1 | Portable Typewriters » The Olympia SM7 How is The "Touch" of The Machine? » 22-4-2024 14:07:31 |
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I’m only one data point, but I have had my SM3 and also used to have an SM7. Although, I initially thought I liked the SM7 as well as the 3, that feeling wore off and what you stated about your SM9 is how I felt about the SM7 which eventually resulted in my selling of that one. Of course, I only have had that one 7, so maybe it wasn’t in as good of shape as it appeared? I don’t know, but I haven’t had the desire to get another 7.
As a side note, I also buy and sell typewriters and it’s worth noting it wasn’t easy to sell that SM7 even though it was in fantastic cosmetic condition and had the original brushes in their original green vinyl casing. All the SM3s I’ve had flew off the shelves and are always in excellent mechanical condition and have all felt very similar to me.
| Typewriter Paraphernalia » Which suppliers for ink ribbons ? » 13-3-2024 13:09:55 |
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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
| Typewriter Paraphernalia » Which suppliers for ink ribbons ? » 12-3-2024 13:49:59 |
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I know you typically use their silk. Have you tried the cotton and/or nylon from them?
| Type Talk » If you could only keep a five typewriters from your collection.... » 10-3-2024 01:08:30 |
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No problem. I’ve been called worse
| Type Talk » If you could only keep a five typewriters from your collection.... » 09-3-2024 10:27:51 |
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That’s impressive, Pete! Especially since they are all working well and knowing that you also customize them too.
I have my first Optima Elite 3 coming today and I could see myself wanting to keep it, but if I do, one of the others will have to go, and that would be a tough decision. 5 is comfortable to me. I’ve tried more and tried less.
if you had to, what would be your 5 keepers? I’m sure your answer has changed over the years.
John
| Type Talk » If you could only keep a five typewriters from your collection.... » 07-3-2024 19:48:44 |
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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
| Maintenance & Repairs » Touch up paint for Olivetti? » 07-3-2024 19:05:43 |
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Does anyone know of a good color match for the classic turquoise or blue/green paint color for an Olivetti Lettera 32? Mine is a smooth paint finish, not the crinkle, but I believe they were the same color anyway. I just got a tiny little chip on the front of the ribbon cover I just noticed.
| Maintenance & Repairs » Skippy the Sterling » 23-11-2023 16:11:10 |
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Thanks Pete and Happy Thanksgiving!
| Maintenance & Repairs » Skippy the Sterling » 11-11-2023 11:45:03 |
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Is the advice the same if it is ONLY skipping when using the space bar and only intermittently? (Never skips when just using letters and no space bar)
| Maintenance & Repairs » Polishing & deep cleaning body panels » 08-10-2023 10:09:58 |
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I always just use simple green like Duane did in the video; however, I use a toothbrush instead of the large “stiff” bristle he used. I then follow up with Endust instead of the WD40 it looked like he used. This has worked well for me on both crinkle and smooth finishes and is easy to do.
You may be more detailed about it than I am, but I’ve been happy every time with the results.
