Hi Keystriker

This is not an unusual problem with older typewriters that haven't been used in a while. There seem to be several factors at play in the symptom you describe.

Factor 1, If you are a right-handed touch typist, the letter A is typed with the weakest finger on non-dominant hand, so the escapement almost experiences a missed shift. Try using the ring finger on your left hand to operate the Q, A and Z keys.

Factor 2, Even though most Silent-Supers have a fusée style mainspring drum around which the draw-cord is wrapped, there still seems to be a little more force on the escapement when the mainspring is more tightly wound when the carriage is right of center. With more force on the escapement, it's easier for the fixed and floating dog to not always catch the star-wheel, especially when the letter key isn't struck as briskly as it should be (thoughts and corrections welcome). The concept of a fusée drum is to even out the linear force exerted on the escapement by the mainspring regardless of the wind of the spring.

Factor 3, The oils and lubricants on the various moving parts have thicken up over time and tend to become sticky. This stickiness slows down the action and reaction of the escapement mechanism creating a skip when a key isn't struck with enough vigor. The oil tends to loosen up with use which is why the skip will often abate or disappear with continued use.

For an acceptable low cost typewriter pad, go to Walmart or a sports store and pick up a ¼" thick yoga mat. Cut 14" off the end of the mat and cut that piece in half. You will then have two 12" x 14" typewriter pads. Round the corners off for a neater appearance if you like. Generally, typewriters don't like being used on carpet, the nap gets caught up in the mechanism. Also, there should not be any screws protruding below the bottom of the feet. This would indicate very flattened or missing rubber feet. Hope this gives you something with which to work,

Sky

Keystriker,

1.  Any typewriter new to my home gets a full cleaning and service (done by me).  Easily 70% or more of any functional problems the typewriter initially exhibits go away just with the cleaning and light oiling I do.

2.  I have several "bar service mats" I use under all of my typewriters.  Not only do they prevent the machine from moving, but they help keep the typing noise down as well.  Do a search for them on eBay.  12" x 18" size is perfect for all of my machines.  One I cut down to 12" x 14" for use with my ultra-portables.
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Found a bar service mat on Amazon for way cheap. That was a good suggestion, thank you Pete. 

I'd have to ship the typewriter to a  repair person, don't really know who's good or not, some places have horrendous turn-around times, and the only other typewriter I have, the Royal, would cost too much to get it working properly, and I really don't like it that much. It doesn't even have tabs. So I'd be without a usable typewriter for over a week at the very least. Ouch.

Keystriker,

You might call to see if this place in Ukiah, CA is still offering services.  That is about the closest to your place that I can find on Richard Polt's list of repair shops.

• Kim Cottom, 1920 North State Street, Ukiah, CA, 95482. 707-468-9848. A customer writes: "they are very helpful and seem to do a very good job."

Sky,

If you have a restaurant equipment supply house near you, you may find bar service mats reasonably priced.

We find lots of bargains at such for our kitchen/home.  Especially the "smalls" items.
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