You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

Standard Typewriters » Underwood Number 5 questions! » 31-5-2018 02:21:15

Seijun
Replies: 4

Go to post

EDIT: I found that it once did have the front decals, but at some point the entire case was repainted except for the very front of the machine above the level of the keyboard. Under bright light I can see the outline of the decals under the spacebar, as well as pin-striping on the sides of the machine, and the patent dates on the back. It has all been painted over! The untouched areas have a yellow tint and a crackled effect of the paint that is quite distinct. I bought the machine from shopgoodwill for $50 and I am wondering if I should ask to return it. 

Standard Typewriters » Underwood Number 5 questions! » 31-5-2018 01:30:22

Seijun
Replies: 4

Go to post

Hi,
I just bought a 1913 Underwood No 5. After receiving it I noticed immediately that it was lacking an envelope guide - that little bit of metal that folds out from the center of the line indicator/ruler. Instead, I have a short, flat bit of metal that is attached firmly on the right side, while the left side sticks out and is held under tension by a very small pin. This pin is pushed vertically through two horizontal plates. The pin had nearly fallen out when I got the machine. None of this setup seems to have any purpose. I am wondering it it is the remains of what was once an envelope guide, or if some Underwoods were made without one. Here are some pictures:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AxaSBSkDWTFW9vwt2

Additionally, there are no signs of the "Underwood Standard Typewriter No5" decals that usually adorn the very front of these machines, just under the spacebar. Again, where some No 5's made without these? 

ONE more question: What is the story behind some No 5's having white-backed keys and some having white? Were they offered at the same time as different options?

Maintenance & Repairs » Paint to repair decals? » 12-4-2018 01:28:23

Seijun
Replies: 2

Go to post

If you needed to repair the decals on an antique typewriter.. Say, a very old, very detailed decal needing multiple colors and shades, and of which no replacement decals were commercially available, what might be an appropriate paint to use? 

Portable Typewriters » 1959 Smith-Corona Silent in Seafoam Green! » 09-2-2018 13:21:39

Seijun
Replies: 6

Go to post

I didn't even notice that I put Silent I the title. Oops! Yes, it is a Sterling. I was looking at another thread about Silents and had them on my mind. The color of this one is in between the two you posted. The keys are definitely off white, not pure white, but I had attributed this to aging.

Portable Typewriters » 1959 Smith-Corona Silent in Seafoam Green! » 08-2-2018 20:27:57

Seijun
Replies: 6

Go to post

Though come to think of it, I have not seen alpine blue in person, so it could be that? It has a distinct green tint so I assumed it was seafoam. It is more green than my blue Brother typewriter, but less green than my seafoam Hermes Rocket.

Portable Typewriters » 1959 Smith-Corona Silent in Seafoam Green! » 08-2-2018 20:18:00

Seijun
Replies: 6

Go to post

It is seafoam green in person, but the pictures make it look blue

Maintenance & Repairs » New Member: Smith-Corona Silent 1946/1947 » 08-2-2018 16:50:50

Seijun
Replies: 1

Go to post

I had the same typewriter and (I think?) had the same problem as you with the ribbon reverse. The spring came loose. 
http://typewriter.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?pid=21916#p21916

It was a pain to get the spring reattached and even after fixing it, the ribbon reverse only worked about half the time.

Portable Typewriters » 1959 Smith-Corona Silent in Seafoam Green! » 08-2-2018 16:45:29

Seijun
Replies: 6

Go to post

Here are beauty pics of my first proper restoration job. This machine belongs to a friend of a friend. Came to me covered in dust and dried grease, bent and sticky keys. I washed, degreased, and regreased all the internal components. Took off all the outer panels, washed and waxed them, and bent the keys back into place. I am very happy with the way she turned out. She looks and works as if she was new! I washed her with dish soap, kerosene, and mineral spirits, and greased with TF2 Dry. I used Zymol Cleanse and Zymol wax on the outer panels once they were completely clean. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/fKvuEzN1DglCKytC2

 

Portable Typewriters » What makes a silent a silent? » 08-2-2018 16:33:27

Seijun
Replies: 15

Go to post

Having worked on a Smith Corona Sterling, Silent, and Silent-Super from roughly the same time period: the Sterling had no padding inside. The Silent and Silent-Super both have padding. I have not typed on the Silent, but the Silent-Super is much quieter than the Sterling.

Maintenance & Repairs » Smith-Corona Sterling 4A bell not ringing » 03-11-2017 00:32:17

Seijun
Replies: 11

Go to post

skywatcher wrote:

Hi Again

​Just took a look at my 1945 Smith-Corona Clipper, the loose end of the spring you have pictured hooks onto the threaded end of the screw who's head is bottom center of the picture. All the best,

Sky

Fantastic! Thank you so much!! It works perfect now. 

Board footera

 

Powered by Boardhost. Create a Free Forum