Lube-All Oiler LA124 Triple Pack, 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz Bottles with Flexible Spout and In Cap Shut-off Valve<br /> https://crawfordtool.com/products/lube-all-oiler-la124-triple-pack-1-oz-2-oz-and-4-oz-bottles-with-flexible-spout-and-in-cap-shut-off-valve?variant=42824191901937

Bottles that could be useful for dispensing either oil or lacquer thinner/mineral spirits.

"Modern Family" Career Day (TV Episode 2013)

Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) begins working on a novel using a typewriter.

Green Olympia SM series. Likely an SM2 because it didn't have the SM3 tabulator stops on the back and didn't appear to have tab keys on the keyboard.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kasbah-mod-typewriters_n_1453776

https://groups.io/g/TYPEWRITERS/topic/soldering_type_slugs/82277130?p=

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/14szjp/decided_to_share_one_of_mine/

Description and tools for swapping out typewriter slugs by soldering.

https://imgur.com/a/typewriter-tools-sSBsL

https://www.theeagleeyeprojekt.com/

Very pro-use and sharing of typewriter tools. May do a kickstarter-like project to make tools and sell them.

Cormac McCarthy's Typewriter Brings $254,500 at Auction by [[Randy Kennedy]] on 2009-12-04

Typewriter / Typeface: The Legacy of the Writing Machine in Type Design by [[María Ramos]] on July 12, 2016

National Office Machine Dealer Association

Back to the Futura: The Jetsons' Typewriter - Royal Futura 800 600 400 by [[Lazy Dog Typewriters]]

Willy Wonka's Golden Typewriter - Rare Olympia SM3 & SM4 Typewriters by [[Lazy Dog Typewriters]]

Empire Sky-Riter Typewriter Review by Smith Corona: The End of Empire by [[Lazy Dog Typewriters]]

Around 1960 Smith-Corona bought out British Typewriters Ltd. (aka Empire) in West Bromwich, England and used the plant to make a version of the Smith-Corona Skyriter which they sold under the Empire name.

The majority of typewriter typefaces came in one of a few sizes either pica (10 characters per inch) or elite (11 or 12 CPI). Usually you can tell by the number of characters on rule at the back of the paper table. A scale that goes up to 85 is usually indicative of Pica machine (85*10 CPI = 8.5", which is the standard paper width in the US) and a scale that goes into the the 90s up to 102 indicates elite. There were definitely other sizes for custom typing, but they're rarer. You might see things like 6 CPI which was used for children or people with vision problems and machines that go up to 18 CPI. I've heard rumors of 20 CPI, but never seen one.

Distinguishing some European keyboards on typewriters.

via u/Cevkica at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1eih25t/finally_got_a_letera_32/lg70tm0/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ejclso/resurface_type_leverskey_lever_and_other_metal/

https://www.youtube.com/@slug_life

aka u/Private_Bonkers on Reddit r/typewriters

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1eirayg/comment/lg9h02w/

Smith-Corona Series 5 and 6 typewriters had a small piece of rubber around a portion of the escapement which can wear out or become damaged. This in turn causes the escapement to not work properly and cause the dogs to get jammed resulting in large movements of the carriage while typing or spacing.

Joe Van Cleave calls it the "return silencer" and replaced his by tracing out the damaged piece on a sheet of 1/32" rubber and cutting it out as a replacement.

Duane at Phoenix typewriter describes replacing it with rubber tubing (possibly something like heat shrink?) instead. See: https://hypothes.is/a/tG4BWk77Ee-jczsjoM8SzA

I love that Joe is helping out with a local school's analog typewriter club.

Typewriter Escapement Repair by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Meet the Dublin man meticulously restoring vintage typewriters | IMAGE.ie by [[Lizzie Gore-Grimes]]

Reasonable estimate it would seem. I haven't seen any others before.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1909-taurus-taurus.16641.typewriter

Prettily Painted Portable Typewriters by [[Robert Messenger]]

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/8t6ym5/dvorak_typewriters/

Converting A Typewriter To Colemak by [[Jan Söndermann]]

Smith Corona Typewriter Repaired Flying Carriage ! Fixed Escapement Pawl by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Pawl was frozen on escapement. He also took out a piece of the rubber which he planned to replace with some surgical tubing to add a small layer of spacing.

This repair is similar to part of that at Smith Corona Typewriter Power Spacer Escapement Repair Adjustment No Silencer Model

Smith Corona Typewriter Power Spacer Escapement Repair Adjustment No Silencer Model by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

SCM typewriter escapement and margin lock/release by [[Nis Kildegaard]]

https://www.antiquetypewriters.com/

reply to u/DinoPup87 at https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1efzeor/adler_tippa_id/

It's a common misconception that the database lists all serial numbers.

You'll need to identify the make (and preferably the model) to search the database. Then you'll want to look at the serial numbers which your serial number appears between to be able to identify the year (or month if the data is granular enough) your machine was made. Reading the notes at the header of each page will give you details for how best to read and interpret the charts for each manufacturer. Notes and footnotes will provide you with additional details when available.

You can then compare your machine against others which individuals have photographed and uploaded to the database. Feel free to add your typewriter as an example by making an account of your own. Doing this is sure to help researches and other enthusiasts in the future. Don't forget photos of your manual, tools which came with your machine, your case, and original dated purchase receipts if you have them.

Chances are that you've got your original metal spools, and if so, definitely keep them. You can make a quick measurement, but I'm guessing you're going to want 1/2" or 13mm wide universal ribbon.

You can buy this in many places and in various color combinations (if you have a bichrome machine—look for a black/white/red switch which can usually be found on the front of your machine) for just a few dollars for 16 yards or about 14 meters to fill up a 2 inch diameter spool. Often it will come on cheap universal plastic spools which you can use to wind onto your own original metal spools if necessary.

Some machines often make use of proprietary mechanisms or geometry on their spools to effectuate the auto-reverse mechanism of the machine (though you'd have to check on your particular unit). Many machines after the 40s used small grommets on the ribbon itself to trigger the auto-reverse mechanism. If yours doesn't, you can trim these off with scissors as you spool the ribbon onto your machine if you're worried they'll get in the way.

Some smaller ultra-portables can and often do use smaller diameter spools which only fit 12 yards of ribbon, but you can always cut your ribbon down from bigger spools if necessary.

A few good sources of ribbon can be found at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1.

If you don't have the original spools and the cheap plastic universal ones don't work on yours, you can find replacements via https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/ or by calling around to repair shops which may have extras https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

Incidentally, having your typewriter make and model as well as serial number can be helpful. You can often identify the model via https://typewriterdatabase.com/ if it's not on your typewriter directly. I'm guessing from the 2Y5852 that you've got a Good Companion No. 2 circa 1942, but you can track that down by looking at the database and individual galleries with photos.

If you don't have one already, you might find a manual for your machine (or one very similar to it) at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

reply to u/Fancy_Temporary_5902 at https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1eg176q/im_trying_to_id_a_typewriter_of_my_dads_as_it/

Smith Corona Typewriter Ribbon Vibrator Bind, Lift Sticking Up, Forming/Adjusting Process by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

u/Affectionate-Dog8414 has started a small repair shop in their garage. Denver, CO

Turning a passion for typewriters into a thriving LA County business by [[KCAL news]]

https://archive.org/details/Artyping/mode/2up

Artyping by Julius Nelson , The Gregg Publishing Co., 1939

https://abqtypers.substack.com/p/convertible-typewriter-desk

Listed for $400, but would go as low as $350.

I've used the small typewriter tables with drop sides and wheels before. I appreciate their small size and ability to move around. I'm actively looking for a new one at the moment. (I sold the original 20 years ago when downsizing during a move between apartments and prior to restarting my collection.)

I currently use a dual pedestal desk and and usually have my typewriters on the pull out writing drawers. This drops the typewriter an inch and makes one's typing position (27" off the floor) much more comfortable than having the typewriter higher up 29-31" for most modern desks and tables.

I have tested a pedestal desk with a spring-loaded typewriter platform that moves up and out of the desk after opening a door. This was an excellent experience, and if I find another, I will surely purchase it. The tough part is that they take up a lot of space as the internal desk space is given entirely to hiding the typewriter when not in use. They're definitely great if you have a heavy 30+ pound standard typewriter that's not so mobile.

The third type are wooden desks with two desk height levels. One for traditional desk work and a second lower one as the typewriter platform. The lower height is obviously much more ergonomic for typing for long periods. On most of these desks, the inset typewriter space is most often given completely over for the typewriter to be there permanently. If your plan is to only have a typewriter, then jump, but their use is more difficult if you're sharing that space with a computer and need to move the two back and forth regularly. Additionally, the wooden desks have either permanent cut outs or can be flipped over to hide the cutout and make the entire desk space flush when the typewriter isn't in use. You'll have to use your own gut to decide which of these two might be best for you. I recently saw a reasonable version of a convertible wooden desk at https://abqtypers.substack.com/p/convertible-typewriter-desk

I find these pop up pretty regularly in the $200-500 range. Often owners don't want them because they don't use typewriters, and they don't move easily, so they're likely to come down in price pretty quickly/easily.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/19xx-olivetti-eton.23086.typewriter

https://www.m-morren.nl/

https://www.m-morren.nl/1730210_reviving-typewriters-with-custom-3d-printed-feet

https://finedayglobal.com/collections/keyboard

Typewriter Type Bar Alignment, Sticking Keys, Smith Corona Speed Booster Rebound Wire Adjusted by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Triumph! by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 160: Servicing the Triumph Norma 6 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe Van Cleave shows how to raise/lower individual type slugs by bending the typebars, particularly the ones out toward the end, without using custom typewriter repair tools.

time stamp 19:25

Triumph Norm 6 Revisited by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

The 7Keys Retro Typewriter Keyboard by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Sarah thought it was fairly solid for a mid level price. Replaceable blue keys, so a nice mechanical keyboard experience. Better than some of the cheap white label drop ship keyboards in the space.

how to SOUNDPROOF a typewriter by [[Just My Typewriter]]

She uses piano felt to restore the original felt rests of a Smith-Corona Skyriter. Technically not soundproofing, but restoration. We get the point.

Mr. Sinister- Remington All New Typewriter- Custom Painted and Typing Like a Dream by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Choosing the Right Typewriter by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

typewritering as a retcon neologism with respect to keyboarding

https://johnlewismechanicalantiques.com/cleaning-and-restoration/

John Lewis lays out his restoration process here

https://johnlewismechanicalantiques.com/

John Lewis in Albuquerque, NM, a typewriter repair person since 1966.

https://johnlewismechanicalantiques.com/packing-instructions/

Solid advice for shipping typewriters here, which is frequently repeated. This advice is given by a specialist with expertise in typewriter repair and restoration.

Royal Quiet De Luxe Magic Margin Stuck Won't Slide Clean Flush Restore Operation of Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

50+ year old oil can cause parts of a typewriter to seize and not work properly. Hitting it with some heavy degreaser (lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, etc.) and some compressed air as well as getting the parts moving will help clean these parts out.

Excess oil on a typewriter can be cleaned up with both air and a clean rag.

Fun tip:

Spraying down a typewriter body and painted portions with oil before treating with lacquer thinner will help to prevent the etching of painted portions which might be splashed during the cleaning process.

It may help to spread the oil out with a cloth or by hand, particularly on the rulers.

Royal HH Typewriter Ribbon Spindle Shaft Frozen, Analysis and Repair Procedure by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Troubleshooting a frozen spindle. Discovered that the spindle was frozen internally. Flushed with lacquer thinner and then blown out.

worn-out 1950s Royal HH typewriter, lubricating mechanism and replace ribbon by Rinoa's Auspicious Travails

very meh... wouldn't recommend for over-reliance on sewing machine oil to get a typewriter "working" again. The ribbon swap part wasn't bad.

Royal KMM FPE HH KH 10 T1 B64 Typewriter Ribbon Install Rewind Respool Replace by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

The spools for the standard Royal typewriters (KMM, FPE, HH, KH, 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.

The function of the mechanism is fairly similar to that of the Remington, but the mechanism is on the spool itself rather than on the spindle.

If necessary, Ribbons Unlimited carries these metal spools: https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/6N064-Royal-Standard-Electric-Ribbon-64-p/6n064.htm

Royal HH & FP typewriter shipping help by [[Typewriter Justice]]

Advice for how to package a heavy standard typewriter for shipping. Two heavy rubberbands to hold the margin release buttons to protect the escapement. Then plastic wrap to keep the carriage from moving during shipment. Then protection for the knobs and carriage return levers put into a first box. Then packing peanuts in a second box, fill to completely full and tape closed.

Royal Empress by [[Joe Van Cleave]] and [[Kevin Kittle]]

Royal Standards were broadly the same internally from 1912 onward.

Royal FP Typewriter (1958) | Quick Look & Typing Sample by [[Type Pals]]

meh...

lots of uncomfortable laughter

Royal HHE Typewriter Demo of Features and Functions by [[Cincinnati Typewriter]]

Orange and black typewriter painted when they thought Bengals were going to Super Bowl.

Sadly didn't get the purpose of the numbered guides... presupposed they were in millimeters, but knew it wasn't that.

Very shaky video... nauseating.

Didn't differentiate between permanent and temporary variable line levels. Didn't get the way these work at all.

Missed subtleties of Magic Margin, but did well enough.

"strikers" instead of slugs or hammers

Painted the colors on the bichrome wrong.

Only partially understands touch control. Definitely doesn't know how to adjust them.

Definitely don't use this as an example.

Seems like an amateur painting and (maybe) cleaning up typewriters from home. I don't think I'd trust him based on this video.

1954 Royal HH, repainted | Typewriter Tutorial by [[Jot & Tittle Vintage Typewriters]]

Pseudo-professional explaining the functionality of a Royal HH (sales video)

took her two tries to get the proper ribbon reversal... <br /> didn't get/understand the touch control function<br /> Not original spools<br /> Doesn't understand card fingers<br /> At least knew "stencil", but didn't explain it beyond "it won't type"<br /> Didn't have a specific size for the large carriage<br /> Had issue with ribbon tension<br /> Couldn't get the hood button several times

"I wouldn't write a long book on here." What the hell is she talking about? This was the entire purpose of this machine.

1952 HH Royal #Typewriter Overview by [[T4Vista]] Wilson Trivino

Another sales video showing features of a typewriter when they have no idea what any of the parts are or how they're actually working... sigh...

How to use all functions on a 1952 Royal HHE vintage desktop typewriter by [[Brooksaw Antiques]]

"sales video" but it does go through a list of most functionality, though missing a few of the finer typing points. Obviously they're not typewriter aficionados.

Video could be better, particularly a traditional horizontal rather than vertical layout.

The Royal HH: my FAVORITE desk typewriter by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Good basic intro, and overview, but doesn't get into deep functionality review. Short list of some writers who used it from Richard Polt's site, though not complete.

Royal Typewriter Family by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

In Typewriter Video Series Episode 321 Joe and Kevin explore the Royal Heritage, Empress and Safari.

The Royal Futura and subsequent Royal Heritage were successor machines to the Royal Quiet De Luxe.

The Empress and the Safari have a sort of Jetsons (1962-1963) esthetic.

Colloquial collection of typewriter fan names by Kevin and Joe:<br /> Cult of Hermes<br /> Royal Family<br /> Remington Rebels<br /> Smith-Corona Silent Superiors

https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/09/11/playing-with-ire/

quote via u/edward_slizzerhands

Stradavarius : violin : varnish :: West German Engineering : typewriter : cigarettes

Sounds right, but double check https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e8r1vi/olivetti_dora/

https://www.magicmargin.net/2011/07/typewriter-cover-pattern.html

Sewing pattern for a typewriter cover

The IBM Personal Typewriter and the Selectric 1 - IBMs Two Smallest Typewriters by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Sad to see Lucas drop a type element (golf ball) at the end and break it...

Sometimes the most important thing about a tool is not that it accomplishes its purpose—like every other typewriter will—, but how much you enjoy using it.<br /> —Lucas Dul, in The IBM Personal Typewriter and the Selectric 1 - IBMs Two Smallest Typewriters, timestamp 10:28

The Minimal Complete Typewriter Collection by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe Van Cleave's personal six categories in a (his) typewriter collection: - Standard manual - medium-sized portable (largest segment in the collector's space) - lightweight portable or ultra-portable - typebar electric - IBM Selectric - Electronic typewriter (thermal typewriter), portable, quiet, battery operation.

Joe's minimal collection based on what he's got in his collection currently and the condition that they're in: - Royal KMM (his only standard) - Hermes 3000 (boxy middle era) - Olympia Splendid 33 (he's also got a Royal Mercury & Groma Kalibri) - Olympia Reporter - Selectric I (the only one he's got) cloth, ribbon cartridge system, no lift-off correction - Canon Typestar 220

Some of Joe's most important criteria in a typewriter: he prefers an elite face, 1 1/2 spacing, and bichrome setting.

At the time of this recording Joe had 30 typewriters.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 232: Galaxie XII by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

He's done another video on this machine before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWuny5KFccU

LD Ribbon (T677BR, compatible with Olympia) are good ribbons Joe Van Cleave recommends as being inexpensive for about a $1 per spool from Amazon. Although they're DIN spools compatible with Olympia machines, he's used them in his Smith-Corona Galaxie 12. [timestamp 20:37}(https://youtu.be/fwk1jTH5bLA?si=QePpvzF_o80Yq6T3&t=1237)

Joe Van Cleave has tags for his typewriters which also include typeface samples. timestamp 1:31

Typewriter Video Series Episode 41 - Smith-Corona Galaxie 12 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

via u/IrmaBecx at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e73576/comment/ldy6tjq/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

With Antares portable typewriters on can often use the top cover of the case upside down and the typewriter will sit snugly inside and can be used as a lap desk.

https://www.austintypewriterink.com/

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1954-remington-quietriter.20681.typewriter

"Remi the Duck"<br /> US QWERTY / 10 CPI / Pica 134 (534)<br /> Hard Platen (original)<br /> Everett "Everetto" Henderson of Austin Typewriter Ink (custom painted/serviced)<br /> No.3 in Everett's "Inked Machine" series

https://munk.org/typecast/2011/04/25/1964-nomda-blue-book-remington-font-styles/

Based on the labels on typewriter ribbon donated by Octavia Butler, she got her ribbon from Office Machines Incorporated which had locations at 543 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA and 433 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA.

via https://anacostia.si.edu/collection/object/acm_2004.0007.0002

SCM Electric Typewriters by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Tips for cleaning the Smith-Corona 6 series electric typewriters and details about how they work.

S-C also made this series of typewriter for both Sears and Singer under their branding. (including the Singer Electric in this video.)

The belts on the electric motor and cams was originally a rubber 'V' belt which is no longer manufactured. Using 1/8" round cross-section o-rings of appropriate sizes (for water cannister applications) is the recommended replacement, however one may need to slightly move the drive motor down a bit so that the belt doesn't hit the frame of the typewriter and thereby destroying it over time.

Cleaning and lubricating the drive motors and moving pieces before using may help before trying out a typewriter which has been sitting for long periods of time.

Some later models had an electric return, which can tend to be violent. Electro 220 and Coronet Automatic 12 have an additional clutch and draw band (and lack of return lever on the carriage) for their electric returns.

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/204393495

Royal P typewriter with Vogue typeface which sold for $902.00 on ShopGoodWill.com on 2024-07-16.

Given my current r/typewriter flair ("typewriters + card index = magic"), I couldn't help but appreciate that Lucas Dul features a 3x5" card index (aka database) of typewriter typefaces in a recent video on the 1896 Williams 3 typewriter: https://youtu.be/T1zzXwB3Xh8?si=K4FeiS-V_aev9_SZ&t=506. Those who have been following along on the typeface front will recognize some of the samples from this small index having been featured in a video on typewriter typefaces at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scrguKgDNIY.

I'm reminded of a similar card index (or Zettelkasten if you speak German) database of type I saw last year via the Letterform Archive article at Schriftenkartei [Typeface Index], 1958–1971 and a related Flickr version of it at https://www.flickr.com/photos/letterformarchive/albums/72177720310834741/

Lest you think these sorts of analog office pairings are completely obsolete, I feel compelled to mention that I've recently noticed that Pam Beasley's character had both an IBM typewriter and a metal 1970s/80s era two drawer metal card file behind her desk in the TV series The Office (NBC, 2005-2013).

If typewriters and card indexes are your sort of thing, I've got a small personal collection as well as some research and writing about them which can be found at https://boffosocko.com/research/zettelkasten-commonplace-books-and-note-taking-collection/#Boxes

If you follow my collections and work, you know I'm not beyond pairing up a nice typewriter with a card index (or two).

Image of a 1948 Royal and a matching Steelcase card index.

Syndication link: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e5u5z3/era_appropriate_database_for_typewriter_typefaces/

You have to love the fact that Lucas Dul has a HON card index file of 3x5" index cards with typeface samples organized by decade.

timestamp 8:38

Type Shop, Ep. 21: Inking the 1896 Williams 3 by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

The World’s Rarest Royal Typewriter? by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

reply to u/Deep-Seaworthiness48 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e5gh4p/two_5_keys_sc_poweriter/

Things like that happened on alternate language/region typewriters. I've got a Dutch keyboard layout that repeats a % symbol twice.

It's likely that the pound symbol was needed/required so they pulled one from a pre-existing typeslug and key cap on a keyboard where the £/5 key was common and replaced the 1/! which in the era was widely known could be done by alternate means (aka lower case 'l' and '.' backspace '''.

The value of the £ was more important to the typist and because of typeface manufacture was probably easier to do in the £/5 existing combination from something like the English No. 1028, International No. 1060 keyboard, the Brazilian No. 1065, or the Danish No. 1047 all of which paired the £/5. See also: https://munk.org/typecast/2023/02/03/1954-smith-corona-scm-typewriter-type-styles-and-keyboards-catalog/

Off hand, I don't see another S-C keyboard combination from that time period that had a £ paired with any other glyph/character. In the "change-a-type" time period they likely wouldn't have done a custom black key for the £/5 when they were already manufacturing one in a matching white. If they didn't also swap out the key at the far right end of that bank, I would expect it to be a standard black '+/=' key cap and slug.

quote likely from Incontro con la Olivetti (Giorgio Ferroni, 1950) via the Archivio Nazionale Cinema Impresa

via https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e5gz0i/in_me_non_c%C3%A8_che_futuro/

DIY Restoring Yellowed Plastic Featuring Royal Mercury Typewriter

Yellowed plastics can be treated with sunshine (or other UV light for several days) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) to repair the yellowing.

reply to u/67comet at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e4hu0s/smith_corona_electra_120_ribbon_carrier_not_moving/

That piece is called a ribbon vibrator which moves the ribbon up and down. They generally operate on gravity and as a result they need to be clean and free from oil, gunk, hair, dust, etc. Usually they slide up and down freely. There's a colloquial saying in the typewriter space that "A typewriter isn't really broken unless it's clean and broken."

Occasionally ribbon vibrators can become bent which makes them inoperable and this can be remedied with some light forming (bending) with an appropriate screwdriver or needle nosed plier. You can search YouTube and you'll find a variety of videos for cleaning and forming these back into shape so that they slide cleanly.

As for your missing 1/! slug, it's unlikely that you'll find someone selling just the slug itself and then you'll need to solder it on perfectly and/or adjust it slightly with appropriate tools to get the right alignment. Far better is to check around with repair shops that might have the same or similar machines which they're parting out and then you could request one. Your best bet is to purchase the entire typebar and slug assembly from a donor machine which you can then swap out into your machine and skip the soldering. For this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMu6dUROGA can give you tips.

To find donor machines, try repair shops on this list: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

Duane of Phoenix Typewriter uses Leak-Proof Lube-all oilers for dispensing lacquer thinner on typewriters.

Lube-All Oiler LA124 Triple Pack, 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz Bottles with Flexible Spout and In Cap Shut-off Valve

Typewriter Platen Cleaning How to Clean Feed and Bail Rollers Rejuvenate Remove Ink by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Duane is obviously a fan of lacquer thinner for cleaning platens and feed rollers.

Olympia SM3 Carriage removal timestamp 5:14

Actual removal process timestamp 10:46

Olympia SM3 Carriage replacement timestamp 17:32

Olympia SM3 (1/2/4/5/7) Silent Return Spring Fix Part 5: Complete Olympia Service and Repair Series by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Removal of SM3 carriage with one screw and bolt.

Repairing silent return spring (also works for Hermes and other European models) which operates via friction. American models don't have this sort of mechanism, so one will always get the zipper sound moving the carriage back.

Olympia SM-3 SM-4 Typewriter Platen Roller Variable Ratchet Disassembly Repair Fix Plunger by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

J. J. Short Platen Day!!! My First Swap and Review- Test and Talk by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

1958 Olympia SM3 Final Type Test -Part6: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 service and set up guide. by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Gerren prefers cotton ribbons in pica machines because the larger typeface can better handle the ink.

Part 4: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 Service and Repair Series: STICKY RIBBON LIFTER by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

The universal bar lifts the ribbon vibrator.

Adjustment points to adjust the ribbon lift heights for issues with red/black on bichrome use.

Maximum travel of the universal bar adjustment screws on crossbar that attaches to springs. timestamp 5:29

Screws at the ends of the cross bar which are attached to the key springs can be adjusted slightly to provide for heavier or lighter touch control. Timestamp 6:07

reply to u/riatai69 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e3c0zy/tools_for_a_deep_maintenance/

You can do a tremendous amount with just a few things:

• thin Philips screwdriver with a small magnet to hold/catch screws
• small adjustable wrench
• bottle of Simple Green (or other mild cleaner)
• can of mineral spirits (naphtha, paint thinner, varnish remover, PB B'laster etc.) with a standard/cheap restaurant refillable ketchup/mustard squeeze bottle
• Toothbrush (and/or brass bristle brush)
• canned air
• a piece of string (useful for reattaching some pieces without more specialized tools, and particularly for reattaching springs)
• light machine oil (gun or sewing machine) for very lightly oiling your carriage rails
• YouTube for watching lots of typewriter repair videos

If you want to go higher end and do a lot more

• a set of spring hooks with push/pull ends
• full set of small wrenches
• more custom screw drivers
• a nice thick felt pad (approx 15" x 15" x 1/2"+ for having a place to sit your typewriter on without scratching it up)
• a small lazy susan big enough to set your typewriter on to more easily manipulate it
• air compressor (to replace your canned air)
• bins and trays for storing typewriter parts and screws while you're taking them apart and putting back together
• a set up for spraying down/washing out typewriters (DIY ideas include paint roller trays or plastic milk crates as a base and plastic bins for catching the run off)
• wiping cloths or similar cloth rags for wiping things down

If you want to go crazy

• Keyring pliers
• set up for respooling ribbon from 330+ yard spools
• The Manual Typewriter Repair Bible https://typewriterrepairbible.com/ as well as various other repair manuals and all the tools listed within them.
• storage shelving for 100+ typewriters
• a small collection of machines for parting out
• an 800+ square foot workshop space
• a publisher for you book about typewriters

When you're really ready for full-on insanity

• professional dunk tank and fire suppression equipment
• Your own typewriter repair shop and storefront
• I hear there's one for sale in Cambridge, MA https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/17/business/cambridge-typewriter-new-owner-retirement-tom-furrier/ It probably comes with everything mentioned above as well as lots of machines for parting out.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUkDy-CP92u0XQ4oAl4nCsgid72Z9dl4E

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwMhC_klUByXl_rHTj1O7xKKhA0-kIoBt

Adjustment screw for the Olympia SM3 on feet shift set up is just to the side of the ribbon spool/cup. Gerren indicates that he's never been able to do this adjustment properly with the typewriter body on, so it's much easier to do with it off.

The bottom adjustment point (through the side of the frame) allows one to set the base line for the on foot for the lower case letters while the top one sets the upper case.

Gerren credits Phoenix Typewriter for most of the material he's learned in terms of fixing typewriters.

Bill at Philly Typewriter has an apprentice program, but there aren't many shops that do this. (Gerren makes a joke that it's free (child) labor.)

Trip point adjustments

The trip point is the point at which the typebar trips the movement of the escapement.

The adjustment point for it is reachable by removing the small protecting plate on the bottom at the back of the machine. The escapement trigger is just underneath it.

The lower one (top if the machine is upside down) is for the lower case; the top one is for the upper case.

Screwing the screw in will cause the trip to occur sooner.

Spacebar adjustment mechanisms [13:00]

There are two, one set in the front of the bottom of the typewriter and two screws in the back, right near the escapement.

If the spacebar is hit too many times while cleaning and repairing, the spacebar won't work properly and will need some minor adjustment when the body is put back on.

He shows at the end how to remove the keytops of the individual keys.

The final check is the shift lock mechanism to make sure its aligned properly.

Part 3.5: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 service guide and tutorial: NICE RACK! Jammed carriage issues by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]