Hi Again Henrik

Looking at my SG-3, the type size and pitch of the escapement are built into the main body of the machine. The number on the type scale refers to the alignment markings. For example, if you were to swap a 23 carriage for a 254 carriage, the typewriter would still type just fine. The only problem you'd run into is the typed letters would not align with the graduations on the type scale. One of my SG-3's has a 4.2 mm pitch (6 cpi) and the other is 2.54 (10 cpi). If I were to swap the platens, both machines would still type perfectly.

From what I understand, the main reason for the type scales is so that if an incomplete page of type is removed from the machine, it can be reinstalled at a later date using the graduations on the type scale to align the page to the existing type so typing can be seamlessly continued. This would be impossible if the type scale didn't match the type size of the machine.

So, to answer your question, yes the machine would work correctly, and by swapping two 23 carriages, you would be able to re-insert a partial page of type and align it so typing could be continued. Hope this makes sense,

Sky

Hi Keystriker

Traditionally, typewriter ribbons were made from natural cotton with the luxury ribbons being made from silk. I'm not sure when nylon ribbons became the mainstay of ribbon production, but I'm sure that members here with more knowledge on this subject than me will know the answer.

A couple of questions I would like to ask are:
1, What make and model of typewriter are you using?
2, Is the ribbon the correct width for your machine?

My reason for asking is that some machines require a 7/16" (11mm) ribbon and if a 1/2" (12.5mm) ribbon was installed, the edges of the ribbon could be chaffing against the ribbon guides and/or the vibrator (ribbon lifter).

Cotton ribbons had a habit of deteriorating with use due to the continual hammering of the type slugs against the ribbon. This deterioration would result in cotton fragments mixed with ink filling in the letters. This is why so many different type cleaners were available on the market for the most part of the last century. Hope this gives you a few more ideas. All the best,

Sky

Hi JJH

It is said that there is no such thing as "The Perfect Typewriter", but there is usually the typewriter that's perfect for you and it looks like you've found it. That machine was built when I was 3 years old and looks like a piece of solid industrial machinery.

You indicate that the paper bail is a little too high for your liking, here's my thought. These machines were made for use in professional offices and typing pools, so the paper being used probably had printed letterheads which filled the top few centimetres of the paper. The printed top edge of the paper would comfortably tuck under the paper bail holding the main body of the letter ready for the typist, as I say, this is just a thought.

For continuation pages, I was taught to put the page number top and center on the page with a couple of line spaces below the page number. This might give you just enough head-space to tuck the page under the paper bail for the first line of typing, see if you think this idea would work for you. All the best,

Sky

Hi Keystriker

This is not an unusual problem with older typewriters that haven't been used in a while. There seem to be several factors at play in the symptom you describe.

Factor 1, If you are a right-handed touch typist, the letter A is typed with the weakest finger on non-dominant hand, so the escapement almost experiences a missed shift. Try using the ring finger on your left hand to operate the Q, A and Z keys.

Factor 2, Even though most Silent-Supers have a fusée style mainspring drum around which the draw-cord is wrapped, there still seems to be a little more force on the escapement when the mainspring is more tightly wound when the carriage is right of center. With more force on the escapement, it's easier for the fixed and floating dog to not always catch the star-wheel, especially when the letter key isn't struck as briskly as it should be (thoughts and corrections welcome). The concept of a fusée drum is to even out the linear force exerted on the escapement by the mainspring regardless of the wind of the spring.

Factor 3, The oils and lubricants on the various moving parts have thicken up over time and tend to become sticky. This stickiness slows down the action and reaction of the escapement mechanism creating a skip when a key isn't struck with enough vigor. The oil tends to loosen up with use which is why the skip will often abate or disappear with continued use.

For an acceptable low cost typewriter pad, go to Walmart or a sports store and pick up a ¼" thick yoga mat. Cut 14" off the end of the mat and cut that piece in half. You will then have two 12" x 14" typewriter pads. Round the corners off for a neater appearance if you like. Generally, typewriters don't like being used on carpet, the nap gets caught up in the mechanism. Also, there should not be any screws protruding below the bottom of the feet. This would indicate very flattened or missing rubber feet. Hope this gives you something with which to work,

Sky

Hi Ruz

This is always a good question and often starts conversations. Most stationery stores cater to offices, so copy paper of 80g/m² or heavier are pretty much your choices in those places. Some specialty stationers cater to artistic writers, so carry different fancy and expensive papers which are not very good for typewriters. I don't know which brands of paper products are available in Australia and Google doesn't seem to be much help.

The standard paper size where you are seems to be A4 or A5, so I don't know if 8" x 10" (20.3 x 25.4 cm) writing tablets are available in the stationery section of your local chemist (drug store) or the like. If you can find Hilroy product # 35700 writing tablets, they are a light weight paper 60g/m² (16 pound) making a nice change from the ordinary.

If you have thrift stores or charity shops near you, it's sometimes worth taking a look in those as every now and then. someone may bring in a packet of old airmail paper that they found while clearing out a parent's house or similar. Other members will likely give you their thoughts and ideas, we all have different views of what typewriter paper should be, so I look forward to hearing other members thoughts on this subject.