1 of 1- lazydog
- Touch Typist
Offline - From: North Carolina
- Registered: 06-2-2022
- Posts: 101
Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Have an Underwood 21 and the action is just hard. Really resists. Have cleaned thoroughly everything I know how to, including the pressure piston thing in the center underneath (I am a gut beginner, does it show?). And am wondering if this is just how it is supposed to feel. Like "firm," not at all like my two Letteras, which are just the easiest typers I know. There is some other spring mechanism built into it that maintains key tension, which I learned about from wonderful Joe Van Cleave:
could that be what I am feeling? Is it "fixed" and this is just what it is going to be, or am I missing something? Thanks for any help you can provide!
- Pete E.
- Typewriter Talk Elite
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- From: Idaho - USA
- Registered: 23-6-2020
- Posts: 2,420
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Hi Lazydog,
I have had 2 working machines and 1 part machine in my home. None are/were what I would consider "stiff" in terms of the key-top actions.
The machine I kept in my collection has a very good working "touch control" mechanism and I can feel the difference in the pressure when I cycle through the settings of the lever.
If your machine were in my hands, I would take the cover panel off and make sure the mechanism for the "touch control" is 100% and not dirty or disconnected. If might be possible something has come loose and it is permanently left in the most-firm setting of the touch control mechanism.
I would also work to make the mechanism is immaculately clean, as well. I use denatured alcohol and my air compressor to dissolve and blow out all built up crud. Sometimes this take 3-4 times of this procedure to get it all clean.
- Pete E.
- Typewriter Talk Elite
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- From: Idaho - USA
- Registered: 23-6-2020
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Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Here is my 1966-made machine.
I find it a very enjoyable machine to put to use. And I think it is a beautiful design, as well.
.
- lazydog
- Touch Typist
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- From: North Carolina
- Registered: 06-2-2022
- Posts: 101
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Yup, that's mine, though it is just branded "Underwood 21." I like the design too -- so THX-1138! (Though I guess that would really be that ghostly all-white Dora I have seen around.) Yours looks immaculate! ine is a bit more banged up, but still wow what great bones!
- •
Thread Starter- lazydog
- Touch Typist
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- From: North Carolina
- Registered: 06-2-2022
- Posts: 101
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Pete, thanks for the clean-up tips. I think I probably should just keep at it -- I have only given it a thorough clean-out once so far. Cleaning and a little sewing machine oil on the big master piston at the heart of it gave the most improvement; there wasn't much issue with the slots or the contacts I could access through the basket. Is that unique to this machine? THe piston thingy? I have never seen one in my (very limited) experience and thought it might account for a different touch. Though it seemed intended to do the opposite: make things easier, like power steering.
And the touch control suggestion is right on. I will do that! MOAR Q TIPS!
Thanks!
- •
Thread Starter- Pete E.
- Typewriter Talk Elite
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- From: Idaho - USA
- Registered: 23-6-2020
- Posts: 2,420
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
When you have sorted out your machine...you might want a set of new cowlings and a bottom panel for it.
I have this spare set that is in near mint condition. Only area of a little paint chip is on the left side (circled in red in that photo, below).
This would include the 4 feet with excellent rubber, as well.
You can have the cowling set for $ 35 plus shipping to your home (in the lower 48 States).
.
.
- skywatcher
- Moderator
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- From: The Prairies of Alberta
- Registered: 14-3-2013
- Posts: 737
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Hi Lazy Dog
Another energy draw that I have come across on some typewriters is the ribbon advance mechanism. The mid century Remington portables and the Facit portables seem to be particularly prone to this. The lubricating oil on the ribbon spool shafts dries forming a gum that acts like a friction brake requiring a lot of energy into the keys to get a decent print on the paper. The Facits are particularly prone to this as the ribbon spool shaft runs through a vertical tube and can gum up virtually solid. Hope this gives you something to work with,
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)
- lazydog
- Touch Typist
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- From: North Carolina
- Registered: 06-2-2022
- Posts: 101
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Good thinking Sky -- I have a 1935 Remy Model No. 5 (my first machine, that I bought fifteen years ago before I really GOT IT) that is actually working pretty well right now but is notoriously prone to hanging up. I had not thought to check that part -- I shall!
- •
Thread Starter- lazydog
- Touch Typist
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- From: North Carolina
- Registered: 06-2-2022
- Posts: 101
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
Thanks for the offer, Pete. That is a really nice piece! I think my exterior is in quite good shape actually -- will send pics when I can. Have tired the file sharing services but still can't seem to get it to work for me!
- •
Thread Starter- MartinD
- Platen Punisher
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- Registered: 16-11-2017
- Posts: 71
Re: Underwood 21 "firm action" question
This was posted today from Phoenix typewriter with
Duane Jensen. It's on the Olivetti 21 too!
