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

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.]]

Quick Tip- Platen Shim Install Olympia SM3 SM4 SM Portable Typewriters by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Eraser Table Spring install Olympia SM3/4 by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Script Olympia SM3 Disassembled in 5 minutes. Time Lapsed by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Basic breakdown of the Olympia SM3 body parts, platen, etc. for cleaning.

Steps: - platen, etc...

Nabokov began teaching at Cornell in 1948 and must have been relatively financially well-off enough to afford the roughly $95 ($1,248 in 2024 dollars) for a brand new Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter.

The typewriter is pictured at the top of the article in a photo from a 1958 photo shoot. Presumably he bought it contemporaneously, though may have gotten it used after its release in 1949. The model changed in mid-1950.

1960 Union Foundry Typewriter Type Slug Specifications – To Type, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth… by [[Theodore Munk]]

https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/06/carl-sundbergs-dutch-made-remington.html?showComment=1719213225119#c7928255599520034988

I dug around in this for a bit, but didn't see the referenced patent.

• https://patents.google.com/?q=(typewriter);+(remington+model+26)&oq=(typewriter);+(remington+model+26)&sort=old
• https://patents.google.com/patent/USD144164
• https://patents.google.com/?q=(typewriter)&inventor=Henry+Dreyfuss);&oq=inventor:(Henry+Dreyfuss);+(typewriter)&sort=old
• https://patents.google.com/?q=(typewriter)&inventor=Carl+W.+Sundberg);&oq=inventor:(Carl+W.+Sundberg);+(typewriter)&sort=new

reply to u/ingeniouskeys at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e0utt9/differences_between_olympia_sge_typewriters/

The Typewriter Database is going to be one of your better sources, but will require delving into each particular exemplar to see what their owners may have written about them. So, for example, go to https://typewriterdatabase.com/Olympia.SGE40.61.bmys and then click on the individual galleries for all the machines. If you've got an account, you can message those who currently have them and ask questions directly.

Given their manufacture in the late 60s and into the early 70s you're likely to find small incremental improvements in the electrical side, but you're also likely to find more dramatic changes in manufacturing which made them cheaper (replacing metal pieces for flimsier plastic.) I doubt the 45 (later 70s) is going to be incredibly much better than the 40, which I would suspect to be more robust from a manufacturing standpoint. You may have vaguely better "specs", but its build quality is likely going to suffer even more, so you'll have to balance out what you're after.

If you want to delve into the deeper specifics, then try out the repair manuals for them: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ted-munk/the-olympia-sge-304050-typewriter-repair-manual/paperback/product-1e4pnd4v.html?page=1&pageSize=4

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/17utzze/identity_of_the_red_typewriter_from_taylor_swifts/

Taylor Swift uses a Sears Cutlass in All Too Well: The Short Film.

The Sears Cutlass is very similar to the Sears Citation.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/17jvg8p/the_everest_model_90_with_a_reaaally_small/#lightbox

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dz7kdy/is_this_really_the_smallest_typeface_ever_made/

I've heard of Olympia SG1s with 17 CPI typefaces and some seem to think that 20 CPI machines may exist.

https://www.newenglandtypewriter.com/

Announced intention to open in 2024 on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1cxjxt5/new_typewriter_shop_coming_fall_2024/

apprenticed to Tom Furrier of Cambridge Typewriter Co.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 173: Olympia SG-3 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe Van Cleave has noticed that some glasses fit under some typewriter carriages better than others.

This can broaden the number of drink pairings one can make with their typewriter.

timestamp 21:12

https://vintagetypewriters.myshopify.com/products/non-slip-felt-typewriter-pad

Non-slip Felt typewriter pad for $29.50<br /> black felt 12" x 12" x 3/8"

https://www.jotandtittletypewriters.com/

Olympia SM Typewriter Wash, Scrub Clean Lid Cover, Restore Paint by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Simple Green gets off most dirt and nicotine as well as some White Out. Duane uses Nu-Trol Control Cleaner (for electronics) as a mild specialty cleaner for tougher White Out cleaning.

Weller, Charles Edward. The Early History of the Typewriter. Chase & Shepard, printers, 1918. http://archive.org/details/earlyhistorytyp00wellgoog.

While some sources indicate that "Now is the time..." was used as an early typing exercise, Charles Weller in his book on the history of typewriters indicates it, along with the opening of the Declaration of Independence, was "repeated many times in order to test the speed of the [typewriter] machine.

More recent typing books use a variant: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country”. This version fills out a 70-space line if you count the period at the end.

General lore has it that Charles Weller used the phrase as a typing exercise in the early 1900s.

Apparently they were calling it a "dog" pretty early on...

Who originated, “Now is the time for all good men …” by [[Cecil Adams]] dated 1977-09-15 in The Straight Dope

https://typewriters.com/typewriters/nakajima

They still sell the new Nakajima typewriters (though possibly old stock).

How to package an antique/vintage typewriter for shipping <br /> by [[Tampa Typewriter Co.]]

Use elastic band to permanently engage the carriage release so it doesn't engage with the escapement and then cling wrap the carriage so it can't move. (Especially on models without a carriage lock.)

http://mytypewriter.com/eProducts/Ribbon_List_102806.pdf

A somewhat handy chart of typewriter ribbons by make and model. Will require some work to puzzle out the standards however.

http://mytypewriter.com/classic-typewriter-pad.aspx

MyTypewriter.com sells a 100% wool typewriter pad which they say is based on an original from the 1940s. It's 11.5" x 13" x 1/2".

https://thetype.space/

Sales, service and repair of typewriters. Also has some parts access according to some.

https://www.tampatypewriter.com/<br /> Proprietor: Jack<br /> https://www.instagram.com/tampatypewriter/

Type Shop, Ep. 15: The Ultimate Keyring Toolset Guide by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Charles Gu's new keyring pliers for about $500 for a set are as good as if not better than vintage tools. In particular the new rubber pieces seem to help protect from breaking the original glass key tops which will then require replacement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSy6XubgVIK/?img_index=1

I love the idea of hiding interesting visuals underneath the hood of a typewriter. This could be done with a variety of papers, decals, etc., but could also be done with custom printed fabric over felt to get the noise dampening.

Meagan Syata is the repair genius behind Unplug Typewriter Company https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnplugTypewriterCo/<br /> https://www.instagram.com/unplugtypewriterco/

Royal KMM typewriter - introduction & how to use by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

A different sort of fix on the hammer and anvil of a Royal Quiet De Luxe by removing some of the shims on a QDLs Anvil.

Setting Up Shop! by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Is There a Typewriter Revival? by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use an Olympia SM4, SM3, or SM2 typewriter - Works for SM1 & SM5. by [[Mr and Mrs Vintage Typewriter]]

Pacemaker Platen Removal?!???! by [[Just My Typewriter]]

https://tbwritersplus.com/

https://www.tbwritersplus.com/general-8

You have to love that they have DIY services for typewriter repair enthusiasts!

https://www.tbwritersplus.com/category/all-products

https://www.tbwritersplus.com/projects-8-1

Part 3: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 Service/Set Up Guide- Carriage Adjustments/ Ring and Cylinder by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Not mentioned in the video is that, at least on his model, most of the common adjustment points have screws or nuts which have a brassy look rather than silvery almost as a means of highlighting them as subtle adjustment points for improving the performance of the machine.

Sometimes the carriage lock mechanism on the Olympia SM3 may not clear the carriage rail completely and this can result in it rubbing on the returns which results in a zipper or grinding sound. Forming the bar that connects the lever to the mechanism can quickly remedy this issue. See timestamp 2:17

Fore and aft adjustments on carriages

Details at timestamp

Side to side adjustment on carriage:

Details at timestamp

Forward and backward carriage adjustments (on both sides):

Details at timestamp

Adjustment for the spacing between the carriage rails:

This adjustment is rarely done unless there is something drastically wrong with the machine Details at timestamp

Adjustment on the carriage stoppers for how much bounce the carriage shift might have as well as how high or low the carriage sits at it's lowest point using the triangle sliding bracket on each side of the carriage with two screws. If these force the carriage too high, it can affect where the type sits in terms of potentially interfering with the bichrome settings to make letters (especially the tallest ones) have two colors when they should only have one. Details at timestamp 8:14

Adjustment on the rear springs for how light or heavy the carriage shift may be. Raise the spring and then adjust the small "nut" on the top. Details at timestamp 9:52

Ring and Cylinder adjustment for Olympia SM3<br /> Details at timestamp

Gerren doesn't seem to understand (or perhaps doesn't discuss it) some of the mechanics behind this adjustment beyond the distance of the platen to the typeface, but the usual suggestion is that the typeface shouldn't actually strike the paper and/or the platen. Ideally there should be just enough space between the typeface and the platen that an addition sheet of paper can be easily slid between the two along with the ribbon and another sheet of paper. This will allow the typeface to just kiss the ribbon and force the ink onto the front sheet of paper. Doing this will help to protect the integrity of the paper being typed on (ie, no deep imprints being pressed into the paper -- often seen with the period), as well as the integrity of the platen (preventing chips and imprints into the rubber, especially if it has been hardened), and the longer term integrity of the ribbon which can tend to be cut into by the typeface if it's too close.

From a physics perspective there is some minor amount of flex in the typebar arm between where the "hammer" at the bottom of the typebar hits the "anvil" (aka ring) and the top of the typeface which, when typing at speed will tend to "throw" the typeface a tad farther than it would hit when the hammer hits the anvil when simply holding it against the ring manually.

Part 2: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 Typewriter Service/repair- SO YOU WANT TO BE A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?!? by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

An excellent video in terms of coming to understand the functionality of a typewriter versus how the pieces interact to effectuate those functionalities.

COMPLETE Olympia SM1/2/3/4/5/7 Typewriter Build/Service/Tune up Series- Part 1 by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Advice by Nashville Typewriter at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dwqi1r/friend_found_in_junk_pile/lbwege9/

Typewriter Video Series -- Episode 262: Olympia SG1 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

https://www.retrotast.no/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/permalink/2310899869147449/

Details for helping to remove the platen on an Olympia SG1

Tips for Removing and Installing Olympia SM3/SM4 spring loaded typewriter keys by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Classy Dames: Olympia SG1 and Husqvarna 6430 by MyOldTypewriter

https://www.mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us/products/olympia-typewriter-case-rubber-foot?_pos=1&_sid=f3b235259&_ss=r

Out with the Old, In with the New: Olympia SM by [[myoldtypewriter]]

They recommend fixing the Olympia SM3 spacer issue with:

Danco 1/2 rubber washer Universal (item #198804, model #88569) -- 00 trade size with 1/2" OD and 3/16" ID. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Danco-10-Pack-1-2-Rubber-Washer/3380002

The Amazing Floating Olympia by [[Michael P. Clemens]] aka clickthing

Michael recommends using 1/4" flat bibb washers with 9/16" OD to replace the rubber washers on the Olympia SM3, which notoriously are squished and need replacement. The general symptom is that the carriage sits low on the machine and scrapes or hangs on the sides of the body beneath it.

Olympia SM-3 SM-4 Typewriter Carriage Binding, Repair, Replace Body Spacers Tutorial Demo by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

1968 – Smith-Corona SCM Typewriter Typestyles and Keyboards by [[Theodore Munk]]

1961 Adler Typewriter Type Font Styles – To Type, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth… by [[Theodore Monk]]

https://munk.org/typecast/2011/04/23/1964-nomda-blue-book-olympia-font-styles/

https://munk.org/typecast/2011/04/24/1964-nomda-blue-book-royal-font-styles/

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/SiWC-30-by-SiWC/119314956.0S66D.XYZ

It can be useful to take some mineral spirits, naphtha, or paint thinner and a tooth brush (or, even better, a brass bristle brush) to your typeface every now and then to clean the ink, dirt, paper, bits of ribbon, dust, etc. out of it. Doing it after changing ribbon is always a good idea. If you're really hard pressed, nail polish remover (acetone) or rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball along with a small pin tip for the loops of letters like 'a', 'o', 'p', 'g', etc. can be used.

How well (or not) your typewriter works from a print perspective can also change with the type of paper you're using, what your ribbon is made out of (usually nylon, silk, or cotton), how much ink it's got in it and how old/worn it may be. A good backing sheet behind your typing paper can also be helpful.

reply to u/kirrachristine at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dtuksy/one_letter_weirdly_thicksmudged/ RE: one letter weirdly thick/smudged

Tom Hanks Changes the Ribbon on a Typewriter - Secret Talent Theatre - Vanity Fair

Olympia SM3 & 9 Comparison by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

I also don't just mean the script, but I mean every thing. The signatures and text block I'm also printing with my typewriter. Looking online before setting this I couldn't find much info or other people doing the same thing, so I feel like it's quite unique.

It's also insane. And I get why people aren't doing it. My book is a small collection of short stories and won't be too big. I have a friend who's a book binder that will bind the text block into a hardcover book. Very excited! Just wanted to share.

[...]

Oh no but I mean it's uncommon to make signatures and text blocks from typewriters. Like each copy of the book will be made from the typewriter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dtb8sn/im_two_months_in_to_my_writing_a_book_entirely_on/

Example of someone both writing and publishing a book entirely by typewriter.

Before You Buy a Typewriter … Six Top Things You Need to Know by [[CreateX3]]

Designer Marcelo Nizzoli designed the Lettera 22, 32, and Studio 44.

Considerations for buying a typewriter:

1. Where will you use it? Is weight a consideration? (Standard, portable, ultra portable)
2. What Kind of Work will you do? (Do you need tabs, bichrome?)
3. How does the Typewriter Feel?
4. What type of keyboard will you need? (language, characters, diacritics)
5. What is the typeface? You should like/enjoy it and it should be big enough to be easily readable to you.
6. Do you like the typewriter's look/style?

How to test a typewriter before buying by [[Retrotype]]

Typically in this sub, when people ask, "Is it worth it?" the presumption is that they're buying it to use for themselves. You left out your context of buying it to sell until later. This means that once you've cleaned things up, and go to try to sell it for something above $40, people are going to show up here and ask that same question. When they do, the answer is going to be that it's far too expensive, especially with shipping which is notoriously tricky, expensive, and risky.

You'll be sitting there with a typewriter that you don't care enough about to have known anything about it or if it had any particular value. This also probably means that you don't know enough about what goes into cleaning and properly adjusting a typewriter either. If someone is a sucker enough to pay the crazy mark up, it means that someone who wants to try out a typewriter will be buying a sub-par machine and have a sub-par experience.

unposted reply to u/DistributionPure6051 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dqr02l/is_this_worth_it/<br /> (Most of context is hiding because of downvoting)

https://www.jotandtittletypewriters.com/serviced-refurbished-restored/

https://www.phillytypewriter.com/restorations.html#/

reply to u/virtualellie at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ds1aps/typewriter_suggestions_for_newbie/

aggregated links from prior notes:

I'd generally endorse most of the advice on models you'll find in these sources which are geared specifically toward writers, all three sources have lots experience and reasonable bona fides to make such recommendations.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9dXflhDed0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKMt-aCHZZk
• https://typewriterreview.com/2020/01/10/top-10-writerly-typewriters/

Obviously, you'll want to steer towards the smaller portables in the lists, but most of what's represented should fit your criteria. You'll notice a lot of overlap but with different positioning, so there's obviously some personal preference at play. If there's a nearby shop to you, it may be worth driving over to try out the touch and feel of some machines to see which you like best. Try https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

There was also some sage advice from u/Thylacine33 about purchasing the other day which may be helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1drj32h/comment/lawb2h7/

Beyond this Just My Typewriter has a few short videos that'll give you a crash course on Typewriter 101: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

https://www.pbssocal.org/history-society/a-different-l-a-jesse-and-the-typewriter-shop

Highland Park's Famous Typewriter Repair Shop Has Packed Up and Left Figueroa ~ An Update ~ L.A. TACO by Javier Cabral

Found via https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1

Fine Line Ribbon in Ennis, TX, (972) 878-8683,

Ruben Flores likes them for his bulk ribbon

Family Typewriter Repair Business Forced to Relocate After Rent Increase by [[Nic Cha Kim]] for Spectrum News 1 on 2019-04-16

Highland Park repair shop enjoys a typewriter revival by [[The Eastsider]]

Only portable and ultra-portables

List: 1. Hermes 3000 (Switzerland) (pre-1965 curved models; square tops are good, though slightly less solid; later plastic frames aren't durable at all) 2. Olympia SM9, SM8 & Monica (Especially pre-1970s) SM8 has tabs on the back. the SM9 are by the spacebars. Best SM9s are green shift keys and knobs.<br /> 3. Olivetti Lettera 32, Lettera DL (Italian better than Spanish) Mexico, Brazil and other countries are lower quality materials<br /> 4. Olympia SM3, SM4, SM2<br /> 5. Imperial Good Companion Model 1<br /> 6. Smith-Corona Super, Silent Super (Series 5); pre-war flat tops too<br /> 7. Olivetti Lettera 22<br /> 8. Brother De Luxe; Brother 200, 210, 220 (no repeat spacers; prefer metal frames) 9. Olympia Traveller de Luxe S (German; not Eastern Europe which were weaker); Olympia Splendid 33, 66, 99<br /> 10. Adler Tippa; Adler Tippa S; Triumph Tippa

Also rans: <br /> - Underwood 3 bank<br /> - Royal P<br /> - Hermes 2000<br /> - Remington Quiet DeLuxe<br /> - Remington Victor S or T<br /> - Hermes Baby (metal frame)<br /> - Halda and Erika M.

I tested more than 300 typewriter models & here're the TOP 10. by [[Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters]]

This typewriter repairman was told computers were king. Twenty years later, he’s still in business by [[Matthew Ormseth]] on 2019-02-06 for Los Angeles Times

Joe Van Cleave makes the interesting observation that while a hobbyist will only take a typewriter apart as much as is necessary to fix the issue at hand, the professional repair person will strip it all down and clean everything out for the coming 50 years to prevent it from coming back to them for something else in the near future thus costing more time, effort, and potential damage to their reputation.

Typewriter Line Lock Repair by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Repairing Bent Typewriter Key Lever by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

SHOP TALK!! adjusting type alignment for Torpedo portable typewriters by [[Typewriter Justice]]