1 of 1- TypewriterKing
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Offline - From: DeepInTheHeartO', Texas
- Registered: 17-2-2016
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Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
Has anyone given any thought as to the mechanisms used in a typewriter to switch from lower case letters to capital letters--from numbers to symbols? One of two things has to move--the carriage or the basket, right? Right. Like the history of the typewriter itself, its story is lengthy. But what I would like to know is who prefers what? Which ones like the basket shift better? Which ones like the carriage shift better? Me, Like the basket shift better because it is more advanced in design, takes less effort, and there is something less "primitive" about it. Oh, I have favorite typewriters that use the carriage shift, like my 1916 Royal and my 1940 Underwood Master. But if it were left to me to redesign a typewriter, definitely the basket shift for me. So, who likes which one?
Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
- skywatcher
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
Hi TW King
Interesting question, I like both for their various reasons. Basket shift generally requires a much lighter touch, but when the springs get weak, the lower case letters start to go out of alignment with the upper case. The carriage shift on the other hand is a very positive action with a satisfying thud as the carriage comes back down to lower case position, but usually takes more force on the shift key to lift the carriage.
All the best,
Sky
We humans go through many computers in our lives, but in their lives, typewriters go through many of us.
In that way, they’re like violins, like ancestral swords. So I use mine with honor and treat them with respect.
I try to leave them in better condition than I met them. I am not their first user, nor will I be their last.
Frederic S. Durbin. (Typewriter mania and the modern writer)
- TypewriterKing
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
I forgot about the thud. My 1916 Royal 10 thumps nicely.
Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
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Thread Starter- Javi
- Touch Typist
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
I prefer the basket shift. It tends to be more comfortable to use, and somehow I find that design more appealing. I mean, I look at it and it´s a step forward (in most cases). As for carriage shifted typewriters, there are some great typewriters as well which perform greatly, but no doubt the most entertaining to use are the three bankers. Double carriage shift to keep you focused!
TaktaktataktaktakcluccluctaktaktaktaktakDINGtaktaktaktakCREEEEEEEEECtaktaktak...
(Olivetti Linea 98)
- Fleetwing
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
I need to try out an Underwood 5 to get a feel for what a carriage shift standard feels like -- to me, that would be the acid test for a carriage shift. I have three carriage shift machines only, an Olympia SM3, Singer Scholastic (rebadged Royal Dart), and Underwood Champion. The Olympia is a bit of an effort to shift, so it's not ideal -- I know there's a way to adjust the springs but I'm reluctant to tinker with it. The other two, especially the Underwood, are really nice. I've played with a Royal "O" and I remember it being unobtrusive as well.
But the point about weak springs on a basket shift machine is a good one. I have a couple of standards (KMM and Touch-Master 5) that are a little tentative in returning to lower case, which causes some consternation on my part. Rather the opposite experience of a carriage shift that requires too much effort.
I'd say a well-adjusted basket shift machine beats a well-adjusted carriage shifter, since less effort is involved in shifting. But since the vast majority of keystrokes are in lower case, I would be less troubled by the greater effort required to shift a carriage shift machine than about being sure a basket shift machine properly returns to lower case after shifting.
- TypewriterKing
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
In my experience repairing typewriters, I have found very little in the way of basket shift spring troubles. If anything, there are other areas in the mechanism that mainly involve dryness or gunk that may slow things up or stop them midway. Usually, when that happens, a good cleaning is all that's really needed. And if it is a spring issue, those are quite easily fixed--the ones I've run into. If anything, I've seen more spring and counterbalancing issues on carriage shift machines.
Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
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Thread Starter- Ampelmann
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
Even though it's a workout, I think I'm partial to carriage shift - there's something neat about watching & listening to the whole carriage move and thump that adds some extra flair. It's sort of like a double-breasted suit, it has a more emphatic presence and commands that extra bit of attention, without being over-the-top about it.
- TypewriterKing
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Re: Carriage Shift versus Basket Shift
Kind of reminds me of the steam locomotive versus diesel locomotive. Steam is more animated and seems more alive, and diesel is smoother. I guess it's all in what you're in the mood for. When I want to thump, I can use my 1916 Royal 10 or my 1940 Underwood Master. When I want smooth, I use my '52 Royal or one of my '56 Underwood 150s.
Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
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