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

Maintenance & Repairs » Hermes Baby main spring » 26-3-2024 14:45:47

robmck
Replies: 6

Go to post

Thanks Sky!

On putting it back together: what about using a center punch on the remainder of the tabs to smash them wider?

Really interesting idea bringing it to a clockmaker.

Maintenance & Repairs » Hermes Baby main spring » 25-3-2024 14:35:45

robmck
Replies: 6

Go to post

Turns out it was just a pin. Some Kroil, patience, and a careful rap with a hammer & pin punch got it out and on to the next problem.

Anyone know how to crack open the main spring? I was hoping this was the sort that I could prize open, reattach the end of the spring, and put it back together. Doesn't look so easy on this one. I might be shopping for parts...

Maintenance & Repairs » Hermes Baby main spring » 23-3-2024 12:28:29

robmck
Replies: 6

Go to post

I have the Repair Bible, but it's for the latter Babys. According to the manual, the main spring has a simple screw. There's even a notch in the frame to easily remove it.



Not so on my '39. I had to remove the carriage fulcrum screws to lift the whole thing up or off the frame enough to get access. And it's got this unusual post and pin-like thing on it.

Otherwise, though, the manual has been pretty close to my machine - as much as to be expected from 25 years or so of evolution of the same model.

Maintenance & Repairs » Hermes Baby main spring » 21-3-2024 22:50:11

robmck
Replies: 6

Go to post

While cleaning my '39 Hermes Baby, I accidentally let out all the tension of the main spring. Now, when I try to wind it, it doesn't catch and just spins without adding tension. There is a point in turning it in which there is some resistance, but it goes past that and freewheels around to the next turn.

My first thought was to remove it so I can see what's going on. I'm not clear on how best to remove it, though. It looks like it's got a pin through its axle holding it on. There's no screw slot in it, so it's not meant for screwdrivers. So, before I take a hammer and punch to it, I thought I'd ask if others have a more elegant way to handle the situation. 

 

Thanks!

Maintenance & Repairs » Cleaning corrosion » 05-3-2024 10:19:19

robmck
Replies: 2

Go to post

Any ideas on cleaning out all this white crusty stuff? (I don't want to use the wrong chemical and make things worse). Not sure of the metallurgy of this part of the frame (is that zinc corrosion, or, ...?) Clearly there's also rust on the margin release arm, too.  



My first thought was to dunk it in the ultrasonic cleaner with just water and see what comes off, then give it a second bath with my usual dilution of Aviation Simple Green.

This is a 1939 Hermes Baby.

Maintenance & Repairs » Ribbon needed for a Smith Corona Skyriter » 26-2-2024 15:54:33

robmck
Replies: 15

Go to post

Thanks Sky.

My calipers tell me that the outer diameter of the axel is 0.5" and of course it's 0.5" wide. So, another option is to get a spring hose clamp (like this: McMaster-Carr) and cut it down so that it doesn't surround the axel entirely).

Maintenance & Repairs » Ribbon needed for a Smith Corona Skyriter » 19-2-2024 14:53:54

robmck
Replies: 15

Go to post

Any tips on attaching the ribbon to Skyriter spools without the C clip? The ribbon was attached to this particular pair of spools with a square knot, which is one way to do it...

Or: is there a modern-day clip I could find from McMaster-Carr that would do for a replacement? If so, anyone have leads on the size?

Thanks!

Maintenance & Repairs » Smith Corona Folding - Type legends needed » 11-2-2024 23:39:03

robmck
Replies: 2

Go to post

RobertG has been restoring his Standard Folding typewriter (the predecessor to the Corona Folding), and he made a new key legend. This post has his legend and his process:

http://badonoer.blogspot.com/2024/01/keyboard-repair-and-new-labels-for.html

Hopefully, the keyboard layout is the same as yours. If not, he's quite nice and if you contact him, perhaps he's send you the original files to modify).

Portable Typewriters » Scheidegger Princess » 27-1-2024 18:39:07

robmck
Replies: 39

Go to post

Thanks Pet. Reading the comments on the earlier piece was almost as interesting as the article itself, with so many commenters who either attended or were employed by Scheidegger schools.

Portable Typewriters » Scheidegger Princess » 23-1-2024 10:06:07

robmck
Replies: 39

Go to post

Ha! Good Dirty Harry reference.

I would love to find a set of the keycaps and the typing instruction manual.

I'm pretty sure the one I linked to would be QWERTY given that the warrantee is out of the London office. I'm a little tempted, but I'm trying not to get duplicate machines. 

Board footera

 

Powered by Boardhost. Create a Free Forum