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  1. Last 7 days
    1. we would sit in a 1:14 seminar room and take this thing that 1:15 was embodied unique and implicit and 1:18 turn it into something disembodied 1:20 generalized and explicit and therefore 1:23 destroy it

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEfKPYTOAaY

      Discussing and overanalyzing literature can destroy it's beauty and purpose.

  2. Mar 2025
    1. Royal Typewriter Family by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      In Typewriter Video Series Episode 321 Joe and Kevin explore the Royal Heritage, Empress and Safari.

      The Royal Futura and subsequent Royal Heritage were successor machines to the Royal Quiet De Luxe.

      The Empress and the Safari have a sort of Jetsons (1962-1963) aesthetic.


      Colloquial collection of typewriter fan names by Kevin and Joe:<br /> Cult of Hermes<br /> Royal Family<br /> Remington Rebels<br /> Smith-Corona Silent Superiors

      2025-03-21: edit (spelling)

    1. 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?

    1. Apparently, "dual shielding" is a thing. Using one shield (big) for defense, and another (small) for offense.

      Big shields were used in tight formations and for defense whereas smaller ones (bucklers) were more for deflecting close-range attacks (melee) and agility.

    1. Tested 100s of heavy desk typewriters, Here is the top 5 revealed. by [[Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters]]

      Top Five Standard Typewriters:<br /> - Imperial 55 - Imperial 70 (after this they went to cheaper plastic parts); removable carriage, swappable typefaces; removeable core - Hermes Ambassador - removable carriage - Underwood Standards, esp. 5 - Royal 10 (carriage shift); (and subsequent incarnations like the KH, KMM, KMG, HH, FP) - Olympia SG1 (the "crown jewel" of desktop typewriters)

      Also rans: - Olivetti Lexicon, Olivetti Graphica - Contintental m40 & m20 - Mercedes

    1. Cleaning with Air Compressors (testing portable air compressors) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

      Sarah Everett uses: - Porter Cable portable air compressor (loud, high powered) - Uses smaller USB chargeable one for smaller jobs: PeroBuno mini car vacuum and compressor with attachments

    1. Anne-Laure Le Cunff - How to Design Tiny Experiments Like a Scientist ‪@neuranne‬

      • generation effect
      • definitions of success: did you learn something new as a mode for preventing failure (-10:00)
      • curiosity as motivation (-12:30)
      • George R. R. Martin's essay on "architects and gardeners" (and librarians) (and students (via Tiago Forte)).
      • did they miss the prior versions of gardening?
      • Pareto principle for 80% gardener and 20% architect

      • ME: reading fiction can be used as a means of diffuse thinking in combination with combinatorial creativity

  3. Feb 2025
    1. Correcting Bad Typing Habits with the Smith Corona Electric Typewriter 63024 by [[PeriscopeFilm]]

      Motion should happen only at the level of the fingers and not at the wrist or even the arms. Type only with your fingers and not your wrists or arms.

      Allow the carriage to glide to complete the carriage return rather than wasting addition time and energy on pushing it all the way. Let the momentum do the work.

      Use the paper release when removing letters to reduce wear on your rollers and prevent ripping of the paper.

      See also at https://stock.periscopefilm.com/63024-correcting-bad-typing-habits-with-the-smith-corona-electric-typewriter/

      Drop the paper into the top of the platen and against the paper guide to improve alignment can save time.

      Setting the right hand margin will help save huge amounts of time from the transcriptionist looking back and forth to get proper margins otherwise.

      Using correct typing for numerals will speed up typing numbers as well.

      For the top tabulator, use your index fingers alternately instead of hitting it with your entire hand.

      Hugging the keys with your fingers allows you to type faster, much like a drummer keeps the sticks closer to the drumhead when drumming quickly.

    1. Creating on Small Typewriters by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      Portable typewriters give up a level of professionalism in one's documents for their size and ease of portability.

      In particular, the slug alignments may be slightly off compared to larger machines. Ideally they allow for one to be good enough, especially for first draft documents or journaling.

    1. Where Have I Been? Antinet Updates & Insights From the Analog World by [[Scott P. Scheper]]

      He is definitely not making this much from his book... subsequent to his book perhaps, but it would be a NY Times best seller if it were doing theses sorts of numbers by itself.

    1. Cleaning Typewriter Type Slugs by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      JVC recommends 91% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for cleaning typeslugs.

      Brass bristle brushes from Harbor Freight.

      Sally's Beauty Supply stiff nylon brush for cleaning typeslugs.

      Bergeon Rodico 6033-1 as a cleaning compound (similar to Silly Putty and other older compounds) for typeslugs.

  4. Jan 2025
    1. Making Custom Typewriter Line Spacings by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      I suspected JVC would have a custom cut platen gear, but he's using a premarked backing sheet to adjust each line to do one and a half line spacing.

      Joe mentions that the manual adjustments on each line is a net positive in that it gives him some time to pause and collect his thoughts before continuing writing on each line.

    1. David McCullough on His Typewriter by [[C-SPAN]]

      Man shed for writing with a single room of 8' x 12' with 800 books, Royal KMM typewriter, and 2 filing cabinets. He's written every book he's ever done on his Royal KMM.

      "It's got 750,000 miles on it."

    1. Secrets of the carnyx by [[National Museums Scotland]] featuring John Kenny

      300 pictures of the instrument from the ancient world, but only about 6 depict it being played, all show it being it played upright.

      A Deskford Carnyx reconstruction was constructed to allow the instrument to be played upright.

      The Deskford Carnyx has a skull which resonates with sound rather than coming straight out as might be imagined.

      Tintignac hoard included six carnyces. These included ears which ring sympathetically as the instrument is played. The sound come straight out of mouth of the instrument.

      The Tintignac Carnyx was meant to be played horizontal or off horizontal.

      Tintignac, France

    1. 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)

    1. Virtual Hermans - Lucas Dul

      Lucas Dul does an overview of affordable and available tools for typewriter repair as well as more advanced

      Basic Tools

      • screwdriver sets
        • Carpenter screwdrivers (come to a point) the point can slip and causecam out screws
        • Hollow ground - provide the most amount of torque and prevent cam-out problems (also called gunsmith He uses the 0623 Chapman set (the number is the date of international typewriter day) The large tip can be problematic
        • long reach screwdriver
        • magnetic screwdriver
        • tempered stainless steel ruler (as a screwdriver, especially
        • microdrivers (usually used for eyeglasses or electronics)
      • spring hooks (push/pull)
        • Fixture from an embroidery set with length for getting length
        • grab hooks
      • pliers
        • standard needle nose pliers
        • 45-90 degree pliers (he uses more often)
        • wire cutters (for modifying springs in machines and modifying links in machines)
        • parallel draw pieces (with heavy duty cutters)
      • Mechanics' wrench set
        • prefer cast ones
        • socket screwdrivers (fixed hex screwdriver) expecially for shift adjustment on the Royal Ps
        • Chapman's has a mini rachet 1/4" socket in it's 0623 set
      • Forceps especially a long pair for IBM Selectrics (via Duane Jensen)
      • Tweezers
      • Blowtorches
        • alcohol torches (for heating and bending metal)
        • soldering, brazing, and heat shrinking
        • small butane torch (cigarette lighter use)
      • Oilers with needlepoint applicator (he uses sewing machine oil)
        • One can use the surface tension of the oil to place a dot on the tip of a scewdriver (flat head) and then place the dot within a machine with reasonable precision
      • MIG Pliers - have cutouts for taking rubber off of old feedrollers (otherwise these pliers are used for welding); he describes it as the nutcracker of the typewriter world
      • strap wrench (especially for removing platen knobs to prevent damage)
      • knife (butter knife)
        • razor blade for trimming rubber (otherwise too thin for other applications)
      • flashlight (simple is fine)
      • marker (Sharpie)
        • marking orientation of removed parts (washes off with alcohol)
      • hammer
      • retainer clip pliers (especially for IBMs, Brothers, Swintecs) with spare e- and c-clips (some have thumbscrews for minimizing damage to clips) openers are more useful than "closers"
      • Bristol wrenches - looks like Allen Keys, but with star cross section for bristol locks in IBM machines
      • Hand crank (for IBM Selectrics) thread into the operational cam shaft

      Intermediate Tools

      • segment bearing rod (good for removing individual typebars)
      • drinking straw for ball bearings on royal portables and S-C portables and flat tops staggered 1/2" ball bearings with orbital gear (star-shaped) - snip opposite sides to insert orbital ring and ball bearing for holding and placement in typewriter
      • carpenter's pencil for marking

      Advanced/Specialty tools

      • t-bender for forming metal (exp. thin pieces)
      • 9 jaw pliers for bending typebars
      • peening pliers (for manipulating and stretching materials)
      • wheel benders (he doesn't use often)
      • eyelete tool for putting eyelets in typewritter ribbon
      • files (small/cheap) widen gaps inside of type guides when necessary or thinning out tight pieces

      Very specialized

      • Type slug solder jig or solder guide (30:52)
      • keyring pliers ($400 and above to purchase)
      • multimeter for checking circuit components on electric models. Primarily using Ohm setting to see if current is passing through parts, otherwise they're broken.

      Honorable mentions

      • center punch for drilling points and new screws
      • dental mirror for looking into machines
      • spring gauge to set 2lbs for desktop and 1lb for portables

      Q&A

      air compressors are useful for cleaning

      Don't damage screws on older machines.

      US used imperial screws until 1940/50s and machines after are all metric.

      3 dessert island tools<br /> - screwdrivers, pliers, spring hook

  5. Dec 2024
    1. Olympia SM-3 Typewriter Ribbon Lift Adjustment Cuts Off by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      Adjustment for the tops of letters being cut off, particularly on Olympias and Underwoods. Sometimes happens with the first capitalized letter after typing lowercase.

    1. Royal Quiet Deluxe Typewriter Cuts Off Top of Letters Ribbon Lift Adjusted, Repaired Character Print by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      If the tops of one or two individual letters is being cut off, it may require forming of the letter's assembly to have it engage with ribbon lift bar a tad earlier.

      This is different in form from an on feet adjustment.

    1. 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.

      Rover made by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company still making typewriters (bad quality control, plastic, poor alignment). These are variously rebadged as: - the Rover - the Royal Epoch - We R Memory Keepers (Michaels, Home Depot) - Royal Classic (metal shell) - Maplefield (Target, Walmart, Michaels) - The Oliver Typewriter Company

      Will Davis has determined that they're all based on the Olympia Carina.

    1. Dekoloniale Berlin Africa Conference

      for - decolonisation conference - Dekoloniale Berlin Africa Conference - source: human rights watch - Africans and People of African Descent Call on Europe to Reckon with Their Colonial Legacies - 2024 , Nov 18

    2. for - decolonisation - colonialism - legacy of - 140 year anniversary of the dark milestone of the Berlin Africa conference which began a new cycle of horror and institutionalised plundering and dehumanisation of Africa - source: human rights watch - Africans and People of African Descent Call on Europe to Reckon with Their Colonial Legacies - 2024 , Nov 18

      // - summary - Reading this story has reminded me of a Stop Reset Go / Deep Humanity / Tipping Point Festival project idea - cosmolocal bottom up movement that creates a community-to-community sister city coupling for development between communities of global / local North and global / local South

    1. ELEMENTARY TYPING <br /> via Periscope Film #15494

      Elementary Typing. 16 mm, Instructional film. Periscope Film, #15494, 1971. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cdyoPu_ASw.<br /> running time: 00:12:06

      Produced by Moreland-Latchford Productions, Ltd this informational film from 1971 titled “Elementary Typing” teaches the basics of becoming a good typist. The film features a manual Typemaster, a trade name used by Underwood as far back as the 1930s. This version of the machine featured both red and black ribbons. An electric version is seen at 9:00.

      The film is broken down into different sections that focus on different elements of typing from the rhythmic beat of typing to optimal hand positioning as well as how to set up a typewriter. “Elementary Typing” is part of a larger film series related to the art of typing with other titles including “Posture and the Keyboard,” “First Step Typing,” “Machine Techniques,” and “Remedial Typing.” Advisors for the creation of the film include James Treliving Commercial Coordinator North York Board of Education, J.T. Albani East York Board of Education, Sheila Wright Etobicoke Board of Education, and Ronald Thelander Director of Audio-Visual Aids Metropolitan Separate School Board, Toronto. In addition, the film was directed by Rod Maxwell and written by Robert Browning and featured Alex Veltman as the cameraman, Carl Connell as editor, Joe Hayward as production head, and James McCormick as executive producer.

      Pink illustrated typewriter on navy blue background (0:09). Outline of topics covered (0:17). A: early rhythm and reading – metronome and hands typing in the background (0:22). Aerial view of hands typing on an 197X Underwood Typemaster model typewriter (0:42). Camera pans words typed on a page (1:27). Close-up of letters being printed onto a page (1:36). Woman sitting at desk typing quickly (2:24). B: Paper Insertion – close-up of typewriter and hand setting the paper guide at the correct place on the paper table (2:35). Explanation of correct form and technique for holding and inserting paper (2:58-4:23). Explanation of paper removal (4:26). Badminton player returning various shots (4:41). Close-up of hands on the typewriter emphasizing the art of positioning (5:07). C: The Shift – explanation of the shift key (5:15-6:30). D: The Carriage Return – close-up of the device (6:32). The woman types and uses the carriage return (6:46-9:00). The Electric Typewriter – comparison between 197X Underwood Type Master manual model and Underwood 765 Type Master electric model typewriter (9:04). Difference between typing strategies (10:03). Benefits of using an electric machine (10:20). Closing credits (11:35).

  6. Nov 2024
    1. Zettelkasten Numbering is so Damn Confusing (I Think I Can Help) by [[Zettelkasten Blah Blah Blah]]

      He doesn't say it explicitly, but the Luhmann-artig zettelkasten numbers are only addresses. They don't represent hierarchies. Doing this allows a bottom up organization to emerge.

      You can later create hub notes or outlines that create a "correct" or hierarchical order. This is where things become top down.

      He points out that Scheper's recommendations for using the numbering for academic disciplines and putting cards in specific orders (giving them negative numbers, etc.) is a counter-productive habit with respect to Luhmann-artig practice.

  7. Oct 2024
    1. Typewriter Basics: Carriage Locks by [[Sarah Everett]] of [[Just My Typewriter]]

      Sarah describes having a common spacebar issue when repairing a typewriter, bending the spacebar down which causes the machine not to work/advance as a result when it's put back into the typewriter shell.

      Sarah also shows some type bar benders, but doesn't demonstrate how she (or her father) used them to do the repair.

    1. Royal Strengthen Shift Springs KMM Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      I picked this up from a repair manual, but good to see my reading was correct.

      Forming the tabs on the shift assembly inwards will increase the tension and responsiveness of the shift assembly on older Royal standard typewriters.

    1. Royal Typewriter KMG Mainspring Drawband Tightened Adjusted Tension by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      On the left rear corner underneath the carriage when moved to the right, one can easily see the mainspring and drawband assembly. Just behind it is a worm drive operated by a screw. Turning this screw counterclockwise will advance the worm drive to the left and increase the tension on the mainspring.

    1. Royal KMM KMG Typewriter Feet Spacers Original Smashed Rubber Replaced by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      Squished rubber feet spacers on the Royal standard typewriters can cause interfere with the universal bar and when they do, they'll need replacement.

      This is the same sort of interference seen on Olympia SM3s due to their squished/flattened rubber gaskets, though the symptoms are different.


      "Phoenix typewriter. Have a Royal day!" <br /> A slightly different sign off from Duane's usual... :)

    1. ROYAL KMM Replacing Type Bar Link Remove Arm Repaired Typewriter by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      This is roughly what I expected to be the case. I've got to shift the fulcrum pivot wire so I can reattach my Q and @ on a Royal KMG.

      Roughly similar to Gerren's video on swapping out typefaces, but with a slightly different technique for speed of doing that. See: https://hypothes.is/a/I_-9rBV2Ee-eMotzy9_Z-Q

    1. Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Complete Total Body Removal by [[The HotRod Typewriter Co.]]

      Gerren uses a Weaver gunsmith screwdriver set for most of his screwdriver needs. [5:00]

      On the newer QDLs two of the screws for removing the rear plate are accessible from the top underneath the carriage instead of all on the rear.

      The screws for the front body plate can be loosened and don't need to be fully removed to take the body plate off of the machine.

    1. quietly cleaning a quiet deluxe by [[Just My Typewriter]]

      Cleaning the case, exterior and some of interior of a Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter. She does a somewhat minimal job here.

      She could have disassembled a bit more and done a better job with a toothbrush and mineral spirits on the inside.

      Not a horrible recommendation for a beginner, but could have gone further and been a bit more comprehensive.

    1. Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriter Adjustment Print Quality Height Balance On-Feet Shift Motion by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      He made sure the carriage isn't out of alignment which can cause on feet issues as well.

      Adjust the basket stops higher or lower as necessary. Try 1/2 to full turn and test each

      The adjustment points are between the body and the carriage about an inch inside the body shell.

      Do upper case first. The first set of screws/nuts just next to the outside of the typewriter are for lower case and the second set just inside of those are for upper case.

      Turning the adjustment screws clockwise should push the carriage stops down just a bit.

      Some good characters to check are H, h, p, y, and 8.

    1. Reporter John Dickerson talking about his notebook.

      While he doesn't mention it, he's capturing the spirit of the commonplace book and the zettelkasten.

      [...] I see my job as basically helping people see and to grab ahold of what's going on.

      You can decide to do that the minute you sit down to start writing or you can just do it all the time. And by the time you get to writing you have a notebook full of stuff that can be used.

      And it's not just about the thing you're writing about at that moment or the question you're going to ask that has to do with that week's event on Face the Nation on Sunday.

      If you've been collecting all week long and wondering why a thing happens or making an observation about something and using that as a piece of color to explain the political process to somebody, then you've been doing your work before you ever sat down to do your work.

      <div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/169725470?h=778a09c06f&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

      Field Notes: Reporter's Notebook from Coudal Partners on Vimeo.

    1. Advanced Typing: Duplicating and Manuscript. Vol. MN-1512d, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ve5JnTUzvo.

      Stencils

      Before writing stencils, be sure to clean your type. (Don't use liquid solvent.)

      Be sure to place the cushion sheet properly behind the stencil.

      Place the paper bail rollers at the extreme left and right of the stencil to prevent them from marking the master.

      For errors, rub individual characters separately with a burnisher using a circular motion.

      Hectograph masters, Hectograph ribbon (ditto ribbon)

      Wax pencils

      Typefaces

      20% more type on a page with elite than 10 inch pica.

      Pica allows approximately 26-40 lines on standard letterhead giving 300-450 words to a page.

      Special characters: - o for degrees ' and " for feet and inches or minutes and seconds along with superscript - division: - backspace colon - pound sterling: L backspace f - exclamation point: period backspace ' - equal sign: hyphen backspace variable hyphen - paragraph mark: P backspace I

      proofreaders' marks<br /> # followed by a number is used to mean insert that number of spaces

      Centering timestamp 19:37

    1. Basic Typing: Machine Operation. 16 mm. Vol. MN-1512b, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-REJEArnjE.

      Type pacer timestamp 4:12

      "Your head is the most important part of your typing." - Lenore Fenton

      "Your typewriter does exactly what you make it do, but it does no more" - Lenore Fenton <br /> This is very similar to quotes about computer programs at the end of the 20th century too.

      The touch characteristics for the manual, the noiseless, and the electric are all slightly different.

    1. Office Etiquette. 16 mm, Industrial. E B Films, 1950. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLF1STKnBTU.

      EBF Human Relations Film<br /> Produced by Encyclopedia Britannica Films Inc.<br /> In collaboration with Hamden L. Forkner, Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

    1. Hot Rod Mercury - Repaired ! Royal Typewriter Made in Japan Not Spacing Troubleshoot and Fix. by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      There was a loose assembly underneath the carriage that was preventing the vibrator from working and the carriage from advancing via typing. Tightening it up fixed the issue completely.

    1. A Primer on Typewriter Ribbons & Spools by [[Damon DiMarco]]

      Typewriter ribbon is 1/2" wide (12.7mm) which has been standardized as DIN2103.

      The DIN 32755 spool, aka a Universal spool, or a Group 1 spool.

      Olivetti typewriters use Group 4 spools.

    1. Typing Technique and Typewriter Design by [[Will Davis]] and [[Dave Davis]]

      As early as 1932 Royal salesmen would use poor typing technique on purpose to cause skipping and piling and then use proper technique on their own machine to show how much better their typewriters were compared to the others.

      Some repair and service manuals had sections about tuning a typewriter to the level of technique of the user. These may have included 5-6 specific adjustments for allowance to a particular user's technique, as an example indicated in this video.

      "pounded out" - used by a heavy handed typist and now skipping (mentioned possibly in an Ames Repair Manual)

      In the mid-century, the service life of a standard machine was 1-3 years of continual (heavy) use. After this it would have been remanufactured or swapped out.

    1. Typographical Typewriter Fun by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      titling<br /> centering<br /> dates<br /> 1/2 line spacing<br /> 1/2 space spacing<br /> shadow effects

    1. The 2024 Phoenix Type-In by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      Platen shrinkage

      • most typewriters are 6 lines per inch
      • 6.5 lines per inch based on actual measurement per JVC on one of his machines
      • 2mm shrinkage??
      • Per Bob/Typewriter Muse 1.1

      Bob had a machine that was supposed to be 1.27 but was measured at 1.259 when pulled off. So shrinkage of platens can be roughly fifteen hundredths of an inch (0.015" or about 0.4mm)

      Bob at Typewriter Muse custom tunes platens to the typewriter. Only place doing platens outside of JJ Short.

      JVC's partner took him to the Phoenix Type-in for her birthday.

      Bill Wahl of Mesa Typewriter Exchange

      grandfather started in the 40s<br /> bill started in 73<br /> part time help to 92 and now by himself<br /> does his benchwork after hours and chats during the day

      Ted Munk

      adding machine database consideration

      looking for service manuals for: - royal portables 50-59<br /> - skyriter 40s / 50s<br /> - sm9 service manual

      Royal Mercury manual is a clear, well-written manual. The Smith-Corona series 5 typewriter manuals are great too, though a bit more dense.

      Brian Goode and Christy organized this year's Phoenix Type-In.

  8. Sep 2024
    1. Zettelkasten - Death by Category by [[Al Persohn]]

      bridging cards?!? Do we really need more verbiage like this in this space? Relationship to hub notes or "Maps of Content".

    1. Typewriter Clear Plastic Card Guide Holder Clean Polish White Out Dirt Restore by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      For cleaning white out off of the clear plastic on card guides try the following: - scrape with fingernail<br /> - Simple Green - Marvel Mystery Oil (from automotive shops) followed by lacquer thinner in miniscule amounts (one drop). The oil helps protect the plastic from melting from the lacquer thinner. Rinse and repeat.

      Others have indicated that floor wax stripper will remove white out without damaging the plastic of the card guides.

    1. Fossilized Masking Tape Removed Cleaned from Typewriter Body by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      The paint on the metal of the SMC 6 series typewriters will generally stand up well to lacquer thinner and along with scratching can be used to remove the old residual masking tape often found on these typewriters.

      WD-40, gun bore cleaner, and Simple Green generally don't do much to this sort of tape residue.

    1. Royal Futura 800 Typewriter Plastic Key Top White Crud Removal Cleaning Servicing by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      For the white, crusty out gassing (or off gassing) on plastic typewriter keys, Duane recommends a round or two of Simple Green with a stiff bristle brush. Follow this up with a scrub down using WD-40 to displace the water from the Simple Green and then follow up with denatured alcohol, which is safe on plastics, and a wipe down with a rag to dry.

    1. Typewriter Video Series - Episode 187: Remington Ten Forty by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      JVC: Somewhere between a portable and an ultraportable. Good, but not great. Could be a solid, easy-to-use machine for a type-in. He wasn't a fan of the touch. Likely wouldn't use it as a daily machine.

    1. Remington Monarch by [[Joe Van Cleave]]]

      The Remington Monarch (rebadged as a Singer Graduate), is one of the few machines with 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 line spacing settings.

      It has a true carriage lock on the front of the machine.

      Generally solid build, particularly on the main body. Only some portions on the back are pressed metal.

      JVC generally likes this machine with respect to it's contemporaries.

  9. Aug 2024
    1. Remington Quie- Riter Typewriter 1955

      "students who use typewriters get up to 38% better grades."

      "gives book reports and themes a professional look"

      gendered sales technique - "girls particularly appreciate" the easy change ribbon system...

    1. Advanced Typing - Shortcuts (1943)

      Advanced Typing: Shortcuts. 16 mm. Vol. MN-1512c. United States Navy Training Film, 1943. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUJfCfqgsX0.

      Correct typing posture: fingers curved<br /> arms sloping up<br /> light fast strokes<br /> steady rhythm

      fast continuous motion of return lever<br /> using backing sheet (aka temping sheet ??)

      Shortcuts:<br /> mise en place for office supplies (she doesn't use this phrasing though) - greater efficiency - cuts down on searching

      tabulators can be helpful. There are two types:<br /> - automatic - handset

      Use tabs for paragraphs, dating letters, columns of numbers, and letter closings.

      To clear all tab stops, put carriage to left, hold tab clear key and move the carriage across. (Usually applies to Royal, Remington, Underwood, and Electromatic).

      On LC Smith and Woodstock machines sometimes have a tab clear lever on the back.

      Decimal tabulator keys help to align a variety of numbers around a decimal point.

      Always have a few tabs set to prevent a flying carriage which can be hard on the machine.

      When using carbon sheets which are slightly longer than the paper size, cut off a small triangle at the top left hand side. This makes it easier for one to separate the carbons from the copies by holding the top left with one hand and pulling the carbons out from the bottom of the stack.

      To align multiple sheets of paper for carbon copies, use a folded sheet at the top to taco the pages into the machine. Remove the folded sheet once the carbon pack is rolled forward.

      Paper bail rollers should be set to split the pages into thirds (for two rollers).

      Remington noiseless machines have a pressure indicator on the front of the machine (usually above the keyboard) which can be used when using thick carbon packs that may cause the ribbon guide to stick or bind.

      Only erase when the carriage is fully left or right to prevent eraser crumbs from falling into the machine.

      Use a soft eraser on carbon copies. Use and insert slips of paper behind the carbons and allowing them to stick out the sides, erasing from back sheet to front so as not to allow the eraser to mark your carbon copies. For the front sheet, use a shield and ink eraser and erase with a horizontal motion. After erasing, easily pull out the inserted sheets.

      When typing a correction, tap the key lightly two or three times rather than hard once.

      When in a rush and it's necessary to add a word (on double spacing), underline the last letter of the prior word and type a slash (/). Then move the typing line up and type the insertion above the prior line. This creates an "arrow" of sorts for the inserted word.

      Details for inserting extra letters in misspelled words using half-spacing machines. (Underwoods and Electromatics don't have this function.)

      Light pencil marks at the bottom of the sheet can help to indicate the coming bottom of the sheet.

      Putting up the card holders (fingers) on Underwoods and Royals. They help to hold the card and improve print quality and reduce noise.

      Card holders can cause markings on carbon packs if they're not lowered.

      Trick for quickly writing postcards in succession: Disengage the ratchet using the platen spring release (or variable platen switch) Type the address on the front of the card. When done give the platen a quick practiced spin. The postcard with "jump" up and stop at the paper table and be in position for rolling in the opposite direction to write the message on the back of the card! When done a faster spin of the platen will shoot the card over the back of the typewriter where it can land in a box to collect all the postcards which were written in such a manner. <br /> timestamp 23:22

      Time saving methods for addressing envelopes:

      • Front seat principle. Insert the envelope in the usual way and type out the address. When done, turn the envelope down through the machine with the right hand. With the left hand, place the next envelope between the top of the first envelope and the front of the platen. Feed the first envelope back through the machine (in reverse) and the second will be rolled in to place for typing. Continue in this fashion until finished. All the finished envelopes will stack up in the back at the paper table.

      • Chain feeding. The first envelope is inserted and rolled partway into the machine. A second envelope is inserted between the platen and the second envelope (behind the platen). Turn the first envelope to the writing line and type the address. Take out the first envelope and insert the next the same way as before.

      • Uses paper bail. Do the first envelope in the usual way. Spin it out of the machine up and behind the paper bail into a box behind the typewriter.

      For quickly doing labels or small cards:<br /> Create a small zig-zag fold into a piece of paper to create a pocket slot which can be scotch taped on either side. This template paper can then be inserted so that the pocket is visible above the writing line, but the paper below it is still in the platen. The label or card can be placed into the pocket and the platen reversed to feed the label or card in backwards to the desired typing line. Using a v-groove or hole in the typing line can create a pencil line to serve as a guide for inserting many labels at the same place so that the typing lines up between labels.

      Some offices had special platens for holding cards like this.

      Pockets like this can also be used to hold the page to add additional lines at the bottom of pages. Deeper pockets may need to be used for doing this with carbon packs whose carbons are longer than the pages.

      Alternately one can do something similar by creating a inverted u-shaped set of slits into an index card. to hold such labels.

      When in the midst of a page and needing to do another piece urgently, roll back the letter until about 2 inches from the top, and then place in the new page and one between each of the carbons. Then roll forward to do the short message as necessary. Turn back to the insertion position to remove the copies and then continue with the first letter where you left off.

      For drawing horizontal lines on typewriter paper, push the carriage to the extreme left and place the pencil or pen at the edge of the card guide and the scale. Then move the carriage to the right to effect the line. For vertical lines, put the carriage at the desired space and place the pencil at the card guide and scale and move the platen up/down as necessary.

    1. It Only Takes Two Weeks by [[The Math Sorcerer]]

      Within a particular class versus their peers, a dedicated student can usually catch up to the best students in 2 weeks.

    1. Typewriter Video Series - Episode 147: Font Sizes and the Writing Process by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

      typewriters for note making

      double or 1 1/2 spacing with smaller typefaces may be more efficient for drafting documents, especially first drafts

      editing on actual paper can be more useful for some

      Drafting on a full sheet folded in half provides a book-like reading experience for reading/editing and provides an automatic backing sheet

      typewritten (or printed) sheets may be easier to see and revise than digital formats which may hide text the way ancient scrolls did for those who read them.

      Jack Kerouac used rolls of paper to provide continuous writing experience. Doesn't waste the margins of paper at the top/bottom. This may be very useful for first drafts.

      JVC likes to thread rolls of paper into typewriters opposite to the original curl so as to flatten the paper out in the end.

    1. Salesman documents the work of a group of door-to-door Bible salesmen in New England and Florida. Deeper down, the film is a dissection of the degenerative and devastating effects of capitalism on small towns and individuals, but more than any political statement the film is about normal people in all their ugliness and truthfulness.

      see also: Barnouw, Erik (1993), Documentary a History of the Non-fiction Film (PDF), New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 241–242, retrieved March 30, 2020

    1. DIY ANTIQUE RESTORATION // REMINGTON TYPEWRITER RESTORE by [[BYOT]]

      I would not recommend any of this for the serious typewriter enthusiast. He was polishing it up for show, not to preserve it for actual use, or actual restoration.

    1. Royal KHM - Techniques for Polishing Antique Glossy Black Paint by [[Dr. Typewriter]]

      He used a single round of Turtle Wax cleaning compound (taking care not to over use as it can remove clear coat), then Mother's Wax to bring back the shine of black enamel paint on an early 1900s typewriter.

    1. Cleaning Type Slugs Fast ! Removing Clogged Dirty Ink Typewriter Service How to Shine Those Faces by [[Phoenix Typewriter]]

      Duane cleans type slugs by draping the typewriter with cloths and then using a metal bristle brush and lacquer thinner. Small picks or an X-Acto knife can help to remove gunk from the interiors of the closed letters.

    1. Virtual Hermans - Richard Polt

      Richard Polt keynote talk at Virtual Hermans 2022<br /> "The Revolution Continues"

      • Blunderwood Portable at Burning Man
      • Tom Hanks' Uncommon Type: Some Stories
      • California Typewriter documentary released

      Typewriter Shops Today<br /> - California Office Machines has closed since the film - Ken moved to Berkeley Typewriter - Ace Typewriter in Portland, OR - Tom Furrier at Cambridge Typewriter - Lucas Dul opening up in Chicago - Jack Armstrong (Teenager) in Tampa, FL - Karin Kessler - Backspace in Westport, CT - Pamela Rogow WPM, Philadelphia, PA - Typespace opened in Portland, OR - Has an event space and nurturing community - 4-5 shops in Portaland - Bryan Kravitz at Philly Typewriter doing events - placing vintage typewriters around the city - Nashville Typewriter - Kirk Jackson doing brick and mortar store - Trinity Typewriter - Mitch Ham working out of house in Cincinnatti, OH - Ian McAndrew - Iron Fox Typewriters - Wordplay Cincicy - RIchard Polt's place

      Typewriter Restorers<br /> This segment is showing the most growth - El Granero in Spain (Polish Couple) - Mr. & Mrs. Vintage Typewriter - Walid and wife - Unplug Typewriter Company - Magan Siata (SP?) in Arkansas -Teipiadur - Welsh word - Laura Whittner in CA - Colombo Collection - Jennifer Colombo in Seattle, WA - Sparky - similar to USB Typewriter kit; sends text via Bluetooth to phone

      Recently Manufactured Typewriters<br /> - Still made in 2022 - Rover made by Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company still making typewriters (bad quality control, plastic, poor alighnment) the Rover, the Royal Epoch, We R Memory Keepers, Royal Classic (metal shell)) - based on the Olympia Carina (Will Davis determined) - Nakajima still doing electric typewriters - Royal Scriptor - Brother - daisy wheel - Swintec - selling machines to prisons

      Modern Technology for making typewriters - 3D printing - 3DTypewriterParts.com - Pete Volz has digital files - Odin Typewriter - Ryan Mosely - Typer by Yannik Gotz - minimal keyboard and printer (concept) - Freewrite (fka Hemingway) (word processor) - Pomera from Japan - decoration made in China and not functional

      Typewriters in Popular Culture<br /> - stickers - skateboards - Dark Academia - movie: Can you Ever Forgive me - Movie The french Dispatch - andretti machine from wes anderson - typewriter fashion (purses) - Lego typewriter and knockoffs - tattoos

      Events (Type-ins / Type-outs)

      Street Typing - Chris Vitiello made a typewriting cabinet he hides in, takes in a word and provides an answer/poetry - Brian Sonia-Wallace - The Poetry of Strangers - writing on Amtrak

      Publications - The Adventures of Typewriter Troubadour - self published several books - Typewriter Rodeo (book) - Literati - Ann Arbor, MI - Notes from a Public Typewriter - ETCetera journal - Paul Rober in Netherlands - Polt, et. al. edited four volumes as books: Paradigm Shifts, Escapements, Backspaces, Dead Keys (series called Cold Hard Type) available on Amazon at cost, Margin Releases (forthcoming; Deadline March 1, 2022) - Loose Dog Press - Polt's imprint - Danielle Steele still writing on an Olympia SG1 - Evertype - Polt NaNoWriMo (looking for publisher) - Armando Warner publishing books in Spanish (he's also a typewriter restorer)

      Typewriter Music - Boston Typewriter Orchestra album Delegation: The Remixes - Typophone by Albrecht Fersch (typewriter loom) - Anechoia Memoriam IBM typewriter connected to piano

      Typewriter Art - Courtney Brown - octopus typewriter - titled: Self-Organization - AlteredTypewriter - Instagram altered typeslugs for creating art - Tim Youd - retypes classic novels; also does painting - Issue of Red Door (#28) The Typewritten Issue with cover by Hal Wildson to do photorealism - Kelye Kneeland - also presenting at Hermans 2022 - Keira Rathbone doing typewriter art - James Cook - portraits

      Typewriters in the Pandemic<br /> - Tom Currier WBZ (CBS) interview in 2020 marked his busiest year in business. - #Covid19Correspondence by TimeTravelTypewriters (he died) - One Typed Page project by Daniel Marlow - Brian Sonia-Wallace used Zoom to aggregate typewriter poets - Poor Typist - Gregory Short - Typewriter Club LIVE - Austin Typewriter, Ink. (Austin, TX) with FB page and ATI: The Podcast - Joe Van Cleave - YouTube videos - Virtual Hermans

      The Future of the Revolution - definitely not over - Mark Zuckerberg photo with typewriter on shelf behind him.... Smith Corona electric - Pavel Kuchinski artworks - Banksy did Redding Jail with escapee using a typewriter to escape - Steve with tattoo Insurgent - Munk redid image of woman changing ribbon - Giovanni Chero in FLA with image

      Q&A<br /> - Blick electric - Flavio has one and one others - Polt is distracted by the electric hum when he's trying to write creatively - Polt hasn't used a thermal typewriter before - Argument for wife for why collect? "They keep their value..."

    1. Tools of the typewriter trade by [[Retrotype]]

      Excellent overview of many of the basic tools for typewriter repair. Didn't have the strongest grasp of all the tools' specific names, but good enough for describing their general use cases.

      Example of a typewriter toolset including a case made for telephone company repair, but which works with typewriters.

      • Shore A durometer gauge
      • nylon fishing/picture hanging wire spec to 25kg (for drawband replacement)
      • thick waxed string/yarn for repairing fishing nets (for drawbands)
      • nitrile gloves (to prevent staining, issues with mineral spirits, and other caustic chemicals)
      • XPower pressure blower for blowing out dust/dirt and mineral spirits. (smaller than an air compressor)
      • nail grooming set with tweezers, picks, etc. (not technically necessary, but sometimes useful)
      • dental tools (for use as spring hooks)
      • Renaissance micro-crystalline wax (non-corrosive, made for British Museum, good on marble, wood, leather, etc. Good on bare metal for treating previously rusted metal. (It's recommended to use an abrasive polish for improving the shine of glossy paint however)
      • Pouch and set of precision screwdrivers (he only uses the flatheads though the set includes other) Prefer hollow ground tips which are squared off rather than wedges.
      • Chapman bit set of screwdrivers (with hollow ground tips) He prefers these for hard to remove screws. Issue that it's a bit thicker at the tip.
      • Liquid wrench penetrating oil for helping to loosen screws (he likes this better than WD-40)
      • brash wire brushes
      • steel wire brushes (uses less frequently as they're more abrasive)
      • pouch of precision wrenches (imperial and metric) his are bladed, Moody tools wrenches (mfg.) prefer the thinnest tips
      • microfiber cloths
      • jig for soldering typeslugs on typearms
      • pouch with various typewriter specific pliers:
        • 3 prong pliers (total of 9 prongs) for making bends/forming typebars (especially making bends in the middle of bars rather than the end.;
        • peening bend pliers;
        • bending pliers for sideways bends esp. with thinner typebars;
        • vertical adjustment pliers (with rollers) not good for making adjustments of 3mm or more;
        • forming pliers with screws on the end to rotate heads for bending, peening and cutting;
        • peening pliers (bending by metal displacement)
      • Magnetized screwdrivers
      • forceps
      • screw grabber (active capture)
      • spring hooks (push/pull)
      • nylon brushes for dusting
      • needle nose pliers
      • t-bender with slotted head for forming metal
      • small bottles for mineral spirits and sewing machine oil. They have small metal tips for precision application.
    1. The 1957 Groma Kolibri by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

      Another sexy sales video by Lucas Dul, this time for the Groma Kolibri portable out in the woods and backed by a lovely piece called Ashitaka and San by Joe Hisaishi.

    1. the 1960s Remington 333 by [[Typewriter Chicago]]

      What a great looking sales video for a typewriter. Backed by the Igor Stravinsky's the Rites of Spring.

    1. Typewriter Tool Kit from the DOLLAR TREE by [[Just My Typewriter]]

      Overview of cheap tools for typewriters available at Dollar Tree and similar dollar stores.

      • microfiber cloths
      • q-tips
      • LA's Totally Awesome cleaner
      • Silly Putty
      • toothbrushes
      • allen wrenches
      • wire bristle brushes
      • hook and pick kit
      • screwdrivers and sets
      • extendable mini mirror
      • rubber gloves
      • flashlights
      • magnets to hold screws