What is it with Hermes platens? This is the third Hermes 3000 machine I've had in for service in three weeks where a platen has tiny tiny cracks across the surface. The print on paper is just fine so I'm a bit reluctant to recommend replacing with new. What a strange thing. … [Read more...]
Smith Premier No. 4 from 1904
This big guy was brought in for a complete cleaning, tune up and new rubber. The very worn platen was sent to J.J. Short and arrived back in perfect condition. Man those folks do great work. The metal draw band was also toast. Once opened, I discovered it was missing three type bar slugs (1/4, $ , _ ). The pound key top was broken and the ribbon reverse rod was snapped in half. A bit of solder and epoxy worked on the ribbon reverse. There … [Read more...]
Voss A24 Portable Typewriter – Shipping Damage
This Voss A24 portable typewriter from the year 1957 was brought in for repair. The customer bought the machine using the internet and it arrived damaged. Damn, I see so many of these. Well, it is a Voss so worth getting it fixed. The carriage was rubbing, back space not working, the card guide a bit wonky and the carriage return arm bent too low to clear the typewriter. The upper and lowercase alignment was way off. I initially couldn't tell … [Read more...]
Royal Portable P from 1930
This customer Royal Portable P typewriter from 1930 came in for some much needed love. A filthy dirt bucket, the machine really needed a thorough cleaning. Because of the wood grain finish, I took all the sheet metal covers off the machine. That way I can get to all the internal components and not worry about blemishing the paint. I also cleaned and polished each panel prior to reinstallation. The ribbon vibrator was broken, … [Read more...]
Ewwww, so Moldy!
I get sooo many smelly, moldy, funky odorous machines in the shop so that's the first thing I think about when opening a typewriter case. In this case (ha, ha), I've been working to make rubber feet that others do not sell. Today, I finished a silicone mold of Smith-Corona feet for the 6 series machines. Normally those feet are in fantastic shape. Lately I've come across a few where the feet are disintegrated. Since no one else is selling … [Read more...]
Bright Yellow Adler Tippa S
This customers Tippa S typewriter from the year 1975 was in for general service. Have I told you how I like the Tippa portables? I do. Most are that dark brown plastic, very inconspicuous. This baby is BRIGHT YELLOW! I love that color. The typeface is also very readable and the machine has a QWERTZ keyboard. … [Read more...]
Remington 16 Dirt Bucket Deluxe
This family heirloom came into the shop dragging its owner along. It survived years of storage by the liberal application of spray oil. What?! Did I just say something positive about spraying oil everywhere? Nope, just your imagination, now let's move on. It needed EVERYTHING! Once cleaned, I discovered that dirty old oil hid decades of rust. I had to remove the type bars and segment just to get some key action. The front … [Read more...]
Modern Tools
It is unsurprising I use quite a variety of hand tools servicing and repairing machines. Many are legacy tools no longer manufactured. I know many of you are typewriter enthusiasts and enjoy working on your own machines. This article is for you. For vintage tools, antique shops and online auction sites are your scourge. Read any of the typewriter forums and folks salivate at the chance to own forming tools. Those speciality tools are a … [Read more...]
Key tops, key tops, lovely lovely key tops
I spend a fair bit of my day cleaning machines. I admit, cleaning key tops is very satisfying. The job is simple and gratification is immediate. That's all, just sharing my cleaning jones. … [Read more...]
Adler 20 is a typing Monster!
This Adler Universal 20 typewriter is a customer's, and in for slow key action and the ribbon vibrator is stuck. Well actually, the ribbon vibrator was completely disconnected. It took removing the anvil and gently forming things back into submission before the ribbon vibrator was feeling like itself again. The card guide wire also needed a bit of attention. A modest machine, weighing in at 34 pounds, will consume every inch of your work … [Read more...]
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