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/

Typing Technique and Typewriter Design by [[Will Davis]] and [[Dave Davis]]

As early as 1932 Royal salesmen would use poor typing technique on purpose to cause skipping and piling and then use proper technique on their own machine to show how much better their typewriters were compared to the others.

Some repair and service manuals had sections about tuning a typewriter to the level of technique of the user. These may have included 5-6 specific adjustments for allowance to a particular user's technique, as an example indicated in this video.

"pounded out" - used by a heavy handed typist and now skipping (mentioned possibly in an Ames Repair Manual)

In the mid-century, the service life of a standard machine was 1-3 years of continual (heavy) use. After this it would have been remanufactured or swapped out.

I just got a 1950 version of this KMG this week in medium rough shape too. (My 7th Royal and my 2nd Standard)

Looks like a Royal KMG with the Henry Dreyfuss glass tombstone keys in Gray Frieze paint. https://typewriterdatabase.com/Royal.KMG.72.bmys

Mine has some minor carriage issues that I'm hoping clear up with some cleaning. Otherwise it may need some tools and internal repair work and/or parts. If yours is generally working, a good cleaning and oiling should get you going: https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/

Diagram of parts: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalKMGdiagram.jpg

Manual of the prior model KMM which preceeded it, so the functionalilty should be almost exactly the same: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalKMM.pdf (Royal Standard internals were almost exactly the same from the Ten (1909) through the FP/Empress (1966).)

Home Study Course in Typewriter Repair and Service: ca. 1959, published by the Typewriter Repair School in Little Falls, New Jersey. Focuses on the Royal KMM among others: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/homestudycourse.pdf

See also:<br /> - https://typewriterdatabase.com/manuals.php - https://typewriterdatabase.com/1968-Ames_Standard_SVC.royal-repair.manual - https://typewriterdatabase.com/1960-Ames_Gen_Cat_10-March.royal-parts-01.manual

Searching on YouTube for cleaning and repair advice should help out a lot. Phoenix Typewriter has some solid videos on related models (search also the Royal X (ten), KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, HH, FP, and Empress which are all roughly the same internals with slightly different body styles.)

If you need some basic typewriter 101, try: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

reply to u/MajesticWear5478 https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g1i440/tips_for_cleaning_and_fixing_a_1949_royal/#lightbox

writing and waiting is useful in many instances, and particularly for clarity of expression.

see also: <br /> - angry letter https://hypothes.is/a/6OoqHofyEe-1mtOohGA63w - diffuse thinking<br /> - typewriter (waiting) <br /> - editing (waiting) https://hypothes.is/a/VxRNeofvEe-5n1dpCEM48Q

The process of having a work typewritten forced the affordance of creating time away from the writing of a piece. This allows for both active and diffuse thinking on the piece as well as the ability to re-approach it with fresh eyes days or weeks later.

The Time I Met New York’s Patron Saint of Typewriters by [[Thaisa Frank]] March 12, 2019

Stanley Adelman of Osner's Typewriter Repair in New York

(closed in 2001)

The patron saint of typewriter collectors by [[Richard Polt]]

Step Back In Time At The Mesa Typewriter Exchange by [[Phil Latzman]]

Let's Compare 1955 & 1957 Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriters by [[Scott Drudge]] of Old Bob's Old Typewriters

In David Gerrold's The Trouble with Tribbles: The Story Behind Star Trek's Most Popular Episode, he describes how he used a 12-pitch Selectric to type the 1967 episode. When the studio retyped it in pica (10-pitch) it came out to 90 pages and had to be cut down significantly to fit the show's running time.

The difference amounts to approximately 3 words per page and about 50 words per page.

The November 1952 issue of Boys Life had an advertisement for contest for a gold-plated Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter.

timestamp

Needs exact sourcing, but Ian Flemming had a gold-plated Royal that he paid $174 for in 1952 and which sold in 1995 by Christys' for $89,229.

timestamp

https://oldbobsoldtypewriters.com/

Scott Drudge is the proprietor<br /> Second generation typewriter repair as his dad Bob was the original namesake of Old Bob's Old Typewriters.

Taking a sabbatical in 2024 and expected back in late 2024.

https://oldbobsoldtypewriters.com/manuals-and-repair-guides/

https://oldbobsoldtypewriters.com/typewriter-repair-shops/

Typographical Typewriter Fun by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

titling<br /> centering<br /> dates<br /> 1/2 line spacing<br /> 1/2 space spacing<br /> shadow effects

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

Platen shrinkage

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

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

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

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

Bill Wahl of Mesa Typewriter Exchange

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

Ted Munk

adding machine database consideration

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

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

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

Often after you resurface a platen, it slightly changes the configuration of the platen with respect to the typeface. As a result one usually may need to do three adjustments in a specific order to get things to align properly again. These can definitely be done at home with some patience.

Usually the order for tweaking is: * Ring and Cylinder adjustment (distance of platen from typeface; the type shouldn't touch the platen or you'll find you're imprinting on your paper, making holes in the paper and/or ribbon, which isn't good). Sometimes using a simple backing sheet can remedy a bit of this distance problem, especially on platens which have hardened or shrunk slightly over time. * On Feet adjustment (vertical adjustment so that letters are bright and clear and neither top or bottom of characters are too light/faint) Repair shops will often type /// or a variety of characters with longer ascenders/descenders to make sure that the type is clear from top to bottom. * Motion adjustment (the lower and upper case letters are at the same level with respect to each other) The best way to test this is to type a center character like HHHhhhHHH to see if they line up on the bottom (the last three Hs are usually done with the Shift Lock on to make sure that's properly set).

You can search YouTube videos for your model (or related models) and these words which may uncover someone doing a similar repair, so you have a better idea of what you're doing and where to make the adjustments.

Here's Joe Van Cleave describing some of it in one of his early videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0AozF2Jfo0

The general principles for most typewriters are roughly the same with slight variations depending on whether your machine is a segment shift or a carriage shift. You should roughly be able to puzzle out which screws to adjust on your particular model to get the general outcome you want.

Related blogposts: * https://munk.org/typecast/2022/01/23/adjusting-ring-cylinder-on-a-brother-jp-1/<br /> * https://munk.org/typecast/2013/07/30/typewriter-repair-101-adjusting-vertical-typeface-alignment-segmentbasket-shift-typewriters/

You might find a related repair manual for your machine with more detail and diagrams for these adjustments via the Typewriter Database or on Richard Polt's typewriter site.

For those not mechanically inclined you may be better off taking it onto a repair shop for a quick adjustment. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html 

Reply to u/Acethease at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1d76ygx/got_a_as_a_gift_corona_3_recentlyish_and_i_need/

I've generally found that Olympia machines with a dedicated 1 key and a 4/$ key will usually have a script font. Additionally they don't have ribbon selectors (which are most often on the right hand side of the keyboard when they are present) or only have black and stencil settings.

The lack of bichrome settings on these machines is due to the taller/lower extenders on many script glyphs.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 85: Integral Paper Rolls by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

https://www.amsterdamtypewriter.com/en-us/products/typewriter-care-kit-diy

Amsterdam Typewriter's kit contains all the following essentials:<br /> * Brass wire brush (for cleaning the typeface) * Natural bristled brush (general cleaning purposes) * Microfiber cotton cloth (for polishing, gentle to paint) * New ribbon (black, red or black or purple color) * 3 compact cotton tissues (disposable, soak in cleaner or mild soap solution to clean typewriter) * Alcohol spray for cleaning (removes ink, oxidation, stains, surface rust) * Deodorizing spray (for disinfection and removing odor from cases and felt lining) * 10 Special cotton buds with long reach (do not leave cotton strings behind) * Our miracle polishing paste (wonderfully revives paint, also polishes on metal, paint, glass, fiberglass, plastic) * Leather rolling pouch for carrying * Comfy cotton bag for storage * Checklist for cleaning * Copy of manual with tips on cleaning of your typewriter and detailed steps

https://www.amsterdamtypewriter.com/en-us/products/typewriter-key-inserts-universal?variant=49394561876302&_pos=1&_psq=glass+key&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Amsterdam Typewriter began selling these around 2024-09-24: https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3869850413252379/

One set consists of 45 normal keys (12.2mm) + 4 shift keys (16.2mm)

Suggestions for rubber feet replacement options for typewriters:

• 4 single hole rubber stoppers and 1/4 20 bolts or studs. About 5$ per typewriter.

• multiple rubber washers (glued together)
• rubber feet designed for guitar amplifiers
• Antony Valoppi sells some https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794856020751839/user/546380959/
• shock absorption bumpers from auto parts stores
• https://mytypewriter.com sells

via various people at https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3877326325838121/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/posts/3414723442098414/

Dealing with stripped screws

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794856020751839/user/100013305603420/

For those who need to hear it, even Duane Jensen of Phoenix Typewriter regularly asks questions about typewriter repair jobs which stump him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAveGA2OiyF/ via Richard Polt

Oliver Sacks Archive Heads to the New York Public Library by [[Jennifer Schuessler]]

The voluminous papers of the celebrated neurologist include letters, notebooks, drafts and other traces of a man who couldn’t stop writing.

You have to love the boos, notebooks, papers, fountain pen, typewriter, computer, printer, and even writing software all pictured in this... Add the glasses and it just reeks of someone who reads and writes.

u/AmsterdamAssassin typewriter collection https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1fvj11a/my_current_collection_of_vintage_mechanical/

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1f9arin/interesting_substitute_typewriter_case/

Using an Akona regulator bag from a diving supply store in Hollywood as a replacement case/bag for an ultraportable typewriter.

Joe Bellicini indicates that the set screw threading for the platen knobs on the Royal Quiet De Luxe is #6-40.

ending a sentence with an upper case period!!! 🤣

Gen Z is into typewriters by [[Tea Krulos]]

https://www.thetravelingtypist.com/

James Grooms recommends 2mm EVA craft foam for typewriter noise insulation.

The additional "hidden context" is that the rachet/gear seen in many of these diagrams is usually attached to a radial spring (or some other device) which, as it is wound, stores energy which is later used by the bigger device in which the rachet and pawl are encased. Examples include the stem of watches, which when wound, store energy which the watch later uses to run as it counts the seconds. Another example is the mainspring of a typewriter which is attached to a ratchet/pawl set up; when you push the carriage to the right, the spring gets wound up and stores energy which is slowly expended by the escapement a space or a letter at a time as you type. In the zettelkasten analogy, the box and numbered cards placed in it act as the pawl (the wedge that prevents backward movement), as you add more and more information, you're storing/building up "potential energy" in small bits. This "stored energy" can be spent at a later time by allowing you to more easily write an article, paper, book, etc. In some sense, the zettelkasten (as most tools do) allows you a "mechanical advantage" in the writing process over trying to remember everything you've ever read and then relying on your ability to spit it all back out in a well-ordered manner.

reply to Muhammed Ali at https://discord.com/channels/992400632390615070/992400632776507447/1286577013439594497

continuation of https://hypothes.is/a/GTPIPnYiEe-GTUu4YcdeAQ

#401B Nu-trol Control Cleaner for Electronics, a specialty cleaner

Nu-trol is a a degreaser/cleaner which also has a bit of oil in it as well for cleaning and oiling the rails, mainspring, and friction points of a typewriter. Follow up with compressed air to knock off the excess.

timestamp

The Royal Ten (and later standard typewriters in the line) have a mechanism such that when the carriage is advanced it causes the ribbon to advance simultaneously. Sometimes this mechanism can be gummed up with oil causing issues with ribbon advance. Hitting it with lacquer thinner and/or Nu-trol can free this up.

Royal 10 Manual Typewriter Carriage Flush and Lube, Basic Procedure by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Typewriters? In 2024? Are You Nuts? by Jesse M. Slater for [[Raconteur Press]]

A short, but relatively solid typewriter 101 story for someone looking for a distraction-free writing machine. Certainly not completist, but enough to get your toes wet.

Slater uses his typewriter for a first draft, then edits the second draft as he re-types it into his computer to have a digital copy for further editing and distribution.

Typewriter in the browser, built with Figma as a coding example. https://www.typewritist.com/

details via https://new.reddit.com/r/SideProject/comments/1fl73il/typewriter_in_the_browser/

Typing on Newsprint Paper by [[Joe Van Cleave]] on 2022-11-27

Pacon brand newsprint paper from the Dixon Ticonderoga Company in 8.5 x 11 inch reams is available from Amazon. (Product number P3401)

[Expensive] typing paper it makes me feel like I am obligated to the paper to do as good of a service as I can to serve it. Eliminating typographical errors, having as good of a sentence structure as possible. All of these become inhibitions to the free creative expression.

I end up serving the paper rather than [it] serving my creative needs

—Joe Van Cleave

via https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1fkmj9d/i_refinished_my_olympia_sm3_case_a_while_agoheres/

The traditional curvy Olympia SM3 cases can be stripped down to bare wood and stained and refinished with beautiful results.

reply to u/NoDoctor4602 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1fjrjns/ive_spent_a_few_days_searching_for_any_concrete/

In the mid to late-1950's and after several typewriter manufacturers made limited runs of gold plated typewriters for special anniversaries or for bonuses to salespeople. They're uncommon, but not rare. I've seen at least 6 or seven pop up on auction sites in the last 6 months. If you really want one, watch the lower end of Facebook Marketplace, ShopGoodwill, Craigslist, et al. where one will assuredly pop up for a much more reasonable price. I'm not sure if it was this one or another I've seen since April, but one of these went up for sale on ShopGoodwill.com recently and sold for about $600. A week later it was listed on eBay for several thousand just like this one. Given the timeframe, I doubt they spent any time cleaning, oiling, or adjusting it in any fashion—it was a pure flip. I've also seen this recently with Royal typewriters with a less common, but highly collectible Vogue typeface: a Royal P sold for about $900 there and was listed on eBay shortly after for over $1,500 with no indication that it was cleaned or adjusted. (If you watch some of the sites carefully, you can pick up a Vogue machine for under $100 easily enough depending on the type and condition.)

In my mind, as a collector, I'd try to find one in the wild and clean it up or I'd want it in stunning restored condition for over $2k. You might be just as well off picking up a working model for $100-$150 and gold plating the pieces yourself. It would probably be cheaper in the long run and you'd have a better machine in better condition. Some sucker with money to burn will eventually buy a Gold Olympia SM3 for over $2,000.

Here's a vew posts/videos as examples of gold plated machines:<br /> - A video of another Gold Olympia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnUHgyABjw0<br /> - Royal QDL https://typespec.com/weve-got-gold-in-them-thar-hills/<br /> - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kasbah-mod-typewriters_n_1453776

If you're looking for something great that you'll use, I recommend visiting a repair shop that has some stock to try out some machines to see if you'd like their touch/fee/aesthetics first. Visiting a type-in or two might give you some experience with a wide variety of typewriter models as well. Then try to find a rare or exceptional version that's worth putting some money into. Why put so much into an Olympia if it turns out you're an Olivetti, Royal, or Smith-Corona person? https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html (I desperately love Royals, but Smith-Coronas and Remingtons are much more forgiving of my mediocre typing technique, a fact which pains me dearly and cost a few hundred dollars and some sweat equity in cleaning and tuning machines to discover). Incidentally, I'll mention that for about $2,000 you could easily purchase a wide variety of about two dozen machines (even with shipping) and be able to get something truly exceptional in terms of condition and function.

Incidentally, the higher prices of $250-600 for repaired/refurbished/restored machines being sold by repair shops are usually what Harry Beercan is using as a pricing guide when he's selling his grandmother's musty, broken, old typewriter online not knowing that several hundred dollars in labor and parts has been calculated into the selling price.

Typewriter Video Series Episode 345: Addressing Envelopes by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/315760588097

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1fh2vab/any_suggestions_to_remove_this_permanent_marker/

Some advice on cleaning typewriters from someone who previously had a typewriter shop.

Recommendation: mineral spirits with a touch of transmission fluid.

Smith Corona Typewriter Changeable Type Slugs Faces Styles Demo by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Short demo of changing the typeface on the Smith-Corona 6 series+ using the Smith-Corona Changeable Type functionality.

Remington Typewriter Type Alignment Adjust Typebars by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

When adjusting typebar slugs, it's much easier to bring a letter up higher on the page than to bring a letter lower.

Typewriter Clear Plastic Card Guide Holder Clean Polish White Out Dirt Restore by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

For cleaning white out off of the clear plastic on card guides try the following: - scrape with fingernail<br /> - Simple Green - Marvel Mystery Oil (from automotive shops) followed by lacquer thinner in miniscule amounts (one drop). The oil helps protect the plastic from melting from the lacquer thinner. Rinse and repeat.

Others have indicated that floor wax stripper will remove white out without damaging the plastic of the card guides.

Fossilized Masking Tape Removed Cleaned from Typewriter Body by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

The paint on the metal of the SMC 6 series typewriters will generally stand up well to lacquer thinner and along with scratching can be used to remove the old residual masking tape often found on these typewriters.

WD-40, gun bore cleaner, and Simple Green generally don't do much to this sort of tape residue.

Downsizing Your Typewriter Collection by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Similar in content and tone to his other videos: - "The Minimal Complete Typewriter Collection" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ej6kd1FsnE and <br /> - "Episode 31: Culling the Herd" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_ueHE3Whjk

Type-in activities:<br /> - learning about typewriters, both using and how they work;<br /> - demonstrations of typewriter maintenance, cleaning, how to change a ribbon, and small repairs for common problems - typewriter tool showcases - what tools might you need to maintain, clean, and repair your typewriter? - lots of machines to try out, which might best suit your writing style, and typing touch? If you don't have a typewriter, this is a great way to try some out before buying your first one - typewriter purchasing and collecting advice - encouraging typing as a distraction and screen-free writing tool - writing (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) along with potential writing prompts (this could dovetail in with other library-related writing endeavors); - A group story: A single typewriter is reserved to one side upon which each participant can contribute by typing a single sentence to create a collaborative/group story "exquisite corpse"-style; - typewriter art and arttyping - Speed typing contest (with small prizes) - We'll bring stationery (paper, envelopes, stamps) to encourage participants to type letters to friends or family (bring an address for someone you'd like to write to); - typewriter swap and sale (optional depending on the venue's perspective; sales are not the primary purpose here) - typewriter repairs using 3D printing or designing replacement parts (if the venue can support this) - typewriter handicrafts (typewriter covers and sewing/repairing cases) - typewriter resources (repair shops, where to find ribbon, how old is my machine?, et al.) - a possible typewriter mystery game? - share stories - encourage community

For a local library-specific type in:<br /> - library card applications which can be typewritten for potential patrons who don't have a library card - typewriter books (particularly if hosted at a library; place a hold on several typewriter-related books which attendees can browse through at the event and check out afterward) - 3D printing typewriter keys, spare parts; design of replacement parts for 3D printing

Attendees are encouraged to bring one (or many more of their own favorite manual typewriters) to use, showcase, or demonstrate to others, but having your own typewriter is NOT a requirement for attendance.

https://myoldtypewriter.com/2018/08/05/adler-j3-please-release-me/

Adler's have a quirky locking mechanism for helping to lock the machines into their cases and after decades of storage, the rubber can compress thereby locking the typewriter into the case permanently. Removing the e-clips internally will unlock them at which point the rubber compression locks can be replaced.

The article mentions other incidences of this. Another example at https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1fckg8f/removing_triumph_gabriele_1_from_case_base_plate/

https://davistypewriters.blogspot.com/2015/01/harris-visible-rex-visible-demountable.html

Suggestions for removing rust from chrome on typewriters and typewriter cases.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/16qjgx5/first_typewriter_selection_quiz/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lazydogtypewriters/ Lazy Dog Typewriters

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 187: Remington Ten Forty by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

JVC: Somewhere between a portable and an ultraportable. Good, but not great. Could be a solid, easy-to-use machine for a type-in. He wasn't a fan of the touch. Likely wouldn't use it as a daily machine.

Joe Van Cleave hypothesizes that the slightly blurry and/or ghosting letters on typewriters may be the result of the typebar just hitting the typing guide and moving slightly as they do thereby creating issues with the type clarity.

https://youtu.be/GpLpTkhSGWc?si=MFmshF-LPPa1CyUP&t=1190

Remington Monarch by [[Joe Van Cleave]]]

The Remington Monarch (rebadged as a Singer Graduate), is one of the few machines with 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 line spacing settings.

It has a true carriage lock on the front of the machine.

Generally solid build, particularly on the main body. Only some portions on the back are pressed metal.

JVC generally likes this machine with respect to it's contemporaries.

https://www.jeremymayer.com/

On some of the Sears rebranded Smith-Coronas in the 6 series (Citation, in particular) there are 1 1/2 line spacing options.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1964-sears-citation.2600.typewriter

Sears Citations seem to have an above regular frequency for script typefaces. They shipped with red stickers next to the bichrome setting and on the right ribbon cup warning against the use of bichrome ribbon for the tallest script letters on machines which had script typefaces.