Script Olympia SM3 Disassembled in 5 minutes. Time Lapsed by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Basic breakdown of the Olympia SM3 body parts, platen, etc. for cleaning.

Steps: - platen, etc...

1960 Union Foundry Typewriter Type Slug Specifications – To Type, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth… by [[Theodore Munk]]

reply to u/ingeniouskeys at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1e0utt9/differences_between_olympia_sge_typewriters/

The Typewriter Database is going to be one of your better sources, but will require delving into each particular exemplar to see what their owners may have written about them. So, for example, go to https://typewriterdatabase.com/Olympia.SGE40.61.bmys and then click on the individual galleries for all the machines. If you've got an account, you can message those who currently have them and ask questions directly.

Given their manufacture in the late 60s and into the early 70s you're likely to find small incremental improvements in the electrical side, but you're also likely to find more dramatic changes in manufacturing which made them cheaper (replacing metal pieces for flimsier plastic.) I doubt the 45 (later 70s) is going to be incredibly much better than the 40, which I would suspect to be more robust from a manufacturing standpoint. You may have vaguely better "specs", but its build quality is likely going to suffer even more, so you'll have to balance out what you're after.

If you want to delve into the deeper specifics, then try out the repair manuals for them: https://www.lulu.com/shop/ted-munk/the-olympia-sge-304050-typewriter-repair-manual/paperback/product-1e4pnd4v.html?page=1&pageSize=4

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/17utzze/identity_of_the_red_typewriter_from_taylor_swifts/

Taylor Swift uses a Sears Cutlass in All Too Well: The Short Film.

The Sears Cutlass is very similar to the Sears Citation.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/17jvg8p/the_everest_model_90_with_a_reaaally_small/#lightbox

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dz7kdy/is_this_really_the_smallest_typeface_ever_made/

I've heard of Olympia SG1s with 17 CPI typefaces and some seem to think that 20 CPI machines may exist.

https://www.newenglandtypewriter.com/

Announced intention to open in 2024 on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1cxjxt5/new_typewriter_shop_coming_fall_2024/

apprenticed to Tom Furrier of Cambridge Typewriter Co.

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 173: Olympia SG-3 by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe Van Cleave has noticed that some glasses fit under some typewriter carriages better than others.

This can broaden the number of drink pairings one can make with their typewriter.

timestamp 21:12

https://vintagetypewriters.myshopify.com/products/non-slip-felt-typewriter-pad

Non-slip Felt typewriter pad for $29.50<br /> black felt 12" x 12" x 3/8"

https://www.jotandtittletypewriters.com/

Olympia SM Typewriter Wash, Scrub Clean Lid Cover, Restore Paint by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

Simple Green gets off most dirt and nicotine as well as some White Out. Duane uses Nu-Trol Control Cleaner (for electronics) as a mild specialty cleaner for tougher White Out cleaning.

Weller, Charles Edward. The Early History of the Typewriter. Chase & Shepard, printers, 1918. http://archive.org/details/earlyhistorytyp00wellgoog.

While some sources indicate that "Now is the time..." was used as an early typing exercise, Charles Weller in his book on the history of typewriters indicates it, along with the opening of the Declaration of Independence, was "repeated many times in order to test the speed of the [typewriter] machine.

More recent typing books use a variant: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country”. This version fills out a 70-space line if you count the period at the end.

General lore has it that Charles Weller used the phrase as a typing exercise in the early 1900s.

Apparently they were calling it a "dog" pretty early on...

Who originated, “Now is the time for all good men …” by [[Cecil Adams]] dated 1977-09-15 in The Straight Dope

https://typewriters.com/typewriters/nakajima

They still sell the new Nakajima typewriters (though possibly old stock).

Type Shop, EP. 20: Ribbon Colors by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

blue/pink is an excellent color combination as is the blue/green. blue/purple isn't as strong a differentiated color combination as one might hope.

Typewriter Chicago used to carry orange, but doesn't any longer. Maybe again in the future?

How to package an antique/vintage typewriter for shipping <br /> by [[Tampa Typewriter Co.]]

Use elastic band to permanently engage the carriage release so it doesn't engage with the escapement and then cling wrap the carriage so it can't move. (Especially on models without a carriage lock.)

http://mytypewriter.com/eProducts/Ribbon_List_102806.pdf

A somewhat handy chart of typewriter ribbons by make and model. Will require some work to puzzle out the standards however.

http://mytypewriter.com/classic-typewriter-pad.aspx

MyTypewriter.com sells a 100% wool typewriter pad which they say is based on an original from the 1940s. It's 11.5" x 13" x 1/2".

https://thetype.space/

Sales, service and repair of typewriters. Also has some parts access according to some.

http://mytypewriter.com/index.aspx<br /> MyTypewriter.com

https://www.tampatypewriter.com/<br /> Proprietor: Jack<br /> https://www.instagram.com/tampatypewriter/

Type Shop, Ep. 15: The Ultimate Keyring Toolset Guide by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

Charles Gu's new keyring pliers for about $500 for a set are as good as if not better than vintage tools. In particular the new rubber pieces seem to help protect from breaking the original glass key tops which will then require replacement.

http://mytypewriter.com/hello-qwerty-typewriter-keyring-pliers-kit.aspx

Charles Gu at MyTypewriter.com is selling new typewriter keyring pliers!

ᔥ[[Typewriter Chicago]] in Type Shop, Ep. 15: The Ultimate Keyring Toolset Guide at 2022-12-29<br /> (accessed:: 2024-07-08 08:23:36)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSy6XubgVIK/?img_index=1

I love the idea of hiding interesting visuals underneath the hood of a typewriter. This could be done with a variety of papers, decals, etc., but could also be done with custom printed fabric over felt to get the noise dampening.

Meagan Syata is the repair genius behind Unplug Typewriter Company https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnplugTypewriterCo/<br /> https://www.instagram.com/unplugtypewriterco/

Setting Up Shop! by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

The 2023 Rover Typewriter: Worst Machine Ever? by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

I know Michaels was carrying the We R Memory Keepers typewriter, but hadn't heard about Home Depot carrying them.

Is There a Typewriter Revival? by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Use an Olympia SM4, SM3, or SM2 typewriter - Works for SM1 & SM5. by [[Mr and Mrs Vintage Typewriter]]

https://tbwritersplus.com/

https://www.tbwritersplus.com/general-8

You have to love that they have DIY services for typewriter repair enthusiasts!

https://www.tbwritersplus.com/category/all-products

https://www.tbwritersplus.com/projects-8-1

Part 3: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 Service/Set Up Guide- Carriage Adjustments/ Ring and Cylinder by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Not mentioned in the video is that, at least on his model, most of the common adjustment points have screws or nuts which have a brassy look rather than silvery almost as a means of highlighting them as subtle adjustment points for improving the performance of the machine.

Sometimes the carriage lock mechanism on the Olympia SM3 may not clear the carriage rail completely and this can result in it rubbing on the returns which results in a zipper or grinding sound. Forming the bar that connects the lever to the mechanism can quickly remedy this issue. See timestamp 2:17

Fore and aft adjustments on carriages

Details at timestamp

Side to side adjustment on carriage:

Details at timestamp

Forward and backward carriage adjustments (on both sides):

Details at timestamp

Adjustment for the spacing between the carriage rails:

This adjustment is rarely done unless there is something drastically wrong with the machine Details at timestamp

Adjustment on the carriage stoppers for how much bounce the carriage shift might have as well as how high or low the carriage sits at it's lowest point using the triangle sliding bracket on each side of the carriage with two screws. If these force the carriage too high, it can affect where the type sits in terms of potentially interfering with the bichrome settings to make letters (especially the tallest ones) have two colors when they should only have one. Details at timestamp 8:14

Adjustment on the rear springs for how light or heavy the carriage shift may be. Raise the spring and then adjust the small "nut" on the top. Details at timestamp 9:52

Ring and Cylinder adjustment for Olympia SM3<br /> Details at timestamp

Gerren doesn't seem to understand (or perhaps doesn't discuss it) some of the mechanics behind this adjustment beyond the distance of the platen to the typeface, but the usual suggestion is that the typeface shouldn't actually strike the paper and/or the platen. Ideally there should be just enough space between the typeface and the platen that an addition sheet of paper can be easily slid between the two along with the ribbon and another sheet of paper. This will allow the typeface to just kiss the ribbon and force the ink onto the front sheet of paper. Doing this will help to protect the integrity of the paper being typed on (ie, no deep imprints being pressed into the paper -- often seen with the period), as well as the integrity of the platen (preventing chips and imprints into the rubber, especially if it has been hardened), and the longer term integrity of the ribbon which can tend to be cut into by the typeface if it's too close.

From a physics perspective there is some minor amount of flex in the typebar arm between where the "hammer" at the bottom of the typebar hits the "anvil" (aka ring) and the top of the typeface which, when typing at speed will tend to "throw" the typeface a tad farther than it would hit when the hammer hits the anvil when simply holding it against the ring manually.

Part 2: COMPLETE Olympia SM3 Typewriter Service/repair- SO YOU WANT TO BE A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?!? by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

An excellent video in terms of coming to understand the functionality of a typewriter versus how the pieces interact to effectuate those functionalities.

COMPLETE Olympia SM1/2/3/4/5/7 Typewriter Build/Service/Tune up Series- Part 1 by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Advice by Nashville Typewriter at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dwqi1r/friend_found_in_junk_pile/lbwege9/

Olympia SG1 1953-72 cleaning (technical restoration)

https://www.retrotast.no/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/typewritermaintenance/permalink/2310899869147449/

Details for helping to remove the platen on an Olympia SG1

Tips for Removing and Installing Olympia SM3/SM4 spring loaded typewriter keys by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

Classy Dames: Olympia SG1 and Husqvarna 6430 by MyOldTypewriter

https://www.mrmrsvintagetypewriters.com/en-us/products/olympia-typewriter-case-rubber-foot?_pos=1&_sid=f3b235259&_ss=r

Out with the Old, In with the New: Olympia SM by [[myoldtypewriter]]

They recommend fixing the Olympia SM3 spacer issue with:

Danco 1/2 rubber washer Universal (item #198804, model #88569) -- 00 trade size with 1/2" OD and 3/16" ID. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Danco-10-Pack-1-2-Rubber-Washer/3380002

The Amazing Floating Olympia by [[Michael P. Clemens]] aka clickthing

Michael recommends using 1/4" flat bibb washers with 9/16" OD to replace the rubber washers on the Olympia SM3, which notoriously are squished and need replacement. The general symptom is that the carriage sits low on the machine and scrapes or hangs on the sides of the body beneath it.

Olympia SM-3 SM-4 Typewriter Carriage Binding, Repair, Replace Body Spacers Tutorial Demo by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwMhC_klUByXl_rHTj1O7xKKhA0-kIoBt

1968 – Smith-Corona SCM Typewriter Typestyles and Keyboards by [[Theodore Munk]]

1961 Adler Typewriter Type Font Styles – To Type, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth… by [[Theodore Monk]]

https://munk.org/typecast/2011/04/23/1964-nomda-blue-book-olympia-font-styles/

https://munk.org/typecast/2011/04/24/1964-nomda-blue-book-royal-font-styles/

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/SiWC-30-by-SiWC/119314956.0S66D.XYZ

It can be useful to take some mineral spirits, naphtha, or paint thinner and a tooth brush (or, even better, a brass bristle brush) to your typeface every now and then to clean the ink, dirt, paper, bits of ribbon, dust, etc. out of it. Doing it after changing ribbon is always a good idea. If you're really hard pressed, nail polish remover (acetone) or rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball along with a small pin tip for the loops of letters like 'a', 'o', 'p', 'g', etc. can be used.

How well (or not) your typewriter works from a print perspective can also change with the type of paper you're using, what your ribbon is made out of (usually nylon, silk, or cotton), how much ink it's got in it and how old/worn it may be. A good backing sheet behind your typing paper can also be helpful.

reply to u/kirrachristine at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dtuksy/one_letter_weirdly_thicksmudged/ RE: one letter weirdly thick/smudged

Tom Hanks Changes the Ribbon on a Typewriter - Secret Talent Theatre - Vanity Fair

Olympia SM3 & 9 Comparison by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Typewriter Basics: End of Page Indicators by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Handful of methods:<br /> - page gauges (Smith-Corona, some Royals) - paper support arm (adjustable) - notch in paper pan (Hermes & some Silver Seikos) - Platen knobs (requires mod math and adjustable ring) (IBM)

I also don't just mean the script, but I mean every thing. The signatures and text block I'm also printing with my typewriter. Looking online before setting this I couldn't find much info or other people doing the same thing, so I feel like it's quite unique.

It's also insane. And I get why people aren't doing it. My book is a small collection of short stories and won't be too big. I have a friend who's a book binder that will bind the text block into a hardcover book. Very excited! Just wanted to share.

[...]

Oh no but I mean it's uncommon to make signatures and text blocks from typewriters. Like each copy of the book will be made from the typewriter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dtb8sn/im_two_months_in_to_my_writing_a_book_entirely_on/

Example of someone both writing and publishing a book entirely by typewriter.

Before You Buy a Typewriter … Six Top Things You Need to Know by [[CreateX3]]

Designer Marcelo Nizzoli designed the Lettera 22, 32, and Studio 44.

Considerations for buying a typewriter:

1. Where will you use it? Is weight a consideration? (Standard, portable, ultra portable)
2. What Kind of Work will you do? (Do you need tabs, bichrome?)
3. How does the Typewriter Feel?
4. What type of keyboard will you need? (language, characters, diacritics)
5. What is the typeface? You should like/enjoy it and it should be big enough to be easily readable to you.
6. Do you like the typewriter's look/style?

How to test a typewriter before buying by [[Retrotype]]

Typically in this sub, when people ask, "Is it worth it?" the presumption is that they're buying it to use for themselves. You left out your context of buying it to sell until later. This means that once you've cleaned things up, and go to try to sell it for something above $40, people are going to show up here and ask that same question. When they do, the answer is going to be that it's far too expensive, especially with shipping which is notoriously tricky, expensive, and risky.

You'll be sitting there with a typewriter that you don't care enough about to have known anything about it or if it had any particular value. This also probably means that you don't know enough about what goes into cleaning and properly adjusting a typewriter either. If someone is a sucker enough to pay the crazy mark up, it means that someone who wants to try out a typewriter will be buying a sub-par machine and have a sub-par experience.

unposted reply to u/DistributionPure6051 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dqr02l/is_this_worth_it/<br /> (Most of context is hiding because of downvoting)

https://www.jotandtittletypewriters.com/serviced-refurbished-restored/

https://www.phillytypewriter.com/restorations.html#/

reply to u/virtualellie at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ds1aps/typewriter_suggestions_for_newbie/

aggregated links from prior notes:

I'd generally endorse most of the advice on models you'll find in these sources which are geared specifically toward writers, all three sources have lots experience and reasonable bona fides to make such recommendations.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9dXflhDed0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKMt-aCHZZk
• https://typewriterreview.com/2020/01/10/top-10-writerly-typewriters/

Obviously, you'll want to steer towards the smaller portables in the lists, but most of what's represented should fit your criteria. You'll notice a lot of overlap but with different positioning, so there's obviously some personal preference at play. If there's a nearby shop to you, it may be worth driving over to try out the touch and feel of some machines to see which you like best. Try https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

There was also some sage advice from u/Thylacine33 about purchasing the other day which may be helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1drj32h/comment/lawb2h7/

Beyond this Just My Typewriter has a few short videos that'll give you a crash course on Typewriter 101: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

https://www.pbssocal.org/history-society/a-different-l-a-jesse-and-the-typewriter-shop

Highland Park's Famous Typewriter Repair Shop Has Packed Up and Left Figueroa ~ An Update ~ L.A. TACO by Javier Cabral

Found via https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1

Fine Line Ribbon in Ennis, TX, (972) 878-8683,

Ruben Flores likes them for his bulk ribbon

Family Typewriter Repair Business Forced to Relocate After Rent Increase by [[Nic Cha Kim]] for Spectrum News 1 on 2019-04-16

Highland Park repair shop enjoys a typewriter revival by [[The Eastsider]]

Only portable and ultra-portables

List: 1. Hermes 3000 (Switzerland) (pre-1965 curved models; square tops are good, though slightly less solid; later plastic frames aren't durable at all) 2. Olympia SM9, SM8 & Monica (Especially pre-1970s) SM8 has tabs on the back. the SM9 are by the spacebars. Best SM9s are green shift keys and knobs.<br /> 3. Olivetti Lettera 32, Lettera DL (Italian better than Spanish) Mexico, Brazil and other countries are lower quality materials<br /> 4. Olympia SM3, SM4, SM2<br /> 5. Imperial Good Companion Model 1<br /> 6. Smith-Corona Super, Silent Super (Series 5); pre-war flat tops too<br /> 7. Olivetti Lettera 22<br /> 8. Brother De Luxe; Brother 200, 210, 220 (no repeat spacers; prefer metal frames) 9. Olympia Traveller de Luxe S (German; not Eastern Europe which were weaker); Olympia Splendid 33, 66, 99<br /> 10. Adler Tippa; Adler Tippa S; Triumph Tippa

Also rans: <br /> - Underwood 3 bank<br /> - Royal P<br /> - Hermes 2000<br /> - Remington Quiet DeLuxe<br /> - Remington Victor S or T<br /> - Hermes Baby (metal frame)<br /> - Halda and Erika M.

I tested more than 300 typewriter models & here're the TOP 10. by [[Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters]]

Joe Van Cleave makes the interesting observation that while a hobbyist will only take a typewriter apart as much as is necessary to fix the issue at hand, the professional repair person will strip it all down and clean everything out for the coming 50 years to prevent it from coming back to them for something else in the near future thus costing more time, effort, and potential damage to their reputation.

Typewriter Line Lock Repair by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Repairing Bent Typewriter Key Lever by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

reply to u/Rabbits16 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1df7o2t/request_type_writer_suggestion_please/

For that budget range, pick up something cleaned and fully serviced from a nearby shop https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

Too many resellers are pushing overpriced machines that say "works" or "may need servicing" on some online shops like ebay or Etsy for top end pricing when you can get something truly spectacular and ready for the next 50 years from a serious pro that needs the support for the same price.

As for particular machines to look at, I can't find much to fault in Joe's advice here https://youtu.be/aKMt-aCHZZk?si=CGPduwA4A3HPDm3u

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TypewriterDecalShop

Run by Paul Robert

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwMhC_klUByVGdnTTIFP6XmVdLPYwW3mC

Joe Van Cleave typewriter maintenance and repair playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

Typewriter 101

Five Fairly Fun Fixes For Free by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Advice for typewriter ribbon printing, especially as silk ribbons age and more quickly gunk up the loops or letters like "e" or "a". Nylon ribbon and a thin plastic backing sheet can be helpfu.

Use of bookbinder's glue on fabric of typewriter cases, then layers of shoe polish.

General advice for replacing feet on typewriter cases.

Small incremental improvements to your typewriter can be easier and more sustainable than trying to do everything at once.

Smith-Corona 5-Series Touch Adjustment by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Royal QDL Quiet Deluxe Typewriter, Left Margin Stop, Alignment Adjustment, Repaired uneven edge by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

How to adjust the margin stops on a Royal Quiet De Luxe and related portable models.

If you've got heavy impressions going to the level of the backing sheet or things like your period cutting holes directly through your paper, then it's not really so much an issue of typing too hard, but your carriage is slightly out of alignment with respect to your type bars.

Your typeface shouldn't actually hit the platen when pressed (or held forward), but should just kiss the ribbon which then places the imprint onto the paper. Holding your typeslug forward against the type guide you should have just enough space to slip a piece of paper between your slug and the platen. If there isn't a tiny bit of space, your typeface will chew up your ribbon and paper over time. The typing thunk sound that typewriters make isn't the slug hitting the platen (aka cylinder), but the typebar hitting the anvil (aka ring).

The proper adjustment for fixing this is thus commonly called a ring and cylinder adjustment and how it's effected depends on whether you have a segment shift or a carriage shift machine. On many machines it requires adjusting two screws on either side of the machine. It changes the distance of platen from typeface and can prevent your making holes in the paper and/or ribbon, which isn't good. Sometimes using a simple backing sheet can remedy a bit of this distance problem, especially on platens which have hardened or shrunk slightly over time. Searching YouTube for your make/model (or similar models) will usually show you the adjustment you'll need to make to remedy these problems.

See also: https://hypothes.is/a/AegRziHnEe-Ud_stVcPQLA

Reply to u/Bitter_Rent_141 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1dnnh2n/is_this_normal/

Test typing and adjustments

• Ring and Cylinder adjustment (distance of platen from typeface; the type shouldn't touch the platen or you'll find you're imprinting on your paper, making holes in the paper and/or ribbon, which isn't good) [Interestingly Dul doesn't mention this particular adjustment]
• evenness of the letters (on feet)
• alignment between capital and lower case (motion)
• margin consistency
• line scale height
• adjust escapement "so that it's moving the proper distance both up and down to prevent skipping or missing spaces"
• adjust the height of the ribbon, this is done to make sure the entire letter is printed (and presumably so the bichrome is properly usable when available)

How A Rusty 1930s Royal Typewriter Is Professionally Restored | Refurbished | Insider

Done by Lucas Dul. Some particularly interesting portions on adjustments after restoration. He generally touches on the order of adjustments he makes, but in brief rather than completely.

https://typewriterchicago.com/

Run by Lucas Dul

Typewriter 101: The ULTIMATE TYPEFACE Guide (ft. Typewriter Chicago) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

featuring Typewriter Chicago's Lucas Dul

https://www.phillytypewriter.com/parts-mfg.html#/

James Norris does 3D printing of replacement parts for typewriter restoration projects.

https://www.phillytypewriter.com/#/

https://typewriters.co.uk/

https://www.classictypewriter.com/typewriter-manuals

https://www.classictypewriter.com/

The benefits of using a typewriter to write novels and poetry. by [[Classic Typewriter]]

If Sundberg's first design was for IBM in 1955, how is he influential to Dreyfuss' 1948 typewriter design for Royal?

Carl Sundberg’s European-made Remington Portable Typewriters by [[Robert Messenger]]

https://tsesaraheverett3.wixsite.com/justmytypewriter/team-4

https://www.bullydozer-typewriters.com/en/

Typewriter Video Series - Episode 234: Royal QDL Spacing by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

These have been selling at auction sites over the past several months for $45-$75 plus shipping based only on pictures and without any information at all about their working condition, so all-in you probably got a great deal. I'm just finishing up work on cleaning up a 1951 2Y series Skyriter myself, and I really like its typing action. Don't throw away the spools if it came with them as they're non-standard and slightly smaller than the ubiquitous universal spools. This being said you can buy the standard 1/2" ribbon and manually spool new ribbon onto your existing spools. Mine didn't have spools at all, but I found some replacements (with ribbon) at https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/. Take note that it's not a bichrome machine, so you can buy a single color ribbon.

There are two screws that hold the chassis of these into the bottom of their case. They're hiding just underneath the carriage. Once removed, the typewriter lifts back and up and out of the base. You'll find the serial number on the right hand side of the frame underneath the platen and can use it to date your machine with the database: https://typewriterdatabase.com/smithcorona.86.typewriter-serial-number-database. Based on appearance alone, I'd place it as a 1960 3Y series based on the color, the badging and the white keys. You can look at others' individual models and notes at https://typewriterdatabase.com/Smith+Corona.Skyriter.86.bmys. If I'm right about the date, Richard Polt has online manuals available for the 1960 as well as others at: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjumGF9NFE8 is a pretty solid cleaning primer. Searching YouTube will uncover some potential additional advice in addition to what you can find at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html or in his book. I will say that in cleaning mine, the mineral spirits dissolved the glue holding the felt on underneath the typebars, but it was in terrible shape anyway and needed replacing. The foam strip underneath that felt came out unscathed without much effort on my part to be careful with it.

Most of the mechanics are pretty basic and easy to clean/service. Unless there's something dramatically wrong with it, you could very likely clean and service it yourself. (As an example, I had to re-slot the mechanism for the margin release which was almost too easy.) Even the mid-level repair issues for it can be easily found on YouTube if you're handy with a screwdriver (Joe Van Cleave and Phoenix Typewriter in particular have several model specific videos on the Skyriter). The platen and rollers come out fairly easy with a small screwdriver and removing one half of a spring on the back of the paper tray. This gives you great access to clean the escapement from above as well as to potentially send them off to JJ Short Associates for replacement via https://www.jjshort.com/typewriter-platen-repair.php. If you're less handy, Polt's website has a list of repair shops around the world that could clean/repair it for you.

Good luck with it. I hope you like yours as much as I like mine. They're one of the most solid and sought after ultra-portables out there.

A Tale of Two Toy Typewriters..... by [[Just My Typewriter]]

You can certainly keep them out on shelves and rely on occasional dusting.

If they're in a dustier-than-typical room or you have compounding factors, like the presence of cats or dogs (like my German Shedder, I meant German Shepherd), and don't want to go the route of traditional fabric-like dust covers, you might consider doing a thicker plastic/acrylic cover which will give you a clear plastic layer of protection, but still show off your machines.

I live in Los Angeles and there are half a dozen places that do this sort of custom plastic work all the time for very reasonable rates. Searching for "plastic fabricator memorabilia case" along with variations of plastics (acrylic, lucite, plexiglass) should get you what you want locally. (Here's a few examples I've used in Los Angeles before to give you an idea: https://solterplastics.com/, https://www.plasticfactoryinc.com/, https://www.customacrylicproducts.com/, https://plexidisplays.com/). Search for something similar in your area for easier communication and cheaper pick up/shipping.

If you search around for companies that make plastic displays, particularly for memorabilia (baseball bats, baseball cards, etc.), you can have them design and make a custom sized clear plastic box/enclosure that will keep the dust and dirt out, but still allow you to see the machine inside. If done well it may actually make them appear more precious because you've taken the additional precaution.

Enclosed glass shelving is also a potential solution as well, but requires a larger investment and also requires more work to rotate machines out for regular use.

Most of my machines get daily use, so I'm not really using them for display or presentation purposes (except for one machine which sits on our library card catalog, but even then, it is frequently used as a standing desk, for occasional poetry by everyone in the family, or for guests who want to try their hand). I go through lots of index cards, so I'll usually temporarily protect against dust, dirt, and fur by slipping an index card on top of the hood or slightly into it to protect the segment.

But at the end of the day, as long as you haven't used WD-40 or some other lubricant on your segment and typebars (and what typewriter monster would do such barbaric things?), you should easily be able to go long periods between dustings and still have a highly functional machine. After all, who hasn't bought a machine full of dirt, dust, White Out, and eraser shavings/crumbs that still works like a dream?

It may bear brief mention for those who display their machines and forget, that you might also disengage the paper lock/paper release lever which will release the tension on your rubber rollers against the platen so that they don't go "flat" or become misshapen when not in use for long periods.

Expansion of https://hypothes.is/a/NjoVMA1REe-f47d0T4ZOkg

Reply to u/Styr0foam at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1djgjv2/how_to_display_typewriters_properly/

The Manual Library<br /> https://archive.org/details/manuals?tab=collection&query=typewriters

Typewriters:<br /> https://archive.org/search?query=%28typewriter%29+AND+-title%3A%28reading+room%29+AND+collection%3A%28manuals%29&page=2

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

Removing rust from typewriters

Steel wool can be useful for removing rust from keylevers and other parts on typewriters, but can leave dust/slag behind which can be a bear to clean up especially when used on typebars.

De-rusters like Evaporust can be useful, but should be tested against causing harm to other parts of a machine. Some rust removal chemicals can strip galvanization from machine parts. Olympia typewriters in particular are infamous for galvanized steel parts.

Another option can be to use a rotary tool (like a Dremel) with a wire brush head to remove rust.

Take care and be sure to use proper eye protection against dirt, dust, and chemicals when doing this sort of work. Also make sure you have proper ventilation and/or a mask to avoid breathing in dust and toxic chemicals.

Richard Polt's site has additional resources for typewriter restoration: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

Reply to https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1da2zg6/how_do_i_remove_rust/

reply to u/baxter1207 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1da0voq/repairsclean_ups/l7jg8nl/

I'm pretty sure those exact words have escaped my lips...

Her: "I know you've got five typewriters already, and I'm not counting the one I know you're hiding underneath the bed. Which ones are you going to sell??"

Me (in my head): Where am I going to stash the 12th machine when it arrives later today? At least it's an ultraportable, so it won't take up as much space. Why is my least favorite machine that I want to sell her favorite machine? Will selling it upset the delicate typewriter balance in the house? I can always say that the typewriter coming on Tuesday is a parts machine that I'm using to repair two of the others so I can sell them. Is this how all typewriter repair shops began?

Me: I'm trying to finish up refinishing the two executive tanker desks and the filing cabinet in the garage first so I can get them out and make some space.

😁

Not sure if it may help your Typewriter Typefaces Bible project or not, but I'll mention that Marcin Wichary used the Internet Archive to collect a lot of the materials for his massive 3 volume 2023 book "Shift Happens: A Book About Keyboards": https://archive.org/details/wicharytypewriter

In addition to lots of material which he found and collected on the Archive, he added a huge number of resources, catalogs, and books which are either rare or incredibly difficult to find by uploading them to the Archive for others to potentially find and use. You and others may find it valuable and or useful to follow his pattern of uploading and storage there.

syndication link

1954 Smith-Corona (SCM) Typewriter Type Styles and Keyboards Catalog – To Type, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth… by [[Theodore Munk]]