The infamous Apple typewriter memo is 40 years old ... by [[Richard Polt]]

https://makerworld.com/en/models/762248#profileId-697034<br /> Remington 5 portable

via https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gkq7ie/3d_printed_ribbon_spool_covers_for_remington_rand/

Smith Corona Vintage Typewriter Margin Rack Alignment Stop Adjustment by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

https://www.classictypewriter.com/

https://www.clicketyclacktypewriters.com/

Rolla typewriter enthusiasts open store for those enchanted by the 'clickety clack' by [[Jonathan Ahl]]

Retired collector turned repair person

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gi9mec/is_it_just_me/

https://www.3dtypewriterparts.com/

https://www.asqde.org/haas-typewriter-atlas.html

https://schriftexperte.de/en/haas-atlas/

https://schriftexperte.de/en/

https://forums.nanowrimo.org/t/typewriter-brigade-the-original-old-school/5600

https://typewriterdatabase.com/img/g17557_111429_1643735948.jpg

https://www.austintypewriterink.com/typewriters-201-general-maintenance.html

https://www.austintypewriterink.com/typewriters-101-getting-started.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfcvAZueTc0

https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/products/wood-touch-up-repair/fillers/fil-stik-putty-sticks/

Putty sticks (aka paint sticks) are good for filling in nicks and dings on furniture.

These putty sticks and some crayons are also great for restoring the colored index lines on typewriters as well as other colored metal parts and occasionally on some plastic typewriter keys.

M231-10104 SYY Red<br /> M230-0054 Crimson Rose #SN292<br /> M230-0046 COCONUT, COTTON, BRIE, HEAVY CREAM, SNOWFLAKE <br /> M230-0090 Picket Fence

https://archive.org/details/typewriter-foundry-marks-haas/mode/2up

pointer from Pelicram

via Pelicram at https://discord.com/channels/639936208734126107/639939010541649951/1289159334948765789

Ro105 is a variant of the Ro1 Standard Pica.

105 AR

via Pelicram at https://discord.com/channels/639936208734126107/639939010541649951/1289158278214844437

Hulse Manufacturing Co.<br /> 15 Lewis Street<br /> Geneva, NY

manufactured steel type for typewriters, adding machines, check protectors, etc.

https://discord.com/channels/639936208734126107/639939010541649951/1288998274916683886

Smith-Corona typewriters generally have either Hulse or RaRo slugs.

Both used the number "1" as their code for their Standard Pica typefaces.

Hulse slug pattern:

RaRo slug pattern:

via Pelicram at https://discord.com/channels/639936208734126107/639939010541649951/1289001269712916595

Typewriter Basics: Carriage Locks by [[Sarah Everett]] of [[Just My Typewriter]]

Sarah describes having a common spacebar issue when repairing a typewriter, bending the spacebar down which causes the machine not to work/advance as a result when it's put back into the typewriter shell.

Sarah also shows some type bar benders, but doesn't demonstrate how she (or her father) used them to do the repair.

https://forums.nanowrimo.org/t/anyone-using-a-typewriter/533254

Wrimos Around the World: Of Typewriters, Rhinos, and Anti-Deletion

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1949-adler-46.17557.typewriter

Mark Schrad discusses his German typewriter in episode 31 of the Austin Typewriter Ink Podcast<br /> https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/austintypewriterink/episodes/2021-02-01T21_49_07-08_00

Typewriters - Mister Rogers' Neighborhood by [[Fred Rogers]]<br /> episode 1083<br /> https://www.neighborhoodarchive.com/mrn/episodes/1083/index.html

"I was very much interested in letters." -- Fred Rogers

They're looking at what others online are listed for (and not what they've actually sold for) to set their price. They probably have no idea what the typewriter market is like and what the value of their machine really is based on a variety of factors including make/model, condition, servicing, extras, typeface. Unless their machine has an exceptionally rare typeface (usually adds $80-150) or has a brand new rubber (usually adds 30-40 for new feet) or a new platen ($100-180), then in its current condition it's probably not worth more than $50.

Once you get it, you're going to want to have it cleaned, oiled, and adjusted which will run you several hours of labor and materials at a repair shop at $50-75 per hour. It may also need one or two replacement parts.

If talking to them about the price doesn't bring it down significantly then you should pass on it. If you're not up to cleaning, adjusting, oiling a machine yourself, your best bet is to purchase something from a repair shop that already is. You'll have a far better experience. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

For comparison here's some similar machines professionally cleaned, serviced, with new ribbons and a 3 month warranty from $240-350 with some of the price depending on particular model and desirability of color. https://reeselectronics.com/search.php?search_query=smith+corona+silent&x=0&y=0

If you've got money to burn then maybe it's worth $180 to you, but if that's the case then get something in much nicer condition from a repair shop.

reply to u/EmergencyFirst7634 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gcyayc/this_a_good_buy/

Royal Strengthen Shift Springs KMM Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

I picked this up from a repair manual, but good to see my reading was correct.

Forming the tabs on the shift assembly inwards will increase the tension and responsiveness of the shift assembly on older Royal standard typewriters.

Royal Typewriter Shift Operation Full Motion Visual Aid by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Shift adjustment points and shift assembly on Royal portable typewriters

Royal KMG KMM Typewriter Shift Motion Alignment Balance Upper Lower Case Adjustment Repair by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

If the "Hanks Effect" was really so prominent, then we should see the commensurate rise in price of 5 Series Smith Coronas and particularly the Clipper and the Silent which he's also mentioned several times. In fact, he's said these would be the typewriter he'd keep if he had to get rid of all others. Given this fact, it has to be, in part, a variety of other factors which inflates the prices.

Personally I think that it's a combination of the fact that they were manufactured at the peak of typewriter use and manufacturing and before companies began using more plastic and cheaper manufacturing methods, but were also done in a later timeperiod when exterior design and color were on the rise as a differentiator in the marketplace. Quality, form, and function become part of a trifecta which drive desire and collectability.

https://amzn.to/3Aj23KL

A 42 pocket cell phone "hotel" could be repurposed to hold the typeslugs and typebar assemblies for typewriters being disassembled, cleaned, and then reassembled.

There are smaller 30 and 36 pocket versions, but 42 is just about right for the number of typebars most typewriters have.

https://www.facebook.com/yanni.giftakis/videos/8689119857811116

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gby7f5/custom_3d_printed_typewriter_cases/

While Zippo lighter fluid (Naphtha) is a bit more expensive per ounce than other solvents (mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, et al), it does usually come packaged in a dispensing container that may make it easier to dispense in a directed method into the internals of typewriters for cleaning them out.

The other benefit is that some may have it on hand for general household use without needing to make a separate trip to the hardware store.

via, but not really directly suggested by https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g9ntnj/lubricant_reccomendations/

The hardest part of typewriter repair is believing you can do it. Everything else is just instructions plus a careful, thoughtful hand.<br /> —Theodore Munk

Recorded Live - Flesh Eating Film Reels (1975) by [[S. S. Wilson]]

Idea of artificial intelligence using a typewriter to communicate. Cross reference HAL and Mr. Typewriter (Royal advertisement).

Royal KMM KMG Typewriter Feet Spacers Original Smashed Rubber Replaced by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Squished rubber feet spacers on the Royal standard typewriters can cause interfere with the universal bar and when they do, they'll need replacement.

This is the same sort of interference seen on Olympia SM3s due to their squished/flattened rubber gaskets, though the symptoms are different.

"Phoenix typewriter. Have a Royal day!" <br /> A slightly different sign off from Duane's usual... :)

ROYAL KMM Replacing Type Bar Link Remove Arm Repaired Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

This is roughly what I expected to be the case. I've got to shift the fulcrum pivot wire so I can reattach my Q and @ on a Royal KMG.

Roughly similar to Gerren's video on swapping out typefaces, but with a slightly different technique for speed of doing that. See: https://hypothes.is/a/I_-9rBV2Ee-eMotzy9_Z-Q

How To Guide- Swapping Type Bars on a Manual Typewriter -Full tips and tricks by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Me starts thinking about cornering the market in Lettera 32s and 3D printing Valentine cases to put onto them...

Crash course on typewriter maintenance and repair

A list of resources and references for the budding typewriter repair person. There is a lot here that I've compiled and consumed over the last six months, so don't be overwhelmed. Half the battle is figuring out where to find all these things, so if nothing else, this should shave off a month of reading and researching.

Basic Introductory Material

Get a notebook and be ready to take some notes so you'll remember where you found the random information you're bound to pick up over time and are able to occasionally review it.

Work your way through Sarah Everett's excellent Typewriter 101 videos (at least the first five): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

Read Richard Polt's book which is a great overview to the general space:<br /> Polt, Richard. The Typewriter Revolution: A Typist’s Companion for the 21st Century. 1st ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press, 2015.

Next watch the documentary California Typewriter. Documentary. Gravitas Pictures, 2016. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5966990/. It has some interesting subtle material hiding within it, but it will give you a good idea of where you're headed off to.

Get a machine (or four) you can practice on. Get a flat head screwdriver and maybe a small adjustable wrench. Buy some mineral spirits and a small headed toothbrush and clean out your first machine. Buy some light sewing machine oil and try oiling it. Search YouTube for videos about how to repair anything that may be wrong with it.

Basic restoration advice: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

On colloquial advice for degreasing, cleaning, and oiling manual typewriters https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/

Repair Manuals

Create an account on typewriterdatabase.com which will give you some additional access to catalogs, manuals, and dealer catalogs.

They also have some openly accessible material like:<br /> * https://typewriterdatabase.com/manuals.php

Printed manuals: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&contributor=Ted+Munk&page=1&pageSize=50 PDF manuals: https://sellfy.com/twdb

Ted Munk's website also has a plethora of ephemera that is often useful * https://munk.org/typecast/

Richard Polt's list of service manuals, which also includes some correspondence course typewriter repair classes: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html#servicemanuals

Tools

In rough order of increasing complexity:

• Typewriter Tool Kit from the DOLLAR TREE by Just My Typewriter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-7E4fM6gBw
• Some simple basics and where to get them: https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/11/adding-to-my-typewriter-toolset/
• Typewriter tools of the trade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5bKk93rtxs
• Lucas Dul's Toolset presentation: https://virtualhermans.com/lucas-dul
• Tour of an advanced hobbyist/semi-pro shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZjf6InMlgU

Tools can be expensive, so start out small with just a few things and expand as you need them. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish with a single thin bladed flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a rag, a bottle of Simple Green cleaning solution, and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.

Videos

Subscribe to and become acquainted with YouTube channels like the following:

• Duane Jensen's Phoenix Typewriter https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixtypewriter2136
• Gerren Balch's HotRod Typewriter Company https://www.youtube.com/@HotRodTypewriter
• Joe Van Cleave https://www.youtube.com/@Joe_VanCleave
• Sarah Everett's Just My Typewriter https://www.youtube.com/@JustMyTypewriter

While watching a variety of videos is great, as you're doing specific repairs search YouTube and you're likely to find full demos of the repairs you're doing yourself.

I've compiled a playlist of videos for repair of an Olympia SM3 which, while specific to the SM3, is a an excellent outline/overview of how to disassemble a portable typewriter, where many of the adjustment points are as well as an outline of the order to do them in.

If you're not a good typist or don't have experience in the area, try out some of the following short films which will also provide some useful historical perspective:

• Basic Typing: Methods. Vol. MN-1512a. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztyzGit1dTI.
• Basic Typing: Machine Operation. Vol. MN-1512b. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-REJEArnjE.
• Advanced Typing: Shortcuts. Vol. MN-1512c. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUJfCfqgsX0.
• Advanced Typing: Duplicating and Manuscript. Vol. MN-1512d. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ve5JnTUzvo.
• Maintenance Of Office Machines. Vol. MN-1513. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocdxgkxKAKo.

Internships & Apprenticeships

If you have the time and flexibility try arranging an internship or apprenticeship with a local typewriter repair shop. Meet your local repair people even if you can't spend the time on an internship. You'll learn a lot and create relationships with businesses who will more easily swap/supply you with machines they're parting out or access to tools which may otherwise be difficult to source.

• https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

Podcasts

• Austin Typewriter Ink https://www.austintypewriterink.com/ati-the-podcast.html
• Charm Type Repair https://charmtypepodcast.podbean.com/

Some useful Bibliography

• Athey, Ralph S. Typewriter Repair Training Course. Tarentum, PA: Typewriter Repair Training, 1957. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/AtheyTypewriterRepair.pdf.
• Atkinson, Annelise. Typewriter SOS: The DIY Guide to Fixing Common Problems with Typewriters, 2014. https://www.amazon.com/Typewriter-SOS-Fixing-Problems-Typewriters/dp/1520902700/.
• Hausrath, Alfred H., and Eugene L. Dahl. Typewriter Care. Edited by Walter K.M. Slavik. Federal Work Improvement Program United States Civil Service Commission and Government Division, U.S. Treasury Department, 1945. http://archive.org/details/twcare-1945.
• Jones, Clarence LeRoy. The Manual Typewriter Repair Bible. Edited by Theodore Munk. The Typewriter Repair Bible Series, 2017. https://www.lulu.com/shop/ted-munk/the-manual-typewriter-repair-bible/paperback/product-1vgk72jp.html.
• Kasten, R. M. “First Aid for Typewriters.” Popular Science Monthly, May 1941.
• Kravitz, Bryan. Hints for a Happy Typewriter. Bryan Kravitz, 1983. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hints-Happy-TW.pdf.
• Hutchison, Howard. The Typewriter Repair Manual. 1st ed. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa: Tab Books, 1981. https://www.amazon.com/typewriter-repair-manual-Howard-Hutchison/dp/0830600345.
• Munk, Theodore. “The Typewriter Database,” 2012. https://typewriterdatabase.com/.
• Pearce, H. G. Complete Instructions: How to Repair, Rebuild, and Adjust Underwood Typewriters With Handy Reference for Locating Trouble Quickly. Bridgeport, CT: Typewriter Mechanics Publishing Co., 1920. https://johnesimmons.com/Typewriter/Articles/Manualpdf/Underwood_Repair_Manual.pdf.
• Polt, Richard. “The Classic Typewriter Page : All About Typewriters,” 2009. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/index.html.
• Scadden, David T. Approved Home Study Course in Typewriter Repair and Service. Little Falls, NJ: Typewriter Repair School, 1959. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/homestudycourse.pdf.

Good luck on your journey!

reply to u/fontinalispluma at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gaza5x/learning_typewriter_maintenance_and_repair/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HotRodTypewriterCo

Gerren Balch is the eminence gris behind HotRod Typewriter Company

KMC vs. KMM by [[Richard Polt]]

via Gerren @ HotRod Typewriter Co. at https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3903042456599841/

new platen > felt typewriter pad >> new felt in a typewriter for dampening sound.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3902381636665923/

Buckram is a good choice of material for recovering pre-war black typewriter cases.

TypewriterCellar on Instagram may have some good ideas in this area.

https://munk.org/typecast/2015/12/26/gossen-tippa-serials-updated/

Smith Corona Skyriter Shift Repair, Ring & Cylinder Adjustment for Even Quality Print by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

He misspoke about "ring and cylinder" adjustment here. Duane does an on feet and motion adjustment in this video for a Smith-Corona Skyriter.

Smith Corona Classic Galaxie Typewriter Ribbon Lift Install Arm Adjustment Squeeze Style by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Smith Corona Typewriters 1935 - 1980 Type Alignment / Shift Motion Upper Lower Case Adjustment by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Duane starts out by showing the two adjustment screws for the upper and lower case motion adjustment on a 5 Series Smith-Corona portable. (This should be the same across several decades of machines and include the 4 and 6 series as well.)

Typewriter Ribbon varieties Offered by Underwood in 1956<br /> https://munk.org/typecast/2020/08/23/typewriter-ribbon-varieties-offered-by-underwood-in-1956/

Pretty much all manual typewriters use 1/2" (12.7mm) wide ribbon which is most of what you're probably going to find in the marketplace.

The thing that changes from machine to machine is is the potentially proprietary spools and those are usually specific to how the ribbion auto switch is effectuated. Most ribbon comes with small grommets about 10-12 inches from the ends as many machines need this to trigger the switch over. If the plastic spools you purchase don't work with your particular machine you simply spend a minute or two to hand wind it onto your existing original (metal) spools and go from there.

There are lots of videos on YouTube showing how to hand wind ribbon onto a machine. Sarah has a pretty reasonable one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up412FjTEkw

Even Tom Hanks has a ribbon changing video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBbsNKaVAB0

Incidentally, if your seller specifies them, the Underwoods take Group 9 (GR9) spools. Likely not helpful or illustrative for you, but certainly interesting from a historical perspective, Ted Munk has a catalog of Typewriter Ribbon varieties Offered by Underwood in 1956: https://munk.org/typecast/2020/08/23/typewriter-ribbon-varieties-offered-by-underwood-in-1956/

reply to u/prettiestGOAT at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g8z0fm/can_anyone_help_id_this_underwood_typewriter_and/

https://patents.google.com/patent/USD144165S/en?oq=USD144165S

Filed August 2, 1945

http://mytypewriter.com/rubber-feet.aspx

Suggests rubber feet from http://mytypewriter.com/rubber-feet.aspx

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 234: Royal QDL Spacing by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Interesting that Kasten recommends against oiling the carriage rails of portables and standard machines which run on ball bearings.

dry cleaning solvents in 1941 were likely Varsol or Stoddard's Formula.

compare to trichloroethane<br /> https://hypothes.is/a/EyBIAFXAEe-AcP-Atlj_aQ

Note discontinuation of carbon tetrachloride<br /> https://hypothes.is/a/bfdi_I90Ee-OQLN0HpsE7Q

toothpick as a typewriter tool

Glen, John M. (1996). Highlander: No Ordinary School, 2nd ed. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press. p. 138.

Hints for a Happy Typewriter<br /> Bryan Kravitz, Nancy Gorrell, 1983<br /> https://typewriterdatabase.com/1983-Hints4HappyTypewriter.index.manual

Some good, basic home care and use from 1983. Home mechanics in 2024 are probably capable of a bit more without the backstop of a typewriter mechanic.

This guide suggest the use of solvents like alcohol or trichloroethane for cleaning type slugs and internals. Note that trichloroethane manufacture and use has diminished significantly since 1996 when it was identified by the Montreal Protocol as a contributor to ozone depletion.

All the videos on YouTube are generally of mechanics who are covering things up for a quick operation (like cleaning slugs) and not for longer cleans. This can be misleading for those who are doing longer term work where the rags need to withstand more liquid or are sitting for longer.

The nuts on the ribbon selector and the ribbon reverse on Royal Quiet De Luxes is a 7/32 inch nut.

Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Complete Total Body Removal by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Gerren uses a Weaver gunsmith screwdriver set for most of his screwdriver needs. [5:00]

On the newer QDLs two of the screws for removing the rear plate are accessible from the top underneath the carriage instead of all on the rear.

The screws for the front body plate can be loosened and don't need to be fully removed to take the body plate off of the machine.

quietly cleaning a quiet deluxe by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Cleaning the case, exterior and some of interior of a Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter. She does a somewhat minimal job here.

She could have disassembled a bit more and done a better job with a toothbrush and mineral spirits on the inside.

Not a horrible recommendation for a beginner, but could have gone further and been a bit more comprehensive.

Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriter Adjustment Print Quality Height Balance On-Feet Shift Motion by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

He made sure the carriage isn't out of alignment which can cause on feet issues as well.

Adjust the basket stops higher or lower as necessary. Try 1/2 to full turn and test each

The adjustment points are between the body and the carriage about an inch inside the body shell.

Do upper case first. The first set of screws/nuts just next to the outside of the typewriter are for lower case and the second set just inside of those are for upper case.

Turning the adjustment screws clockwise should push the carriage stops down just a bit.

Some good characters to check are H, h, p, y, and 8.

When doing type alignment, Duane Jensen was taught to use an old/used ribbon instead of a new, wet/dark ribbon for better performance in testing. New ribbons don't show the differences as well.

He's noticed that ribbon from Around the Office are dreadful.

Removing Feet from Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter. by [[DC Types]]

Not what I was hoping for in terms of removing the screws holding the feet in.

Selectric Service Foot<br /> https://www.printables.com/model/895168-selectric-service-foot

Custom 3D Printed Selectric Elements are HERE! (Vogue! Papyrus!) by [[Theodore Munk]]

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

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

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

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

For an inexpensive starter machine ($5-25) that's easy to find, easy to get parts for and has a reasonable chance of working when in "unknown" or "untested" condition, I'd recommend one of the following ubiquitous, but solid machines which show up almost daily on ShopGoodwill.com:

• Royal Quiet De Luxe https://typewriterdatabase.com/Royal.Quiet+De+Luxe.72.bmys
• Remington Quiet Riter https://typewriterdatabase.com/Remington.Quiet-Riter.42.bmys
• Smith-Corona Clipper (their Sterling, Silent, and Silent Super are very similar, but can sometimes be more expensive; they often have a few more features like tabs, but are otherwise the same machine) https://typewriterdatabase.com/Smith+Corona.Clipper.86.bmys

They'd all make excellent starter machines for a younger kid. The black models with glass keys from the 1940s will look a bit more old school/classic while the more industrial browns and grays with plastic keys from the 1950s are still solid choices. You might also find some later 60s/70s versions of these machines (or variations), and while they may be a bit more colorful, they'll usually have a lot more cheap plastic and can potentially have cheaper builds. (My parents got me my first typewriter, a 1948 Smith-Corona Clipper, in the mid-1980s when I was 10—I have it today and it still works as well as it did then; I still also love the airplane on the hood.)

If you want something simple with a bit of color you can also look at the 70s/80s Brother Charger 11 which is pretty ubiquitious and inexpensive as well.

Since you have some time, you can wait for one in better looking cosmetic condition (and with a case) which means it was probably better taken care of, and less likely to need aggressive cleaning, and more likely to work without needing any repairs. You can also wait to find one local that you can pick up in person (to save shipping cost and/or potential damage) or which will be cheaper to ship from nearby.

Without any experience, you might try looking at Just My Typewriter's Typewriter 101 series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS She covers most of the basics there.

Cleaning a machine isn't horribly difficult and can be done pretty cheaply ($20 or less for some paint thinner/isopropyl and a small toothbrush), but if you need it or get a machine that needs some repair work, try https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html.

If you're in an area with lots of yard sales, try shopping around and see if you find something interesting. It's at these that you'll have a potential chance of finding more collectible machines for pennies on the dollar and it'll also give you the chance to put your hands on machines to test them out to make sure they work.

Good luck! 🎄

reply to u/strawberystegosaurus at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g5rgi4/typewriter_for_christmas_please_help/

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g3xtkp/platen_experiment_the_result/

Advanced Typing: Duplicating and Manuscript. Vol. MN-1512d, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ve5JnTUzvo.

Stencils

Before writing stencils, be sure to clean your type. (Don't use liquid solvent.)

Be sure to place the cushion sheet properly behind the stencil.

Place the paper bail rollers at the extreme left and right of the stencil to prevent them from marking the master.

For errors, rub individual characters separately with a burnisher using a circular motion.

Hectograph masters, Hectograph ribbon (ditto ribbon)

Wax pencils

Typefaces

20% more type on a page with elite than 10 inch pica.

Pica allows approximately 26-40 lines on standard letterhead giving 300-450 words to a page.

Special characters: - o for degrees ' and " for feet and inches or minutes and seconds along with superscript - division: - backspace colon - pound sterling: L backspace f - exclamation point: period backspace ' - equal sign: hyphen backspace variable hyphen - paragraph mark: P backspace I

proofreaders' marks<br /> # followed by a number is used to mean insert that number of spaces

Centering timestamp 19:37

https://www.calligraphr.com/en/

Can be used to digitize typewriter typefaces.

Basic Typing: Machine Operation. 16 mm. Vol. MN-1512b, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-REJEArnjE.

Type pacer timestamp 4:12

"Your head is the most important part of your typing." - Lenore Fenton

"Your typewriter does exactly what you make it do, but it does no more" - Lenore Fenton <br /> This is very similar to quotes about computer programs at the end of the 20th century too.

The touch characteristics for the manual, the noiseless, and the electric are all slightly different.

1962 Vintage IBM Typewriter Training Film IBM Selectric Proper Typing Procedures, w/ Bud McDole by [[Computer History Archives Project]]

Right at the Typewriter. 16 mm. San Francisco, CA: KQED, 1962. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPfHAW_OfGo.

On manual typewriters one "snaps" the keys while on an electric keyboard one "taps" the keys for maximum speed and accuracy.

Overview of functionality of an IBM typewriter.

To add longevity to one's carbon papers they should be rotated both top to bottom and front to back within one's packs.

Use plastic type cleaner, meant for cleaning type slugs, to clean the excess ink from a typewriter. Form it into a point and press it to the letter to erase several times. Then erase with eraser shield and eraser.

To type to the very bottom of the page, particularly with a carbon pack, to prevent slippage at the bottom, insert a "trailer sheet" about halfway down the first page. Insert it at the back of the pack just behind the original and between the first carbon sheet.

For typing small sheets of paper (index cards) fold a pleat into a regular sheet of paper and use the lip to hold the smaller sheet you're typing on.

To more quickly type envelopes, do the first then reverse the platen so that only about an inch of the top of the envelope is visible. Then insert the next envelope behind the first and continue reversing the platen. This will allow the finished envelopes to stack at the paper table and speed the threading and typing of envelopes in rapid succession.

Use of the divots on the typing guide for making horizontal or vertical lines while moving the carriage or rotating the platen respectively.

How to change the typeball and the ribbon cartridge on the IBM selectric.

Hot Rod Mercury - Repaired ! Royal Typewriter Made in Japan Not Spacing Troubleshoot and Fix. by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

There was a loose assembly underneath the carriage that was preventing the vibrator from working and the carriage from advancing via typing. Tightening it up fixed the issue completely.

Saying Goodbye to Vale Typewriter, the Second-to-Last Typewriter Shop in Town - Racket by [[Jay Boller]] for [[Racket]]

Mark Soderbeck expects to close Vale Typewriter by the end of 2024 after a 67-year run.

"Well, I already gave him an estimate," he says with a chuckle. "I'm not gonna change that quote, I've been here too long to do that."

It seems like an unwritten rule for typewriter repair shops to go way over on time versus pay to repair a typewriter based on an initial quote.

I've seen at least one other quote like this, but don't think I collected it.

In 1974 there were 11-month typewriter repair programs to train typewriter repair technicians.

Compare this to Philly Typewriter's 4 year internship program: https://hypothes.is/a/LSbZtlboEe-4vtMPIWcTKA

Why would the city come calling to a typewriter shop calling? Nostalgia perhaps? Better would be if they came to order or have their machines serviced to keep the place open or to help the next generation continue on.

Watch My Typewriter (Not Me) https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g2ybw4/watch_my_typewriter_not_me/

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

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

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

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

Demonstrate your Electric in 10 Minutes by Remington-Rand, Inc.<br /> A Sales Training Film<br /> Produced by Visual Aids Department Remington Rand Inc.

via Periscope Film

1940s REMINGTON RAND ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER SALESMAN DEMONSTRATION FILM 49734

A Primer on Typewriter Ribbons & Spools by [[Damon DiMarco]]

Typewriter ribbon is 1/2" wide (12.7mm) which has been standardized as DIN2103.

The DIN 32755 spool, aka a Universal spool, or a Group 1 spool.

Olivetti typewriters use Group 4 spools.

Nine Steps to Follow Before You Buy a Thrift Shop Typewriter by [[Damon DiMarco]]

Typewriter repairman still in business in 2024 by [[Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul]]

Mark Soderbeck started repairing typewriters in 1974. Working at cutting back and retiring soon.

Typewriter Repair Failure by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Creating a REAL Typewriter Font by [[Janinagans]]

quote following the thunking sound of a typewriter carriage being pushed to one side.

I've picked up about 20 of the typewriters in my collection from ShopGoodwill.

Only two were impeccably/properly packaged and shipped and one of these was a special machine that I emailed them after purchase with written details and links to videos about how to pack and ship it just to be on the safe side.

Three were dreadful disasters: one was a 40 pound standard that was dropped and the frame bent drastically (it had almost no padding materials inside the box), two were shoved into cases (one upside down and the other right side up, but neither locked into their cases properly nor with their carriage locks engaged so they both bounced around for the entire trip) and put into boxes with almost no packing material. All three refunded portions of the price and/or all the shipping costs.

Most of the remainder (all portables with cases) were packaged with a modicum of care (some packing material in the case and some outside the case with reasonable boxes) and showed up in reasonable condition.

Two of the machines were local enough that I did a local pick up to ensure better care.

Generally, it's a crapshoot, but this is also the reason why I don't spend more than $20 on any machine I get from them (except one reasonably rare German typewriter in the US and a Royal with a Vogue typeface that still came out at less than $100 because only one other person noticed its rarity in the photos).

Only one of the machines was clean as a whistle and ready to type on day one. All the remainder required serious cleanings at a minimum. Two were missing internal pieces, two had repairable drawband issues, one had dramatically bad escapement issues, and one had a destroyed mainspring that I need to replace.

Only one of the group had a platen with any life left in it. One had a completely unusable platen, but it was also relatively obvious in the photos. Most of the rest were hard, but usable.

I live in the US and typically only bid on machines that are in the top 20% of their class cosmetically.

I'll echo the thought of others that I wouldn't have a machine from them shipped directly to someone as a present unless I knew they were a tinkerer and had the mechanical ability, the facilities/tools, and desire to clean and service their own machine. Otherwise, I'd do that myself and ship it to them directly.

reply to u/Tico_Typer at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g28v6z/i_am_curious_about_the_shopping_goodwill_websites/