Bremerton Typewriter Company

Royal Portable P from 1930

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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...]

Adler 20 is a typing Monster!

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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...]

Oliver Typewriter Wood Ribbon Hubs

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I've often thought that I too could make those wood Oliver typewriter ribbon spool hubs. Lately, every time I want to buy just the hubs, my supplier is out of stock. My first attempt is adequate and fits nicely. The final product will use a GREEN tack to hold the ribbon. … [Read more...]

Unboxing the New-In-Box Olympia

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Recently I sold the new in box Olympia SM 9 typewriter from 1976. Many have asked to see the photos, and the customer who bought the machine also wanted to see photos of the unveiling. Since he asked I service the machine before shipping I have photos to share. All said the machine is in perfect, factory new condition. Even the rubber bands holding down the carriage release and carriage lock were in almost new condition. Forty year … [Read more...]

Blickensderfer Number 8 Typewriter In for Service

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I love getting machines in to service that you don't see often. Take this Blickensderfer Number 8 typewriter from 1910. The customer's machine is a well preserved typewriter complete with the wood case. It needed removal of decades of shellacked oils, a new paper roller and new ink roller. I buy my ink rollers from an eBay seller. The felt rollers come a bit over sized and brush the paper until the felt compresses from use. It is … [Read more...]