This L.C. Smith Standard 8 typewriter from 1915 is a customer machine brought in after decades of decrepitude. Way more filth and rust than I like to see on any machine. Even had multiple beetle carcasses throughout. This one is in the shop for a heavy and detailed cleaning, tune up and new feet.
Into the sonicator go all the small parts and as much of the carriage bright work as I can fit. A much needed vacuuming and bath were next. Rebuilt the tab assembly from a rust bucket to a working action.
The removal of multiple layers of shellac from most of the sliding mechanisms took much of the time. Not sure why that stuff was smeered over the internals, but what the heck. The sonicator worked surprisingly well to remove surface rust and get the carriage working again. Dental tools really helped to scrape away the hardened gunk.
Cleaning the keytops is one of the last things and it is fun to gently wipe away the decades of crud and see the letters shine again. I like the carriage action on these older L.C. Smith Standards, very smooth.
