Offline
I broke off the line space indicator lever on my Optima Elite 3, trying to bend it straight. Is there anyway to mend it using JB weld, a soldering iron, something else, or am I just stuck? I can still adjust the line spacing with my finger nail, and I always single space anyway, so it is not the end of the world. I am just kicking myself for breaking it in half, and was wondering if there was an easy fix.
Offline
I don't think any of those is going to be strong enough. You can always try, but I just don't think JB weld or soldering would work. I bought a Royal Speed King, and half of all the levers on the carriage were snapped (Dropped?), and I just got a 3D printer, so I am going to try to 3D print an extended lever, sort of like a cap. If you want me to try that for you, I can.
Offline
I assume we're talking about the line space selector (see photo below)? I'd remove the entire lever and have it welded at a local metal shop, sand the weld bead clean and either paint the lever, or if you want to spend the money and keep the machine original, have it re-chromed. It might sound like a lot of work for a little lever, but it would be a proper job. Products like JB Weld might hold, but I wouldn't consider it to be a real repair.
On the other hand, you could just search for a replacement lever. Someone parting out an Elite might have one for sale.
Offline
Thanks,TypewriterGuy and Uwe. Yes, It is the line space selector. Is it difficult to remove the end pieces on the carriage to get to it? I couldn't figure out how the end pieces/back of the carriage shell come off, or how they are attached, as the screw heads all seem to be inside, but impossible to reach.