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- Platen Punisher
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- From: Perth Western Australia
- Registered: 14-7-2020
- Posts: 99
Re: Olivetti Lettera 32 Loose locating post
My sincere thanks to; 'thetypewriterman' and 'Phil_F_NM' and 'Laurenz van Gaalen' for your support, encouragement and knowledge.
The mystery post turned out to be a tabulator pin. I had been very hesitant to even take the shell of the machine, because it is in brand new condition, and clearly no person had interfered with it in the past. Your suggestions gave me the courage to delve deeper instead of continuing in a state of inertia.
The problem is solved, and I am elated. 
'Paraiso' Gerry Mulligan with Jane Duboc 1993
- thetypewriterman
- Key Master
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- From: Leiston, England
- Registered: 29-5-2013
- Posts: 925
Re: Olivetti Lettera 32 Loose locating post
Of course..... tab stop. Why didn't I think of that ? 
As to the line lock not operating when the carriage is over to the left and at the end of its travel, you'll have to study the mechanism to find out why. I checked out an Olivetti Valentine which I happen to have here (actually I'm working on two at the moment for two different customers and a third has threatened to bring me his soon - Valentines must be like busses and all turn up at once) and the line lock definitely operates at the end of travel. The Valentine is basically the same mechanism as the Lettera 32 so the line lock and margins should be similar. Some other makes do not operate the line lock beyond the right hand margin, so the characters just pile up if you type to the bitter end. I guess that some manufacturers just didn't think that anyone would do that !
- Phil_F_NM
- Speed Champion
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- From: Mid-Atlantic region
- Registered: 16-4-2020
- Posts: 267
Re: Olivetti Lettera 32 Loose locating post
When I received my Lettera 22, my line lock was also not working. Most of the linkage was actuated at the end of the line but the problem was in the comb. There was a small amount of something that had been spilled on the keyboard and whatever it was probably had a bit of sugar in it. A very thorough flush while moving the comb back and forth took care of the issue. Good luck.
Phil Forrest
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- Platen Punisher
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- From: Perth Western Australia
- Registered: 14-7-2020
- Posts: 99
Re: Olivetti Lettera 32 Loose locating post
Hi Phil,
I wonder how you find your lettera 22? Mine is my favourite, though not my most frequently used portable. There are a number of reasons for this; firstly, the external design I find quite beautiful - sort of a less elaborate Art Deco, with a refined and precise finish The lines of the ribbon cover are so precise, it excites me to simply look at them, and the curve is - dare I say it(?) - sultry.
Whilst my techical knowledge of the engineering of the machine is very limited, I am impressed by the carriage transport, being on bearings, creating a smooth transport which is second only to that of my Hermes Ambassadors. The die-cast frame as well as other alloy parts (e.g. the carriage end caps and the return lever), engender a sense of solidity and confidence not only visually, but also by means of the solidity of motion.
The feel of the typekeys is unique amongst my collection, an all through even pressure required without a spongy feel at the end of the action. Once again creating a sense of confidence and purpose.
The reason why the 22 is not my most used portable, is that it has a Pica typeface, and I very much prefer Elite. So my most used portable is the 32, as I have my recently acquired (and in as new condition) a lettera 32 with Elite typeface.
I would be interested to hear your view of the lettera 22.
best regards,
zoom.
'Paraiso' Gerry Mulligan with Jane Duboc 1993
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