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- beholder
- New Member
Offline - Registered: 29-12-2017
- Posts: 1
Underwood 5 Typewriter - Caps Lock issue and a couple of questions.
I have a beautiful Underwood 5 typewriter that I purchased a while back. Up until now it's just been a nice display piece but I recently got around to start using it. A couple of things I noticed and wanted to run it by the forum. First the CAPS lock, I have tried to engage the CAPS lock as the instruction manual mentions but it does not work. I have to manually push the locking mechanism up with my finger to get the CAPS lock key to hook onto it. Is this a common issue and what is the fix? Do I require to tighten or adjust something or is there a defective or missing spring?
Second the ribbon guide that faces up against the paper roller, I recently changed the ribbon and notice it has some play to it. Is this normal or do I need to tighten something? Should I buy a space just in case?
Third is there a preferred lubricant to loosen the key strike arms and or the typewriter in general? I find myself having to concentrate on typing each character fully before attempting another one to ensure they don't get stuck and pile up or am I just spoiled with a computer keyboard.
Other than that the typewriter works as I would expect. Any help you can provide would greatly be appreciated thanks.
- thetypewriterman
- Key Master
Offline
- From: Leiston, England
- Registered: 29-5-2013
- Posts: 925
Re: Underwood 5 Typewriter - Caps Lock issue and a couple of questions.
To take your points one by one :
It sounds as if there is indeed a spring missing or at least some part of the mechanism is stiff and needs lubrication. Since 'typewriter oil' is practically unobtainable, obtain some sewing machine oil (which is nearly identical) and apply sparingly.
The ribbon vibrator is often loose and floppy on these machines - remember that the youngest Underwood Five would be around 90 years old. It shouldn't be a problem unless the lifting mechanism is really worn, in which case you will get black in the red characters if using a two-colour ribbon.
It does sound as if your machine needs a service - it should have a snappy action. Clean carefully and use sewing machine oil. In theory, you shouldn't put any in the segment (where the typebars hinge from), but a little might get the old dust and dirt moving so that you can then clean the segment slots properly. After that, the typebars should drop back smartly.
Hope this helps. Happy New Year 
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