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I just purchased two new additions to my typewriter collection, bring it up to five. I purchased an Underwood portable from the early 1950's and an excellent, well maintained Olympia SM3 deluxe. I didn't know the SM3 had the floating carriage but my pinkie finger is getting well developed and once it's up, I let gravity do the rest. Surprising I like the SM3 as much as, or more, than my SM9 deluxe's.
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Careful, the typewriter bugs are munchin' on ya. Pretty soon you'll be like me and have those little critters tuggin' on your ears. Man, they itch!!
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Congratulations!
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Hi Typ-n-gon
Indeed the early Olympias are surprising machines for being a carriage shift. The way I describe them is;
The SM9 is a pleasure to use, but the SM3 and 4 are a delight. I have a 1960 SM4 with cursive type loaded with blue ribbon, although my typing speed isn't anything great, it's not long before I have a 3 or 4 page letter typed.
Happy typing,
Sky
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I prefer the SM3/4 over the SM9. Great typers. The typing actions are very close that I tend to lean towards the prettier SM3/4 over the SM9. There is an easy adjustment to lighten the carriage shift so that it's easier on your pinkies.
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What is that adjustment?
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colrehogan wrote:
What is that adjustment?
There are two. Below the carriage. Move carriage left or right. View photo. Lift up from below with a small tool. Then tighten the nut. The objective is to stretch that large metal coil. Carefully double check that the carriage clears on both sides.I stretch them just enough that the carriage clears. In addition, I suggest replacing those grommets next to the feet if they are squashed prior to this adjustment.
Grommet replacement (common repair, for those that new to this)