We put a good dozen machines through a month, and large amounts of small parts. It's a great machine, but very expensive. Both the unit, the power demand, and the solutions. Not every machine or part can go in either, we still do many machines by hand to avoid damage in the ultrasonic. Quality of work is critical, but so is time. We can do the same level of in depth clean manually, but it takes 2-3 hours and the ultrasonic halves that time. We still do drying, rust removal, bulk grease, and final washes by hand to ensure consistent quality. Can't express enough how amazing the ultrasonic is. Deffinately increased our output. We work with OmegaSomics for machines, parts, and cleaners.

Kaffee: [interrupts with game-show buzzer sound] eeehhhhh! I'm sorry, your time's run out! What do we have for the losers, judge? Well, for our defendants, it's a life time at exotic Fort Leavenworth! And, for defense counsel Kaffee, that's right, it's a court martial! Yes, Johnny! After falsely accusing a highly decorated Marine officer of conspiracy and perjury, Lieutenant Kaffee will have a long and prosperous career teaching... typewriter maintenance at the Rocco Globbo School for Women! Thank you for playing "Should we or should we not follow the advice of the galactically stupid!"

Occasionally I've signed my typewriters in inconspicuous places. I've also designed stickers that I use on machines I service and sell under the name Urban Legend Typewriters.

Ryan Anderson is a recent graduate of the shop's apprentice program.

We have a long way to go before this unit is ready to rock and roll again (if it ever will be), but it'll be a lot of fun working on it and finding out.

I ended up first getting an antique typewriter for free and then finding myself back at the drawing board when it proved to be more of a “fixer-upper” than I wanted it to be.

But, man, they’re a pain in the neck sometimes. They’re not exactly portable. Repairs can be difficult. Parts might be difficult to source. Plastic fatigue can destroy some parts of the machines. Pressing down on the keys can be a bit of a process at times. And if you get a machine where the rubber has turned to sticky sludge? God help you. The machines, while often beautiful, are absolutely not convenient in any way whatsoever. Also, you’d better be into some serious lubrication if you’re going to maintain an older model.

Let’s just say it makes perfect sense as to why someone would actually want to use a typewriter in what is now the mid-2020s, even if it kind of sucks sometimes. I can think of a few reasons, but the simplest one is: no subscriptions and the right to repair.

The Gramercy mix: 1/3 409, 1/3 ammonia, 1/3 water.Like

Found an option for replacing the rubber feet on my 1952 SC Skyriter. Used a Hillman Group grommet, #55050-E, with a groove diameter of 1/2", and a groove thickness of 1/16".

Just wanted to share my excitement! I've been into typewriters for about 2 years and I started buying and repairing and selling typewriters just short of a year now. I have a small YT channel, an IG account and word of mouth around the village (pop. Aprox 1200 ppl) where a local grandpa asked to fix up his old Triumph, which was a freebie for experience and, not gonna charge grandpa! Last week, someone from across the island reached out to me, asking for assistance. They had recently purchased an Olivetti Letters 31, his first typewriter. We chatted and agreed on a price and a week later, it's now ready for pick-up. New ribbon, general degrease, clean and polish. The client is already excited and happy with the images and will collect it tomorrow. As far as I am aware, there is no "official" repair shop in Mallorca and from searches, I appear to be the only one (correct me if I'm wrong) but, the fact that someone found me and asked for my services, has made me extremely happy and excited and I'm hoping this will open the door to many new typewriters in look of TLC. Just wanted to share and thank all of you who have helped and given advice on repairs and general questions I've had which has led me to this point. Let's hope this is the start of something new and exciting.

I am scared by random people writing this and that with compressed air.We learned in typewriter school in the navy.1.remove rubber bumpers platen and feed rolls.2. Mix 1to 1 superagetine and mineral spirits. Stoddard solvent also works.3. Soak overnight.4. Drain and rinse with fresh solvent.5 air dry or bake @95°F.6 .cool and manually re oilNow a day oil only with synthetic 0 weight oil.7 .check and brush typefaces.8. Clean platten.Reinstall and type test, align typefaces. Only permanent align is peening typebars. This is the way I maintained 200 typewriters on an aircraft carrier.This what worked for me.Spring scale at .75 Lbs. For tape tension.Adjust the rail clamps and clean under if required. Carrage should slide with 3 oz or lessLike

I argue that these separations should guide judgments about public support for nationally connected pools.

The left Shift key on the Antares Parva was scratched. I sanded it first with wet-dry sandpaper and then polished it with a cotton pad and toothpaste.

I am an old typewriter repairman. I worked at the underwood assembly plant in Hartford Connecticut for two years and became a typewriter service man for 20 years in St. Louis. I don’t own any typewriter’s I know the gray fives like the back of my hand. As well as the scriptors and forums. Still interested in those fabulous machines that I made a living off.

Coke contains phosphoric acid, which chemically breaks down iron oxide (rust) into iron phosphate. And Diet Coke isn’t sticky like Coke. And aluminum loses electrons and oxidizes, while the iron oxide (rust) gains electrons. This chemical reduction fundamentally changes the rust back into a form that easily breaks away from the base metal.

I would be more than happy to help you fix it, or if you are just done with it, I have a large number of machines for sale. I have everything from the 1920's to the 1980s, Manual, electric, electronic. I have portables and ultra portables. I also sell mine for about 1/3 of normal shops because I do this for the fun of it, not for income. I have a large number of Royal Quiet Deluxe and can even custom paint one if you want. Depending on your location, I'd even take that one in trade.

Ray, a former IBM technician who cut his teeth on these machines in the ’70s, owns Business Machines Center in Woodland Hills, where old electric typewriters go for a second chance.

Service Calls: $55 + $75/hour for labor within Greater Dayton Area. Service calls outside of Greater Dayton: $55 + $75/hour drive time + $75/hour for labor. (Currently servicing Ohio and Indiana, for other states please contact us.)​ ​ Cleaning: $75-$200+ Prices fluctuate based on the method we have to use to clean your machine. Call or come in to get an exact price.​ ​ Replacement of key legends and polishing key rings: $100   New/Replacement Parts: Ribbons $8 Metal spools $25 each Recovered platens  $90-150 Recovered feed rollers $10-50 each Felt removed and replaced $5 per piece Replacement draw bands $35 New feet $35-45 ​ Other Services: Type height adjustment $35 Ribbon height adjustment $30 Main spring tension adjustment $25

I’d be in for that. I’ve been doing it for awhile, but would love the networking and fun. I have areas I’m still learning about and know enough to probably make me dangerous at times. Add me to your list. I’m in the Central Valley.

I regularly use this “Renaissance” wax to protect paintings and, above all, very fragile inscriptions. After it dries (10 minutes) and is lightly buffed, the surface becomes very slippery and is no longer susceptible to friction or fingerprints. It also helps preserve nickel plating that is beginning to deteriorate on levers or axles, for example. It’s a truly reliable product.

To preserve raw steel without oxidation, you can apply a very thin layer of microcrystalline wax after thoroughly degreasing it to ensure good adhesion. This is the method used in major museums around the world. With this protection, there is no more oxidation and no grease.

Tip: of the 3 things WD-40 is actually useful for on a typewriter, one is cleaning and giving a nice sheen to crinkle paint safely. Apply lightly on a clean rag. The other two are cleaning white-out off plastic card guide without fogging the plastic, and removing the calcified masking tape often found on SCM portables.

“People need to see you work,” he said, his red-framed glasses sliding down to the bridge of his nose as he focused intensely on hemming a pair of beige pants. “That’s the key in this business.”

Don't feel bad. Your not the only one. This misconception has been going on for years simply because no typewriter repairman has stood up and said " Now wait a minute! " The collectors have done all the talking and publishing while the typewriter man isn't heard. Consequently, it's the big typewriter collectors that are heard. They never talk about how many times they had to reclean a machine. They often have several and may only use 1 or 2. Also there isn't that many of us real typewriter repairman left to do the talking.

In the photo with the three brushes at the top: the bottom tool is used to split the platen rubber for removal before mailing them to Ames for recovering. We had a special reusable shipping box with fabric straps and buckles and a reversible label. Stripping the rubber enabled more to fit in the box and saved postage. We would mail about 20 cores at a time.

A 1950s Smith-Corona “Eighty-Eight” Secretarial model, this typewriter was purchased at Byers Office Equipment Co. in Ames.In 1955, Mer Byers established Byers Office Equipment at 126 Main Street in Ames. Art Taylor purchased the company in 1957 and operated it with his son Paul. Around 1963, the business moved to 417 Main Street.By the 1960s, the company offered machine rentals and repair along with new and used models of typewriters, calculators, and adding machines. The showroom also featured office drapery options and furniture. At its peak, Byers Office Equipment Co. served a seven county area with 65% of sales taking place outside of Ames.In 1973, the name changed to Taylor Office Equipment Inc., and operations moved to a new, larger space at 705 East Lincoln Way. The business continued to serve Ames and surrounding area through the early 1990s.

Arcade Typewriter Co. Riverside, CA

Tuning a typewriter

typewriter repairman Lucas Dul opened up a brick-and-mortar shop in 2024.

SIMPLEX MACHINE RESTORATION CHECKLISTQuick guide for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance 1. MODEL IDENTIFICATIONCheck what applies:• ☐ Baby Simplex• ☐ Simplex Toy Typewriter• ☐ Practical Simplex (100 / 160 / 240 / 400)• ☐ Simplex Model A• ☐ Simplex Model B• ☐ Simplex Model C• ☐ Simplex Model D• ☐ Simplex Model E• ☐ Simplex Model 300• ☐ Simplex Model 2 ½• ☐ Simplex Model 3 (Large Size)• ☐ Simplex No. 2• ☐ Simplex No. 3• ☐ Improved Simplex Typewriter• ☐ Practical Typewriter No. 2• ☐ Practical Typewriter No. 3• ☐ Simplex Typewriter – 36 characters• ☐ Simplex Typewriter – 72 characters• ☐ Simplex Typewriter – Uppercase (Note Size)• ☐ Simplex Typewriter – Upper + Lowercase (Note Size)• ☐ Simplex Portable Typewriter• ☐ Simplex No. 8other model________________________________________ 2. INITIAL DIAGNOSISGeneral condition:• ☐ Complete• ☐ Missing parts• ☐ Visible damage• ☐ Rust• ☐ Dry wood• ☐ Dial blocked• ☐ Carriage stuck________________________________________ 3. DIAL / CHARACTER WHEEL• ☐ Turns freely• ☐ Turns with resistance• ☐ Blocked• ☐ Letters readable• ☐ Letters worn• ☐ Visible dirt• ☐ Shaft lubricated________________________________________ 4. CARRIAGE AND ROLLER• ☐ Carriage advances• ☐ Carriage does not advance• ☐ Soft roller• ☐ Hardened roller• ☐ Clean guides• ☐ Dirty guides• ☐ Functional spring• ☐ Loose spring________________________________________ 5. CLEANINGSurfaces:• ☐ Dust removed• ☐ Gentle damp cleaning• ☐ Fully driedDial:• ☐ Cleaned with cotton swab• ☐ Avoided touching letters• ☐ Shaft lubricatedCarriage:• ☐ Roller cleaned• ☐ Guides lubricatedMetal base:• ☐ Surface rust treated• ☐ Deep rust stabilizedWood base:• ☐ Hydrated• ☐ Waxed________________________________________ 6. LUBRICATION• ☐ Dial shaft• ☐ Carriage guides• ☐ Advance mechanism• ☐ No excess oil________________________________________ 7. INKING SYSTEM• ☐ Soft pads• ☐ Hardened pads• ☐ Replacement needed• ☐ Re-inking done• ☐ Proper ink (oil-based)________________________________________ 8. REPAIRS PERFORMED• ☐ Dial unblocked• ☐ Carriage adjusted• ☐ Spring tightened• ☐ Gears cleaned• ☐ Screws replaced• ☐ Base stabilized________________________________________ 9. FINAL TESTS• ☐ Dial rotates 360° without sticking• ☐ Carriage advances several lines• ☐ Clear printing• ☐ No metallic noises• ☐ No excess lubricant• ☐ Paper feeds correctly________________________________________ 10. STORAGE• ☐ Stored in breathable box or cover• ☐ Moisture-absorbing packet included• ☐ Away from direct light• ☐ In a dry, stable environment________________________________________ FINAL RESULT• ☐ Full restoration• ☐ Partial restoration• ☐ Pending parts• ☐ Preventive conservation only• ☐ Full restoration• ☐ Partial restoration• ☐ Pending parts• ☐ Preventive conservation only

Verlon H. Pridgen Obituary It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that our family announces the passing of Verlon “Bill” Huey Pridgen on October 28th, 2024, at the age of 87 while surrounded by loved ones. Bill was born on February 1, 1937, to Morgan and Annie Pridgen in Samson, Alabama. He moved to Florida when he was young, where he lived out the rest of his life. While in high school in South Florida, Bill met the love of his life, Barbara Pridgen. Bill and Barbara married in 1957 and completed their family with their two children, Marc and Lesli. From 1959 to 1961, Bill proudly served in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington and spent time serving in Germany. After retiring from the Army, Bill continued his lifelong career of working on typewriters. He eventually became the owner of McDavid Typewriter Service from 1970 to 2024. His love for all typewriters and his passion for repairing and restoring the machines earned him the endearing title of “Typewriter Genius”. As a devoted follower of Christ, Bill raised his family wrapped up in the love of God. He was an amazing role model and continually showed the love of God to those he encountered through his actions and words. He gave glory to God in all things. Bill was exceptionally committed to his church family at Trinity Baptist Church where he served in the choir and Cubbies. He also volunteered as a coach for their youth sports program. Exemplifying God always, Bill made the world a brighter place for 87 years. Bill is survived by a son, Marc (Donna) Pridgen; a daughter, Lesli (Greg) Wheeler; grandchildren, Ashley (John Robert) Pridgen-Blake, Gregory Wheeler Jr., Samantha (Curtis) Burkhardt, Alison (Garrett) Pridgen, Cindy Pridgen, Hannah Wheeler, Luke Wheeler, and Simon Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Skarlette Blake, Jackson Blake, and Lena Wheeler; and brothers, Donald (Sheila) Pridgen and Jerry (Marion) Pridgen. Bill was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Pridgen; father, Morgan Pridgen; his mother, Annie Pridgen; and brothers, Gary Pridgen, and Robert Pridgen.Visitation will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, followed by the funeral service at 11am at Trinity Baptist Church at 3716 State Rd 21, Keystone Heights, FL, 32656. Interment will follow at Eliam Cemetery at 821 State Rd 21, Melrose, FL, 32666.In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Haven Hospice to help their mission of honoring life by providing comfort, care, and compassion to individuals and families they serve. You can donate online at https://beyourhaven.org/donate or by mail to 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606. Cemetery Eliam Cemetery 821 State Road 21 Melrose FL 32666

In the hopes of helping those seeking to remove the body/shell/jacket* of a Corona Zephyr (1938, in this case), I've created a step-by-step process based on my recent experience. (\The user manual from the 1930s refers to the machine's body as a "jacket.")* The steps are: Remove the two screws underneath the keys at the front of the machine (holding the typewriter to the base of the body. 2, 3, 4. ON EACH SIDE, remove the screws at positions #2 & #3 and the lug nut at position #4. Don't remove the screw at position #4 as it's not necessary & will be difficult to set back in place. Remove the back lower panel of the body to reveal the screws at position #5. Remove the screws at position #5 from EACH SIDE of the machine. Using a thin piece of cardboard (I used the cardstock from a cereal box) or a stack of a few pieces of paper, depress the top row of keys so that they'll slide under the body as you slide it forward. Slide the body forward, slightly lifting the back end to help guide it out. Work slowly & gently, keeping an eye on the keys to ensure that they are not getting caught on the body & that nothing is getting crushed, scraped, or scratched as you work. Continue gently & carefully sliding the machine out of its body. A view of the body without the typewriter within. Note that it is a single piece and the top & bottom do NOT separate. Good luck! ALSO: this guest post from Garrett Lai on Richard Polt's Typewriter Revolution site has a good approach for aiding in the sliding of the typewriting in & out of the body by making some plastic skids to avoid scraping/scratching during movement: https://writingball.blogspot.com/2020/06/guest-post-disassembling-smith-corona.html If you want to get any Corona Zephyr servicing details from the source, be sure to see Theodore Munk's post which includes his insights along with a copy of the original "1938 Corona Zephyr Typewriter Service Adjustment Methods" manual: https://typecast.munk.org/2023/02/11/1938-corona-zephyr-typewriter-service-adjustment-methods/

Fortunately the attachment point on both the mainspring barrel and the carriage were conducive to a single strand of telephone wire (core) which is a trick I learned from getting a machine fixed at a local shop many years ago.

The advice in your last picture is spot on. I have had success with #0000 steel wool and metal polish in particular.