https://tickatickading.com/

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

Royal KMM basic introduction

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

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

Some contemporaneous videos on use and maintenance may help.

As for ribbon replacement, try this video. The spools for the standard Royal typewriters (Ten, H, KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, RP, HH, FP, Empress, 440, 660, etc.) have a custom metal mechanism for their auto-reverse. The spools are known as the T1 (which is the same as General Ribbon part # T1-77B , T1-77BR, and Nu-Kote B64.) If winding on 1/2 inch wide universal ribbon onto them, remove the eyelette which isn't needed and may interfere with the auto reverse. If necessary, Ribbons Unlimited carries these spools or you can get them (and ribbon) from a local typewriter repair shop.

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

Other known historical users of the Royal KMM:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bulk manufacturer of typewriter ribbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A rebuilt Royal KHM with a KHY serial number?!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Symptom: Ghosting lines overlaying typed text:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A collection of photos of keys for typewriter cases

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

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

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

5:35 Typewriter ribbon display kits and pieces

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

10:04 Typewriter key tops

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

15:25 Typing books, user manuals, Typatune,

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

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

19:15 Typewriter playing cards (advertisement)

20:13 Typewriter related postcards

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

Crescent City Books in New Orleans - has typewriters as decoration

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

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

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

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

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

Off-label uses for linewinders as typewriter ribbon winders?

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

https://www.trianglesport.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See also Google Drive document with details.

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

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

https://typewriterchicago.com/shop/parts

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

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

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

typewriter plays a central role in the story

via Darren Herschler-Henry's book

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

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

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

Tool: Typebar Sorting Rack

advice via Nashville Typewriter, a repair person. <br /> https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1o4qxvn/chasing_problems_stuck_keys/

(Buying a Typewriter<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]] and [[Bob Marshall]] of Typewriter Muse on YouTube<br /> accessed on 2025-10-16T09:27:44

Bob Marshall prefers "extreme collector" to "hoarder" when it comes to typewriter collecting.

In July 20222, Bob Marshall was charging $60/hour for typewriter service.

https://christmas.musetechnical.com/

Catalogs & Wishbooks from Sears, Montgomery Ward, and JC Penny

Montgomery Ward Typewriters 1941-1985, Signatures, Forwards and Escorts and why certain rare Royal Typefaces can be found on Brother Typewriters!<br /> by [[Ted Munk]] on 2022-011-25<br /> accessed on 2025-10-15T19:49:10

https://typecast.munk.org/2022/11/25/montgomery-ward-typewriters-1941-1985-signatures-forwards-and-escorts-and-why-certain-rare-royal-typefaces-can-be-found-on-brother-typewriters/

According to Ted Munk, "Spencerian Script only occurs on Montgomery Ward Brothers and not on any other Brother-manufactured machines"

DIY/How-To: Wrinkle texture paint – Build Threads<br /> by [[Build Threads]]<br /> accessed on 2025-10-15T19:25:29

https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1o74l0c/hello_i_have_had_this_royal_qdl_1949_model/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1o77cpz/made_my_own_service_booklet/

In Search Of: Clarence Leroy “Rocky” Jones<br /> by [[Ted Munk]] on November 12, 2016 <br /> accessed on 2025-10-15T11:15:17

Mark Twain Wrote the First Book Ever Written With a Typewriter<br /> by [[Josh Jones]] in Open Culture<br /> accessed on 2025-10-13T23:01:35

reply to u/EdmundDante718 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1o5x527/missing_carriage_releases_on_scm/

It's incredibly common for these 6 series Smith-Coronas to have broken plastic carriage release levers (a major design flaw). You can call around to shops with parts machines for original replacements. https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

There are numerous YouTube repair videos and ideas including these few I've bookmarked before, though there are surely others: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNcQvfUk23s - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9VlrKcXcM

I've not seen anyone 3-D print a version (yet), but designs for one might be floating around out there.

I've also seen people jury rig all sorts of plastic replacements which is an option as well.

In practice, you generally only need one working one for your dominant hand.

Cleaning Type Slugs Fast ! Removing Clogged Dirty Ink Typewriter Service How to Shine Those Faces by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Duane cleans type slugs by draping the typewriter with cloths and then using a metal bristle brush and lacquer thinner. Small picks or an X-Acto knife can help to remove gunk from the interiors of the closed letters.

He also uses tape to cover up the red paint on the word "De Luxe" so that the lacquer thinner doesn't damage it.

He finishes off with a small shot of Nu-trol, which is a degreaser with some lubrication, and then follows up with a shot of compressed air to thin it out.

The slugs are the metal pieces at the ends of the assemblies that start at the tops of the keys and go through the key levers attach to the segment (the semi-circular metal comb-like part in the "basket") via the typebars. The slugs are the ones that have the backward characters on them and when they hit the ribbon cause the letters to be applied to the paper. Over time the small loops of the characters can get filled with dust, dirt, ink, and bits of ribbon and as a result the type on your page isn't as crisp and good looking as you'd like.

Here's a handful of videos with a variety of methods for cleaning one's slugs: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s8tE6P0YMQ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgSAS45WGI0 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKGipBLA5Eo

You'll notice that for the day-to-day cleaning that people are using kneadable erasers, silly putty, or products like Bergeon Rodico 6033-1 as cleaning compounds for pulling ink and dust out quickly.

There are some good basics and a great glossary in Hints for a Happy Typewriter: https://typewriterdatabase.com/1983-Hints4HappyTypewriter.index.manual

I've also collected some great mid-century short films on use and basic maintenance here: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

Other resources you might find interesting: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/

reply to u/DatLonerGirl at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1o33p7n/when_was_the_last_time_you_cleaned_your_slugs/

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

The spools for the standard Royal typewriters (Ten, H, KH, KHM, KMM, KMG, RP, HH, FP, Empress, 440, 660, etc.) have a custom metal mechanism for their auto-reverse. The spools are known as the T1 (which is the same as General Ribbon part # T1-77B , T1-77BR, and Nu-Kote B64.) If winding on universal ribbon onto them, remove the eyelette which isn't needed and may interfere with the auto reverse.

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

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

Tools of the typewriter trade by [[Retrotype]]

Excellent overview of many of the basic tools for typewriter repair. Didn't have the strongest grasp of all the tools' specific names, but good enough for describing their general use cases.

Example of a typewriter toolset including a case made for telephone company repair, but which works with typewriters.

• Shore A durometer gauge 2:22
• nylon fishing/picture hanging wire spec to 25kg (for drawband replacement)
• thick waxed string/yarn for repairing fishing nets (for drawbands)
• nitrile gloves (to prevent staining, issues with mineral spirits, and other caustic chemicals)
• XPower pressure blower for blowing out dust/dirt and mineral spirits. (smaller than an air compressor)
• nail grooming set with tweezers, picks, etc. (not technically necessary, but sometimes useful)
• dental tools (for use as spring hooks)
• Renaissance micro-crystalline wax (non-corrosive, made for British Museum, good on marble, wood, leather, etc. Good on bare metal for treating previously rusted metal. (It's recommended to use an abrasive polish for improving the shine of glossy paint however)
• Pouch and set of precision screwdrivers (he only uses the flatheads though the set includes other) Prefer hollow ground tips which are squared off rather than wedges.
• Chapman bit set of screwdrivers (with hollow ground tips) He prefers these for hard to remove screws. Issue that it's a bit thicker at the tip.
• Liquid wrench penetrating oil for helping to loosen screws (he likes this better than WD-40)
• brash wire brushes
• steel wire brushes (uses less frequently as they're more abrasive)
• pouch of precision wrenches (imperial and metric) his are bladed, Moody tools wrenches (mfg.) prefer the thinnest tips
• microfiber cloths
• jig for soldering typeslugs on typearms
• pouch with various typewriter specific pliers:
  • 3 prong pliers (total of 9 prongs) for making bends/forming typebars (especially making bends in the middle of bars rather than the end.;
  • peening bend pliers;
  • bending pliers for sideways bends esp. with thinner typebars;
  • vertical adjustment pliers (with rollers) not good for making adjustments of 3mm or more;
  • forming pliers with screws on the end to rotate heads for bending, peening and cutting;
  • peening pliers (bending by metal displacement)
• Magnetized screwdrivers
• forceps
• screw grabber (active capture)
• spring hooks (push/pull)
• nylon brushes for dusting
• needle nose pliers
• t-bender with slotted head for forming metal
• small bottles for mineral spirits and sewing machine oil. They have small metal tips for precision application.

Ron's Typewriter - YouTube<br /> by [[Parks and Recreation]] <br /> accessed on 2025-10-06T22:09:41

Standard Typewriter Ribbon Notes for the US:

Here's a handful of places: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1 I've really liked ribbons from either Baco or Fine Line, but you can also get them from your local repair shop, who'll appreciate the business more than Amazon will, and it'll help keep them around for when you may need a full overhaul.

You'll want the Universal spools of 2" in diameter with 1/2" wide ribbon (in Nylon, Silk, or Cotton), but honestly, if you've got original metal spools on your machine, those usually work best, so spool your new ribbon from the cheap plastic spools onto your originals.

Reply to u/PatriotMike1 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nya3bb/looking_for_ribbon_for_this_typewriter/

Why bother with dozens of big standards in your office when you can have a portable or two that you can move and which are always in demand?

100% The Practical Magazine of Efficient Management, November 1916, Volume 7, No. 45, p49. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Management/hqj2SD6khL4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=corona&pg=RA4-PA49&printsec=frontcover

reply to u/Ag_2402 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nwl0jb/brother_charger_11/

Remove the ribbon and compare what's happening bilaterally. Use the mirror symmetry of the two sides and the ribbon reverse functionality to puzzle out what's wrong. Is something stuck? Broken? Bent? Missing? Comparing the broken side to the working side should help to solve the puzzle.

Look closely at the mechanics of what's going on. Are the gears turning at all? Is there a pawl that holds the forward motion properly? Does something need to be bent back into place? Is there a missing spring perhaps?

Beyond this doing searches for ribbon advancement on YouTube (especially Phoenix Typewriter's channel) may unearth some illustrative help.

Some of the advice here may be helpful: https://typewriterdatabase.com/RD-Typewriter-Tips.index.manual

reply to u/peachaphrodite at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nwu77s/sears_scholar_specific_letters_are_faint/

Issue with light imprints on a, w, q, etc.

Are you a touch typist or a two finger hunt-and-peck typist?

Solely based on the letters, I'll guess there's nothing wrong with the machine and that you're a newer touch typist whose two weakest fingers on your non-dominant hand just need some exercise to get a better imprint. I'd guess the same happens to your z and x as well, but you use them less. Practice typing about your "qwaze axes and saws" a few times a day for a week to improve your finger strength and technique.

If you're a hunt-and-peck person, then your typebars may need some gentle forming/fine adjustment using some specialist tools to give better imprints. Those letters on the ends of the segment more often go out of alignment than others. If this is the case, try: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

Wilhelmshaven: The Emperor's beloved city destroyed in the war<br /> by [[NDR.de]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-30T15:02:51

I found a video about Wilhelmshaven in 1965 in the vintage section of a German broadcast service. The video is all German. It was made in 1965 and shows how the city developed through the decades. It is 17 minutes long, and the time from 6:30 to 8:30 is dedicated to Olympia Typewriters. You'll see a breathtaking amount of SG1s, workers correcting the letter alignment, workers taking measures on machines, and workers assembling machines in a huge workshop with a deafening typewriter rattle going on. <br /> via r/typewriters u/andrebartels1977 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nun0is/olympia_nerds/

Adler J3 Typewriter - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-27T15:42:43

The rubber gromets/bushings of the Adler J3 are often an issue with their cases when they've aged.

Joe also compares this with the Olympia SM3 and an Optima Super typewriter (poorly designed)

John Lewis is closing his typewriter shop in Arizona soon.

Nakajima Daisywheel Typewriter Part 2 - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-27T15:15:18

The Nakamima WPT-150 is manufactured by Mitsunami Asia(S)Pte Ltd. in Indonesia and is sold in other countries as the model AX-150, which may help in finding supplies, print wheels, etc. for it.

nadist.com has repair manuals and parts lists as well as specifications

They sell six different models of which the WPT-150 is the least expensive.

Joe is a little more cognizant of the typing delay time of the Brother and it's seemingly non-existent for the Nakajima.

JVC tested the words per minute speed for the Nakajima using polar opposite characters on the daisy wheel.

Securing Your Typewriter Case - YouTube<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-27T15:06:35

reply to u/GrandRevolutionary99 at https://reddit.com/r/stationery/comments/1nrkuqf/i_need_help_to_create_my_own_letterhead_for_my/

Typewriter enthusiasts often use 100% cotton or high linen content papers with weights in the 32 pound range for 8.5x11. This gives you some nice tactile feel, but will also feed into most typewriters, even with a solid backing sheet. If you want to do thicker card stocks, then you might opt for a bigger standard typewriter which generally have larger diameter platens and more easily handle much thicker paper (they were meant for doing carbon packs up up to 10 sheets or more.)

When it comes to the look of your letters, you can generally choose between silk (clean, crisp imprints), nylon (almost as clean as silk, but with more "grain"), and cotton typewriter ribbon (which leaves a very grainy/old timey and "typewriter-y" imprint). Comparisons here.

I've got a small fleet of typewriters and prefer to use the pica sizes for personal correspondence. I also tend toward the cursive or Vogue typefaces for those as well.

In the US, a lot of stationers have pre-cut paper and envelopes for 6-3/8" x 8-1/2" paper which is a good size sheet for quick notes. My typewriter pen pal Tom Hanks' most recent letter to me was on a custom page of 7.125 x 10.25" and had space for design at the top and bottom with some reasonable space in the middle. If you do custom designs, be sure to order a box or two of plain stock to use as second, third, etc. pages behind your first page if you tend to write over your first page.

Naturally custom designing your own can be fun as well, but get a few samples of the size and weight you want and try them out before ordering in quantity.

Lenore Fenton can give you tips on making carbon copies of your letters if you want to keep them for your own files while sending out the originals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUJfCfqgsX0

Searching r/typewriters for stationery, letterhead, paper, etc. might give you some ideas as well.

reply to u/firefox2061 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nqpvbk/i_ended_up_with_a_1957_olympia_sm3_trying_to_sell/

Take a close look at the online shops that are selling restored machines to see how they're signaling cleaned and restored machines. Professional photos, videos, and type samples will help significantly. The market picks up closer to the holidays and will help you realize greater value.

As you surely know, the bottom of the market for these in unknown condition and potentially shaky/iffy shipping is $120 and professionally cleaned, oiled, and adjusted is in the $550 range (without a new platen).

Shops actively servicing machines and putting on new platens are going to quote in the range of $150-180 for the roughly $100 recovering + their labor. It's rare in the market that buyers truly appreciate the value of a new platen. (Most don't even appreciate the value of a serviced typewriter either.) You're much likelier to get someone paying better rates when they can see and test the machine in person to appreciate how clean and well aligned it is.

You statement about the typeface is off (presuming I found the right listing) as this is very definitely not a Congress face. Try again using: https://typecast.munk.org/2011/04/23/1964-nomda-blue-book-olympia-font-styles/

You should also specifically mention that you've replaced the rubber body gaskets that commonly have compression problems on these SM3s.

Including a facsimile copy of the manual may also be helpful: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

See also: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/23/typewriter-repair-costs-and-valuation-professional-shops-versus-collectors-versus-first-time-buyers/

reply to u/Alchemic-Web at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mtx90h/got_a_1940s_underwood_whats_best_way_to_clean_it/

Congratulations and welcome to the club.

For some basic typewriter 101 including a short intro to cleaning, try: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

More cleaning and restoration: - https://boffosocko.com/2024/08/09/on-colloquial-advice-for-degreasing-cleaning-and-oiling-manual-typewriters/ - https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

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

Additional resources: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/

VINTAGE 1958 COMMERCIAL - REMINGTON RAND - QUIET WRITER TYPEWRITER w/FABULOUS FOUR

RE: poor type quality on the "!" via u/TheGuyAtThePlace265 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1no1whe/poor_definition_on/

Lots of things can cause this in rough order, check:

Clean the slugs

Ribbon can have an effect. Silk is generally crisper than nylon which is crisper than cotton.

The paper can have an effect depending on the thickness and general grain.

Typing technique can play a part. Often you'll see issues including ghosting and other problems, particularly if you bottom out a key while typing.

Are you using a backing sheet?

Is your platen rock hard or has it been re-covered?

Is your ring and cylinder adjustment properly done?

The most frequently abused slugs are often the ones at the the ends of the segment and 1/! definitely qualifies. Sometimes a small bit of forming can clear things up.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1no7d47/customizing_a_machine/

Hot Rod Typewriter has done some lovely paint jobs on typewriters. Check out Gerren's YouTube, Insta, and other socials for examples. You'll see examples of his work float by on the typewriter database from time to time as well.

Richard Polt's book Typewriter Revolution (2015) book has a whole chapter with photos on custom machines including a Twolympia which puts the internals of an SM9 into the body of an SM3.

I've seen gold, nickel, and chrome plated typewriters which are always fun. I'd love to do a nickel plate of my own one day.

Sadly, the most involved I've done so far is when my daughter loved my Clarion double gothic Royal FP, but wanted to have it in the pearlescent gray, so I swapped all the Sandstone (yellow) body panels from a another one I picked up just for the swap.

u/BlindAssassin111 had some cool custom made leather handles he showed off the other day: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nm8eit/made_my_own_leather_handle_for_a_carrying_case/

Archive / online catalogue - Typewritermuseum<br /> accessed on 2025-09-22T15:36:11

https://typewriterdatabase.com/show.26500.typewriter

Reddit Search for typewriter uses:<br /> https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/search/?q=typewriter+uses

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gnblbm/what_do_you_do_with_typewriters_im_planning_to/lwbcs1c/

reply to u/todddiskin at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nlodr0/how_do_you_use_your_machines/

Some various recent uses:

• I've got writing projects sitting in two different machines.
• I use one on my primary desk for typing up notes on index cards, recipes, my commonplace "book", letters, and other personal correspondence.
• I use a few of my portables on the porch in the mornings/evenings for journaling.
• One machine in the hallway is for impromptu ideas and poetry and an occasional bit of typewriter art.
• One machine near the kitchen is always gamed up for adding to the ever-growing shopping list.
• I'll often get one out for scoring baseball games.
• Participating in One Typed Page and One Typed Quote
• Typing up notes in zoom calls - I've got a camera mount over a Royal KMG that has its own Zoom account so people can watch the notes typed in real time.
• Labels for folders, index card dividers, and sticky labels.
• Addressing envelopes.
• Writing out checks.
• Typecasting
• Hiding a flask or two of bourbon (the Fold-A-Matic Remingtons are great for this)
• Supplementing the nose of my bourbon and whisky collection.

At the end of the day though, unless you're Paul Sheldon, typewriters are unitaskers and are designed to do one thing well: put text on paper. All the rest are just variations on the theme. 😁🤪☠️

see also: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/search/?q=typewriter+uses

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nlbgj9/finally_got_a_cabinet_to_keep_a_few_of_my/

https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/1-2-Replacement-Uninked-Typewriter-Ribbon-s/12848.htm

Uninked typewriter ribbon in silk, nylon, and cotton.

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ifi095/ribbon_comparison/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1kjam1u/ribbon_material_makes_a_big_difference/

Cotton versus nylon on an Olympia SM9

Top 10 Worst typewriters<br /> by [[Walid Saad]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-18T23:49:39

Finding a Typewriter's Serial Number<br /> by [[Robert Messenger]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-18T20:48:00

<br /> page from Wilf Beeching's Century of the Typewriter (1974 edition)

Tom Hanks delivers autographed typewriter to Portland shop<br /> by [[Devon Haskins]]<br /> accessed on 2025-09-18T20:31:03h

reply to u/Educational-Big-7383 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1nkb6ga/why_olympia/

It probably doesn't hurt that Olympia was manufacturing some of the best machines at the height of typewriter manufacturing including the use of great materials (strength, durability), design, and general craftsmanship in the 20th century.

Many of these also tended to be late models which were sold in cases, so they tend to be younger, cleaner, and in much nicer condition that the majority of other typewriters out there, and condition really matters a lot when attempting to compare models. As an extreme, but illustrative comparison, a 1930s Royal portable that was pounded out and left in a barn isn't going to hold a candle to an SM3 that was lightly used and lovingly kept in a closet.