Typewriter Talk / Underwood No 5 Key refreshing

**Posted by Billy Boy** 19-11-2024 15:34:08

I hope this is an appropiate question for this section. I am trying to make the keys on a Undewood No 5 typewriter presentable. Some are so dirty that you need a flashlight. Is there any data on where I can access a printing program for the ones that i need? I am looking for this as I am not certain that they are sold on their own. Even to get the correct font or anything that I can grab onto. I basically am new at minor refurbishing so I thought this would be good to try. Then i thought about availibility.
thanks
BB

**Posted by robmck** 19-11-2024 20:53:54

It sounds like you're looking for a "key legend", which is sheet with all of the letters printed on it that you can cut out and replace under the glass key caps on your typewriter.

Richard Polt has a PDF on his web site that you can print. I'm not sure which machine it is for (My Underwood 5 is in storage): https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/keylegends.pdf

A couple people sell them on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=underwood+key+legend&_sacat=0

Robert G has a very helpful article on the process he's used to restore key caps: https://badonoer.blogspot.com/2022/03/brightening-of-glass-typewriter-keys-of.html

**Posted by Billy Boy** 23-11-2024 19:39:07

Thanks very much..I appreciate the help ith the nomenclature. I ordered some and we will see how they look when I get them. Going to check out Robert G
Got there last week during time that I had asked originally. I have followed the method described. Now I need to address if I can use the rings, in a friction fit, where I broke a tab on some, maybe 2. Theres not a real resource for buying them short of having a parts machine. So, at least I am moving forward.