Thanks for sharing this, Rob!

Pete E. wrote:

Hi John,

Cotton seemed to smear my paper with ink and coated the plastic card guides as well.  I am sure over time and use when the cotton looses some ink, that might solve itself...but I dumped it only after 1-2 weeks of use.  I still have it in a sealed baggie.  The letters did not seem crisp on paper, either.

Nylon is offered by Ribbons-Unlimited in a variety of colours which is fun.  But when I tried nylon several times, it seemed like dry/old ribbon print.  But I think I am spoiled by silk.

In the past 1-2 years, R-U really had some big prices increases for their up-changes for silk and if you want metal spools.  Not too long ago, silk was a $ 3 up-charge and metal spools was $ 7 extra...then $ 12.  Now a lot more for metal spools...at $ 30 a pair.

I think this year I will spring for a bulk roll from Baco if they are still around and offering black/red silk in bulk.
 

Thanks Pete,

Yeah, I did purchase a silk ribbon on plastic spools from them a while back which cost me well over $20 including shipping. While I thought it was slightly superior to the much, much cheaper nylon ones I buy in bulk from an EBay vendor, I didn’t feel it was worth that much more, at least on typewriters i’m not keeping for myself. I keep thinking I’ll go back to RU for silk ribbons just for the small number of machines in my personal use, but haven’t done that yet. I was curious about their cotton and nylon, so thanks for your input. I trust your opinion on that and all things typewriter. 

John
 

No problem. I’ve been called worse 

Sorry to revive an old thread, but this topic never gets old.

I have had over 40 typewriters cross my desk since 12/2022, but only 5 are kept in my personal collection:

1. 1959 Hermes 3000
2. 1954 Smith Corona Silent Super
3. 1958 Olympia SM3
4. 1965 Olivetti Lettera 32
5. 1959 Hermes Rocket

Thanks Pete and Happy Thanksgiving!