Typewriter Talk / Varityper folding

**Posted by paulsath** 05-2-2025 08:32:13

Hello! I've just acquired a nice Varityper (former Hammond label) folding. Everything works alright, and I am very pleased with it. But the mainspring seems to be too "heavy". Is it normal, or can I loosen it a little, and does anybody know how to do that? Thanks!

**Posted by Pete E.** 06-2-2025 12:09:10

Found these photos in the TWDB Photo Galleries. Maybe another Member knows how. Seems like the locking screw might be a clue.
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**Posted by Pete E.** 06-2-2025 15:43:00

My guess...

1. Hold on the spring clock handle firmly with one hand and keeping it from moving.

2. Use a small screw driver in the other hand to loosen the set-screw.

3. Use the spring clock handle to loosen or tighten the main spring a revolution or two.

4. Lock the set-screw back in place tightly.

5. Test the spring tension. Add or delete tension as needed until you are happy by repeating the steps, above.
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**Posted by paulsath** 07-2-2025 03:52:00

Thanks so much Pete! I'll try your method, and give feedback. Happy typing!

**Posted by paulsath** 11-2-2025 14:34:07

Hello again. I've done the way you were suggesting. It worked. But when the spring was loosen I realized then that the hammer wasn't working properly and the keys were very hard to type on. And I concluded that a very tightened main spring was necessary not only for the carriage return motion but for the hammer to work properly. And I was understanding why the spring "belt"... was made of metal : it has to be very strong! So now I just have to adapt to this parameter : the carriage need more strength than on standard machines to be pushed to the right. Thanks again for your help!