Oh, and how do I add a picture? Even a profile picture at that? I know I sound rather unintelligent, but I am completely computer illiterate. Which is one of the reasons why I turnd to typewriters. And how common are cursive/script typewriters? I would like to add one to my collection to type letters and notes to my girlfriend (who for some reason stays with a complete geek...) because she writes in script. I can write print, let alone script, so a cursive writer would a wonderful addition.

ztyper wrote:

First being how do I use the line meter? ​

Do you mean a last line indicator, sometimes also called a page gauge? If so, which model machine do you need the instructions for? A number of manufacutrers had models with such a feature, but they varied in how they were used. Some were a part of the paper rest, some on the actual platen, and some even on the platen knob.

ztyper wrote:

And how can I tell the font of a typewriter? There are so many fonts and sizes that I can't know them all. ​

First off you need to start calling it a typeface, not font, which is terminology that has been twisted a little by the computer industry. There are reference books out there that list the typeface types that were used by each manufacturer, so those lists are very extrensive. Search the net for them; some people have included them in their blogs and websites, so they're not that difficult to find.

ztyper wrote:

Is there a standard font? What are the different sizes? Did you know what font you got when buying these machines new? ​

No. However, many machines use one of two typeface sizes, either Elite or Pica. Elite is the smaller of the two, and yes, buyers back in the day could often select the typeface they wanted when a manufactured offered more than one for a specific model. Typography is a rather large subject in itself and not one easily explained in a forum post. If you really want to learn more I'd suggest searching the web; there's enough reference material available to make your head spin.

ztyper wrote:

Oh, and how do I add a picture? Even a profile picture at that? ​

Read the FAQ topic that is a sticky at the top of this sub-forum. Profile pictures (avatars) can be uploaded by clicking on "MY PROFILE" and then "AVATAR and SIGNATURES".

ztyper wrote:

And how common are cursive/script typewriters? ​

They aren't common, but they're not rare either. I wouldn't pay an extra dime for a typewriter with a cursive typeface because for me they're less practical, but others charge the moon for them and manage to find buyers regardless. If you keep your eye open for them you might get lucky and find one that doesn't have a premium price attached to it.

ztyper wrote:

Should I buy typewriters without keys? ​

If it's just the key missing, and not the key bar too, then I don't see why not. You can always have some fun and make your own if you wanted to and create a one of a kind machine in the process

 

Ok, I'll look online for a Royal 440 manual for the line meter. Thing. I think I have both an Elite and a Pica  typeface within my tiny collection. I'll keep a keen look out for script writers. And the typewriter I want has no keys at all. I'll attach a link. (whew! that was quite a bit...)  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Royal-Aristocrat-Typewriter-for-Parts-Steampunk-Industrial/351219982845?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3D0880082b0fc44f5cbcb66ceb5366b382%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D20131017132637%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D400807240097

ztyper wrote:

And the typewriter I want has no keys at all. I'll attach a link. (whew! that was quite a bit...)

I wouldn't buy that machine. $20 is too much, and it looks like you'd be rewarding a keychopper by buying it. Worse of all, I think - it's really hard to tell from those photos - that some of the keybars have been cut. It's a real shame to see an Aristocraft like that go to waste, but sometimes it's just not worth it.