Weil - Iron Whim by Darren Werschler-Henry - non-fiction, history, - books written by other collectors<br /> - Tom Hanks' Uncommon Type<br /> - Olivetti by Allie Millington

Crescent City Books in New Orleans - has typewriters as decoration

25:03 Typewriter community collectors/creators<br /> - Lucas Dul - The Williams Typewriter (Loose Dog Press) - Loose Dog Press series<br /> - Woz Flint - The Distraction-Free First Draft<br /> - Richard Polt - The Typewriter Revolution (after thought)

28:43: Typewriter Magazines - ETCetera - Novellum Magazine (Writing related)

Katie Nolan Destroys UNC’S Mike Lombardi Over His 'Cute' Typewriter Video<br /> by [[Stephen Douglas]] for Sports Illustrated<br /> accessed on 2025-10-30T13:53:59

https://www.berkley-fishing.com/collections/line-tools/products/line-counter

Off-label use of a line counter with typewriter ribbon length?

Off-label uses for linewinders as typewriter ribbon winders?

• https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fishing-Line-Winder-Spooler-Aluminum-Alloy-Spooling-Station-Adjustable-Rotating-Axis-Steel-Frame-Clamp-Workbench-Fishing-Line-Spooler-Machine-Multipl/17084510284?classType=REGULAR
• https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fishing-Line-Spoolers-Adjustable-Fishing-Line-Winders-Spoolers-Machine-Spinnings-Baitcasting-Reel-Spooling/17886252799?classType=VARIANT
• https://www.walmart.com/ip/Apooke-Spinning-Reel-Fishing-Line-Fishingline-Winder-Equipment-Winder-Spooler-Machine-with-Suction-Cup-Fishing-Line-Spooler/5648376830?classType=REGULAR

https://www.trianglesport.com/

Potential off-label use cases for their line winders with respect to spooling typewriter ribbon?

http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/springs/springs.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1oi6808/space_runs_too_fast_with_loud_buzzing_sound_plz/ reply via u/ahelper

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ojf7oe/oil_for_typewriter/

via /jbhusker<br /> SC 6 series part 1.

Making Tab Stops for an LC Smith Typewriter : 3 Steps - Instructables<br /> by [[Instructables]]<br /> accessed on 2025-10-30T11:30:29

https://discord.com/channels/639936208734126107/639938269030907914/1302694827682697330

Pelicram's Shellac Rescue Formula aka The Cowboy's Delight.

This will help bring back a deeper black color shellaced panels which have been yellowed and damaged by UV over the years. With enough elbow grease it will remove the old shellac completely but it takes a very long time and you're likely to damage any decals present on the panel. In most cases the procedure described below will be sufficient to restore the appearance to an acceptable level.

The recipe: - 70% Light machine oil. - 30% IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or White/Mineral Spirits.

Ideally use an oil that is dissolved into the IPA/Mineral Spirits, if they settle into separate layers make sure you shake the mixture thoroughly before applying.

Mix the oil and solvent in something like a dropper bottle or similar vessel for convenient application.

• Clean part with Fulgentin (Or general purpose cleaner of your choice) and wipe dry.
• Apply oil/ipa mix to part and rub in lightly with clean microfiber cloth or shop towel. Use plenty of the mix, it should not feel dry.
• Wipe with microfiber cloth after 15 minutes to get rid of any excess.
• Do not apply any kind of wax (like Renessaince Wax) afterwards, from my testing it will bring back the haziness.

https://www.typewriters101.com/how-to-ship-a-typewriter.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1oblfvo/service_booklet_2/

See also Google Drive document with details.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1926-mercedes-4.19461.typewriter<br /> "Steile Sierschrift" (Steep ornamental font) <br /> RaRo foundry mark 5 circle I<br /> paired with<br /> RaRo foundry mark 57 AR

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1926-mercedes-4.19461.typewriter via Kevin Stallaert

https://typewriterchicago.com/shop/parts

https://pelicram.github.io/The-Typewriter-Blog-You-Will-Eventually-Read/blog/2023/continental-identification/

Down All the Days (2013 Mix)<br /> by [[ThePoguesOfficial]] on YouTube accessed on 2025-10-23T08:36:17

Making Custom Typewriter Rubber Stamps<br /> by Sam on Neo-Renaissance<br /> accessed on 2025-10-22T14:12:54

typewriter plays a central role in the story

via Darren Herschler-Henry's book

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1098284832490290/

via Aaron Mitchell at https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1102482705403836/

Typewriter Typebar Holding Rack by grifter7 - Thingiverse<br /> by [[grifter7]] on [[Thingiverse.com]]<br /> accessed on 2025-10-22T10:26:22

Tool: Typebar Sorting Rack