1 of 1- Typee
- New Member
Offline - Registered: 03-8-2021
- Posts: 14
Typebars not descending all the way on Continental 340
I have a 1936 Contintental 340 in fairly good condition, except for one thing: The typebars seem to meet some kind of obstacle, that keeps them from descending all the way back after being struck.
The typebars are not jammed. The links between the keys and the bars seem to be fine, and the typebars move when the keys are struck. Some of them move a bit sluggishly and need some oil, but they can still be moved all the way in the direction of the platen.
The problem does not seem to be dried oil or anything else hiding in the segment, which has been cleaned. Considerable force is needed to press the bars all the way down, and when the pressure is released, they instantly bounce back. Some of them seem to be stuck in a higher position than others.
Maybe someone has encountered a similar problem with this, or other typewriters? I would appreciate any advice on how to make those typebars type again![img]
[/img]
- Typee
- New Member
Offline
- Registered: 03-8-2021
- Posts: 14
Re: Typebars not descending all the way on Continental 340
I apologize for the space shuttle; it was a failed attempt of including a picture in the post, and I haven't figured out how to edit a post that is already posted...
- •
Thread Starter- Phil_F_NM
- Speed Champion
Offline
- From: Mid-Atlantic region
- Registered: 16-4-2020
- Posts: 267
Re: Typebars not descending all the way on Continental 340
Typee wrote:
Some of them move a bit sluggishly and need some oil, but they can still be moved all the way in the direction of the platen.
Clean the machine fully.
Then clean it again.
Lube the appropriate metal/metal interfaces (not the segment, run that dry) then test the typing action.
You shouldn't have to apply "considerable force" to any part of a typewriter, unless you're "cold setting" a part that intentionally needs to be bent.
Phil Forrest
- Typee
- New Member
Offline
- Registered: 03-8-2021
- Posts: 14
Re: Typebars not descending all the way on Continental 340
Phil, thank you for your advice. The machine is now cleaned as thoroughly as I am able to without dismantling it. There is still no difference in how far down the typebars may be pushed. They do not meet any obstruction in the segment, because then I don't think it would be possible to push them all the way down at all. But some of the typebars still seem to be too "tense". I wonder if this might have something to do with a spring that is out of its place somewhere.
- •
Thread Starter- Phil_F_NM
- Speed Champion
Offline
- From: Mid-Atlantic region
- Registered: 16-4-2020
- Posts: 267
Re: Typebars not descending all the way on Continental 340
Without any of us having the machine in front of us, it's hard to diagnose. You may try looking at the U bar first, since it sounds like this could be a possible culprit.
Phil Forrest
- Maschinengeschrieben
- Touch Typist
Offline
- From: Germany
- Registered: 09-7-2015
- Posts: 119
Re: Typebars not descending all the way on Continental 340
wait so are there just a few bars "sticking up" or all? If its just a few then its usually a bent link. they can simply be bent back into place. Yknow the links that connect the keys to the typebars? those.
Try from the underside with very thin pliers or a thin metal rod to straighten them back out. You should see which ones are out of whack.
oh and dont oil the segment. sometimes its necessary but thats super rare.
Learned watchmaker and office machine enthusiast from Germany.
