Retro-Z wrote:

I'd strongly recommend moving on and using both of these as parts machines. The parts from these typewriters could possibly keep many other typewriters fully functional for years to come. 

I purchased a similar set (in my case a Royal KMM and an Underwood No.5) specifically to use for parts/spares, and they look MUCH better than what you have. I personally don't understand the desire to invest a bunch of time into a rotted/rusted typewriter, when nice examples can still be found of something like a KMM for under $50. But that's just me. I'd rather use that time for other pursuits... like visiting more estate sales, flea markets, and antique stores in hunt of typewriters that have been well cared for throughout the last 50+ years, and don't need any major work. There are some amazing machines out there. Within the last 4 weeks, I have passed on a couple of 1930s colored Royal portables (a blue model and a purple one), a neat old Halda, several 1930s to 1950s Remingtons, etc., all of which were priced between $20-$75 and fully functional (funds have been tight, otherwise I would have snapped up the blue/purple Royals...). Then again, I enjoy the hunt more than the countless tedious hours spent trying to restore a decrepid old machine...

 
The blue and purple machines sound really cool! Wish I could find stuff like that around here!

Uwe wrote:

1. It represents a challenge, and not only is there a great sense of personal triumph when bringing back a machine that otherwise would have been broken into parts, but it increases one's knowledge of how that machine works and was built.
2. It helps to maintain the current stock of typewriters left in the world. There are a finite number of typewriters left on this planet, and their population is on the decrease. Who knows how many are being destroyed on a daily basis? Eventually those $50 finds will become few and far between, and more and more of the surviving ones will require restoration or major repair. Turning a typewriter into a parts machine should be an absolute last resort step, and I'm sure that future generations of collectors will be appreciative of those who did spent countless hours restoring their "decrepid (sic) old machines."

LOL. Yeah, I know the arguments supporting such a restoration... in fact, I actually used to engage in such restorations on other items (cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.). Eventually, however, I discovered restorations eat up a TON of time and are ALWAYS more expensive overall than simply buying a good item to begin with. Doesn't seem like a good plan to ME, but if others find it to be more enjoyable than I did, then that's awesome. I wouldn't ever impede on anyone else's enjoyment in this hobby, I was just stating my point of view. Everyone should approach the typewriter collecting hobby however they want, I simply find the most enjoyment in searching for them in flea markets, estate sales, etc.

Uwe, you mention that typewriters will eventually need "restoration or major repair". Where do you think parts for repairs are going to come from? Any typewriter is going to need a good source of replacement parts in the future, so there is absolutely no problem in using a machine for parts. Even here at these forums I see an awful lot of "WTB" ads for parts. I'll stand by my statement that parting a machine out likely saves more typewriters than anything. Restore one typewriter or bring several others back into working condition? It's an interesting question. Vintage car folks make use of parts/salvage cars all the time, as do people who collect/repair vintage cameras. In most other hobbies, it's an accepted practice. Here, it seems to be almost villified. Very weird.

To Treefaller... if you enjoy the restoration process, by all means ignore me! As long as you have fun, who cares what I say? Frankly, I've enjoyed watching your progress. I can totally appreciate what you are doing, and you are right, it is easy to lose track of time when doing something you enjoy.

Last edited by Retro-Z (10-10-2015 00:40:24)

Sorry, my FP isn't for sale.

Sorry, 3-D printed plastic parts and cast resin components simply aren't acceptable in my opinion. Who on earth would want to restore their all-metal turn-of-the-century typewriter with parts that are modern fabrications made of plastic? Your approach is great in theory, but in my opinion impractical in practice. What do you expect, for other collectors to store these dilapidated machines away until some unknown point in the future when it's possible to practically utilize 3-D printing and other fabrication methods? Furthermore, how are you going to do this if the parts are heavily worn, broken, or missing? Also, typewriters are composed of a massive number of little leaf and coil springs (which are one of the most common failure points in a typewriter), which can't be fabricated with the methods you listed. Let's be practical here... I am 100% confident that anyone who invests the time and money to restore a machine like the OP's KMM will SERIOUSLY think twice about ever taking on another project of a common mass-produced typewriter in similar condition. Rechroming is very expensive unless you have your own equipment to do it (and the parts on a 1930s typewriter may have some other type of plated finish, such as nickel), and a project with so many heavily rusted and intricate parts will need a COMPLETE tear-down to be done properly (which will involve HUNDREDS of hours of disassembly, cleaning, refinishing, reassembly, and adjustment). Just the cost of high-quality automotive grade paint to refinish this KMM will be more than buying the same model machine in vastly superior condition. 

You keep bringing up things that can be done to repair historically important and valuable typewriters. I don't think a Royal KMM qualifies as such a machine, no matter how cool this particular model may be. My statements here would be vastly different if we were discussing something like an original 19th century Hammond, Yost, Caligraph, Sholes & Glidden, Remington No.1 or 2, etc. Such a typewriter would definitely be worth saving/preserving, as there simply aren't many around. 

Last edited by Retro-Z (10-10-2015 23:11:13)

Meh... guess it all comes down to whether or not you like restored typewriters with non-original replacement parts. I simply avoid machines in poor condition and needing major replacement pieces. I would never buy one that had a space bar made from printed plastic. Also, 3-D printing isn't a good option for some important mechanical applications in typewriters.

I hope members here realize there is no need to come to some sort of agreed consensus on this... I was simply presenting my viewpoint. Neither of us are wrong, just different ways to approach the hobby. My viewpoint has been formed from about 15 years of buying, selling, and collecting  typewriters. During that time I have found it is best to focus on the nicest machines possible. In any antique collecting genre, you will hear the same advice. So by all means disagree with me, just as long as you are enjoying your typewriters as you see fit. 

I'd love to see someone perform a complete restoration on the KMM that is the topic of this thread. Then, post a summary of the total hours and monetary costs involved with completing the restoration. I am thinking it would be a great way to provide a reality check for anyone considering doing something similar.

Last edited by Retro-Z (11-10-2015 01:54:20)