I have both the Sm3, 4, and 7. Trying to get rid of all three. As I manual portable, I am in the very slim minority of not appreciating them. I'd rather type on an Erika, Alpina, or Torpedo. But nothing beats the standard sg1, or atleast its at the top among others

JeffMo74 wrote:

Snoopee wrote:

JeffMo74 wrote:

I often read that people clean their machines and then leave them to "bake" in the sun. My question is what do you do in the winter? I live in the Northeast and I really don't want to wait until spring (if it ever comes). Putting a machine in the oven is a no-go. Anybody have any suggestions? Can I clean a machine with mineral spirits and just let it air dry? Thanks as always for your help!

I know this sound weird. But put it your oven on 100 for 2-5 minutes.

Oddly enough my oven won't go below 200. So I rigged up a heat lamp setup and checked the temperature and it peaked at about 90 degrees F.  Worked out well, I used it on a really dirty Clipper and it's my go to machine now.

great machine. I don't have one but have a sterling that I like. recently acquired a Royal KMG and have fallen for it like crazy. 

colrehogan wrote:

I like my SG-1, but can’t type on it for long periods even with it on the lowest number on the touch control. Am I doing something wrong? My SG-3 has a case of mystery brown goo that is behind the keyboard above where the keys rest.

It might need a cleaning. I have mine set on the lowest number control too and I do get tired after awhile. I chalk that up to have my Torpedo as my daily typer--which has the lightest and snappiest touch

tricnomistal wrote:

Hi there!

I've shaped up the list of contenders for my next typer, and now I'm hoping to get as many thoughts as possible before I pull the trigger. I have no access to typewriters for the most part, so I rely on others' testimony. I'm a writer, and whatever I get next will be my novel-churn/poem enscriber for the foreseeable future--hopefully for the long-haul. I can't completely separate form from function, so these are chosen at least partially by their style.

Whatever thoughts and opinions you have about any or all of the following would be greatly appreciated. Typing action is going to be the most important criteria, followed closely by reliability, but I'll take any thoughts you have. Right now, I'm looking at:

1. A Remington 5 streamlined portable (mid-30's to 40's version)
2. An Erika 5, M, or 10 portable
3. A Rheinmetall post-war portable
4. An Underwood Champion/Universal (the late 30's to early 50s versions)
5. A Smith Corona Super/Silent/Clipper/Sterling (WWII era or the 50's 5 series)

Thanks in advance!

Based on your list I would go with the Erika 10. They are strong machines with a wonderful feedback. I would second's Uwe's suggestion of an SG1. If you can find any I would recommend, if you can find any, a Torpedo 18. Best portable ever made. 

One of my favorite machines. I have 3 of them. Up till recently they were my daily workers, and I still mostly work of these machines, but the Torpedo 18's have become my favorites though my heart remains with the Green Demons.