How to Recover a Typewriter Platen - A Step by Step DIY Process

[@rbruce63]

To re-platen or not to re-platen that is the question! It seems that despite the fact that these machines where ubiquitous in the 1960's, 1970's and in 1980's that new old stock platens for the most common typewriters -for instance for my Olivetti Lettera 22 or my SCM Corsair- are not as common as the industrialists should have made available for their distributors! However, from my typewriting lessons in high school's lady instructor -that provided us with hard and 1/2" rubber bands within our fingers to improve our print consistency- always required us to use double sheets of paper so not to mark our platens!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Think of it this way, @rbruce63: platens rolled out as far back as the 60s, 70s, and 80s would still (likely) be hard today. Rubber ossifies, that’s all there is to it. Whether you want to go the self-covering route or send your platen out to a professional is a different topic, subject to one’s budget and druthers. Either way, if you use your machine a lot and want to get it done, I wish you the best.

[@rbruce63]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Specially here in the tropics! Dad’s Corsair rubbers are more hardened and dissolved than in mine.

[@timsongs203]

I fixed probably every make and model of typewriter from the past 100 years when I did this professionally for 20 years. It got boring but electronic typewriters were coming out so I moved into those. I always used my thumbnail to test platens. If I could dent it on the edge, it was probably fine. We always reconditioned the platens by putting them on a drill or lathe, used industrial screen to sand them. The screen was place on a shop rag then doused with rubber reconditioner and ran until smooth. We sent our platens to Seattle Platen for recovering. No idea if they are still around but they did a fantastic job with a quick turnaround.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Your thumbnail technique is sound @timsongs203. I use it myself, along with your sanding technique. Not sure if Seattle’s still in business either but I can recommend JJ Short Associates in Macedon, New York.

[@aresaurelian]

This is typewriter enthusiast dream stuff. Thank you.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it, @aresaurelian. Thanks for watching!

[@bhagmeister]

Dude, you have a nice approach - the camera loves you!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Oh … well … shucks. Thank you. And thanks for watching!

[@johnpjonesch]

Thanks. It works good on a Royal QDL that has decent feed rollers. The harden platen had shrunk just enough for a good fit. Once applied the tubing shrinks down to 5/100" and Shore A hardness is 95A on a 100A+ platen. À new platen back in the day was about 90A as described in one of your links. You did a good job on the video. I would add start on the creases. Hold the heat gun at about 45 degrees in the direction you are going. As the crease shrinks so does the surrounding tubing. Do about 1 inch increments. If you do get a bubble just stick a needle hole in it an reheat. The air will escape and seal the needle hole. This tubing peels off so if you mess up you can can take it off, learn from your mistake and try again.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

John, this is great to know, thanks! Your comment is so helpful, I've listed it in the description section of the video. Your notes about the angle of the heat gun and the pinprick are especially bright. Yes, the pin holes will close on their own. The miracle of shrink rubber. I'm grateful that you've supplied this detail and happy to have been of some help to you. Thank you for watching, John!

[@someonespadre]

My QDL is a 1952, as you say I’m pretty sure the platen has shrunk.

[@davidreidy5750]

I just called the Philly typewriter place a few days ago its not too far from my house.But I'm trying to do some diy tunups before I even drop off my 1934 Remington noiseless model off.The shrink wrap is an excellent idea,subbed!🗽📼

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I'm not sure Bryan Kravitz at Philly Typewriter will agree, @davidreidy5750. 😉 My DIY platen recovery was more an experiment than anything else. As I mentioned in the video, it doesn't take the place of a true professional platen restoration, which I believe Bryan's shop now handles. When you talk to him, please say hi from me. He's an excellent guy and a national treasure, you ask me. I have no doubt your relationship will be fruitful. Please let me know how it goes and thanks for watching!

[@davidreidy5750]

Absolutely Im so stoked about reviving my typewriter its frustrating at times😆🗽📼

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Completely understand, @davidreidy5750. But think of it this way. Once you do the job right, you'll be able to take off from there. I'm pulling for you ... and everything you'll write on that beautiful machine.

[@TahoeRealm]

Wonderful video. I'm going to check my 1930s Underwood and see if it has enough room to do exactly this. Thank you very much for this video.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You're very welcome, @tahoerealm762. Remember that, although I only alluded to it in the video, a set of measuring calipers and some sanding of the original platen can help you create a new surface that closely approximates your machine's factory specifications. Wishing you all good things.

[@alvisevenza]

Thanks! That's a smart and simple solution. Maybe, with the help of a local typewriter repair man, I can fix my 1930s Remington Portable No.3.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I have no doubt this is possible Alvise, and I wish you the best of luck with it. Check in and let me know how it goes!

[@alvisevenza]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco I'll do for sure.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@alvisevenza 👌perfect

[@f1remandg]

Fantastic! I have a Corona 3 circa 1913/17 and notorious for the platen being smooth and hard, so having worked with the shrink rubber on other issues I am going to give it a go, I just need to figure out how to remove the offending article. Thank you!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @f1remandg. One way of doing this, which I only alluded to in the video, is to measure the diameter of the platen carefully using calipers. Get a sense for the manufacturer’s thickness. Then take sandpaper and evenly sand off a layer of ancient hardened rubber to the thickness of the rubber you’re about to add. It will help to remove the platen knobs in both ends so you can really get an even sanding all the way up and down the old platen. Does this make sense? I hope this helps and appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@josephgoss2780]

Thank you so much !.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

My pleasure, Joseph. Thanks for watching!

[@josephgoss2780]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco of it wasn’t for you I would have been able to bring back to life a corona 4 and a Remington 12 standard. I appreciate you’re time and effort.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@josephgoss2780 One of the best messages I've ever received, Joseph. Thank you so much! Wishing you all the best on all your endeavors. Keep at it!

[@someonespadre]

I have a 1952 Royal QDL with rock hard and slick platen and I’m pretty sure it has shrunk, it is slightly smaller than the left side metal hub. My sister wants it so I’m going to try this to make it more useable, the platen is pretty easy to get out.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @someonespadre. Good to hear from you again. This method should work on a QDL but be careful. Note that I experimented on two desktop models which feature larger diameter platens. A QDL is a portable so you might want to sand the original platen down first to account for the thickness that extra rubber will add. Ideally, calipers or some other measuring instrument can be used to ensure that your finished diameter meets the original factory specifications. This will keep your machine running as it was intended to and provide the best typing experience. And always make sure your diameter is uniform across the entire length of the platen. Yes, platens on a QDL are east to remove. One more reason to like this model. Wishing you all my best and please check back in to let me know how it goes.

[@someonespadre]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco I have a caliper…Typewriter Muse in his video uses a drill as a sort of lathe and a coarse sanding pad. Have a spare entire carriage. He says they wear uneven so part of it is evening out the high spots.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Typewriter Muse is correct,@@someonespadre. I've used this method before. Just beware that heat as friction builds up during the sanding process. Protect the hand holding the sanding element with a thick work glove. Yes, too, that the trick is to even out high spots, make everything uniform. Go slow. Take measurements frequently. Work toward evenness. Stop when you think you've got it, make sure you clean the platen thoroughly to minimize debris particles getting into the segment. Install the platen and see how the stamp of the typeface looks. Check to see if the machine's action is affected in any way. Repeat as necessary. Wishing you great success!

[@KateSparkes]

This is great! I just got a 1945 Royal KMM that I’ve got working again (still needs more cleaning), but the platen is hard and it’s SO loud. I’m probably not brave enough to try this, but it’s good to know there are DIY options.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Congrats on your Royal KMM, @KateSparks… one of my favorite machines. Thanks for watching and the good words.

[@sar11809redwork]

enjoyed your video. I think I will give it a try. I repaired them for 40 years and still have a slew of them left over in the attic. I also have some left over parts, if you need something let me know. Jim

[@zaca.3446]

I bought my first typewriter (a Royal quiet Deluxe) from Tom last week and he is a great person who runs a great business!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi, Zac. Thanks for watching and checking in. Is that Tom Furrier at Cambridge Typewriter?

[@E_Proxy]

If I May, I'd like you to watch this guy's contento. It's hylarious and seems pretty pro stuff. I think it could enhance your restoration skills

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Sounds great, giammihendrix. Post the link if you can, please. Thanks for watching!

[@E_Proxy]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco i was obviously sure i attach ed the link... I'll try to do this the right way this time. Let me g search for the link

[@E_Proxy]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco part one kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHvOe4Cmntqbmsk

[@E_Proxy]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco it doesn't let me link the part 2 video but i guess you'll find it easily, same Channel. Let me know if you found it useful

[@Lkhrobertson]

Brilliant and God bless amazon.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Then giveth back again with two-day shipping for Prime members. I appreciate your good words, Lkhrobertson. Thanks for watching!

[@christopherbartleson8918]

Excellent video, this inspires me to do this to my LC Smith Super Speed Silent-Secretarial and my Royal KMM.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi Christopher. Those two machines would be perfect for this technique. They're big standards with easily detachable platens. Wishing you well with it. Let me know how it goes! Meanwhile, thanks for the good words and thanks for watching!

[@christopherbartleson8918]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco The link you provided only has the smaller shrink tube, but you mention 2", which I did find the same brand for on amazon, I'm assuming that is the appropriate size to go with. I'll let you know how it goes once I do the operation.

[@georgeroukis]

Absolutely Love your channel. Only discovered using a typewriter by 'picking' one for $10. An Underwood Golden Touch in Robin Egg blue. The next week I bought the exact same year and model as your LC Smith from 1928. I spent 20 hours getting her back to perfect working order. Im hooked and u helping keep me interested in writing. For now I just diarise my days and maybe a short story here and there. Keep the videos coming.....love love love.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I know that model, George. It's a winner though I've never seen one in Robin's Egg Blue. Congrats on the big score and the LC Smith. I'll try to get more videos out between writing. Until then, thanks for watching!

[@AlwaysAnalog]

I am so trying this method! I've read about this technique, but watching you do it gives me confidence it will work. Great resource - thanks so much!

[@damondimarco2251]

You're welcome. Good luck!

[@thethriftyfawn]

Great demonstration and awesome video! 😊

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Much obliged Thirty Fawn! Thanks for watching!

[@bradymcatee4785]

Just found your channel after I finally replaced the ribbon in my Remington Portable 1 and began researching info on using it. Love your videos! and your editing is worlds above any other typewriter channel, short snappy and to the point. Reminds me of Casey Neistats videos.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thank you, Brady!

[@billogle4776]

Speaking as a Typewriter Mechanic from the 1950's, I would be concerned about the increase of diameter and it's effect on the ring setting, the "on feet" in relation to both lower and upper case and Motion adjustments as well. These may not be critical on the L.C. Smith , from memory there is no ring/anvil on the LCS cheers

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi, Bill. I defer to your expertise! I can only note that neither of the larger, standard model machines I tried this on suffered from the process. Again, this is a DIY method. For best results, I always recommend going to an experienced vendor. And having your platens replaced by someone like Steve Dade or J.J. Short & Associates. Thanks for watching!

[@seraphim3r]

Steve Dade passed away in January 2021

[@f1remandg]

I appreciate your comments and observations, I think that although the skill of these pioneers in typewriting and the ability to do the Wallace and Gromitt or Heath Robinson by sanding down the Platten, and fixing a shrink tube could actually achieve two main things, it could take up some slack in the springs and certainly give a less frustrating approach to winding paper in. However please accept my apologies if this offends those that are purists, I think there is a limit, especially when you consider that Donald Trump was president and the cretin is still trying to say he doesn’t lie!

[@Trafficaloco]

Great to hear from a professional. How would I get started in maintaining repairing mechanical typewriters? I just bought an sm 4 and a holding. Ty

[@TahoeRealm]

@@Trafficaloco a good channel to start with is Phoenix Typewriter. He does repairs all day long.

[@robertaustralia5852]

Thank you very much for your very interesting videos. I'm pleased to say I've bought a fantastic condition Olivetti letera 22. Based on your advice I did very minimal cleaning etc. It works very well indeed . Occasionally one or two keys will add an extra space. But I maybe just hitting the keys too hard.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

It could be that, Robert, or it could be that your escapement is out of tune. I’ve seen both happen when people use vintage manual typewriters. Does the effect you’re describing happen on the same keys routinely?

[@robertaustralia5852]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco oh thanks so much for replying. It only happens on the I and U keys and only when I hit it very hard. I was doing a test last night, typing lots of iiiiiiiis. At a certain force, it would almost always skip ahead making a space. Slightly annoying but not the end of the world. It seems to gradually be getting better.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@robertaustralia5852 No worries, my friend. The truth is this sort of thing happens on a lot of machines. Royals especially (in my experience) fall prey to it, but I also have a Smith-Corona whose apostrophe key does the same thing. Unless I baby it a little. Then it only happens about half the time. Overall, this effect can be a bit annoying. One option is to take your machine for a cleaning and adjustment by an experienced typewriter repair person. You could also try adjusting the tension setting on the keyboard to see if that works. That lever, on an Olivetti Lettera 22, is under the hood. And sometimes the machine seems to actually learn how to type from you. I've never understood how this happens but I can't deny that it does. Wishing you luck and progress.

[@thestrangestbean]

Hello again! I just put in a quote at J.J. Short and I'm excited to finally get my platen recovered. I'm also going to send in the feed rollers.

[@damondimarco2251]

Hard to imagine you being in better hands. JJ Short sets a high standard for this work. Thanks for keeping in touch, SF. Let me know how it goes moving forward! Best, Damon

[@sarareisinger]

Do you have any experience with using the shrink tubing over a platen that has already cracked? I am wondering if I could glue the piece back in and then heat srhink rubber over it

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @sarareisinger. It's hard to advise you on what's best to do without examining the platen. Some crack so badly, they don't have enough surface left to be useful. However, if the piece you're describing is just a small chip of some sort ... and if you can reseat it so it's exterior is flush with the platen's surface, it might be worth gluing it there and then, yes, shrinking the rubber over it. Again, it's hard to say without seeing the actual pieces involved. If this is a machine you use a lot, I would certainly consider shipping the platen out for professional resurfacing. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and checking in.

[@rhondas.9385]

Who knew??? Interesting 😊

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Right? Thanks for watching, @rhondas9385!

[@dgeer809]

Set me thinking thanks

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Pleased to have you aboard, Dg. Thanks for watching.

[@alfonsoa68]

great idea love it

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Pleased you like it, Alfonso. Thanks for watching!

[@Zach-sg5uu]

What is the type in brand of rubber that you bought for that?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @Zach-sg5uu. Links are in the video description. The first sample comes from a company called purple-fox.

[@ttowntrekker5174]

What a great idea! I had no idea. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You're very welcome!

[@christianmichael6977]

Hi there! I've been getting into typewriters for a few months now and have been repairing my own for a bit now. How have these newly coated platens been holding up years later? I've seen some people clean and sand down the old rubber before putting the new coat on it - did you do something similar or just go for it with an already-reasonably-clean platen? Or might that be overkill? Thanks so much for this tip - my typewriters all have platens comprable to granite so this'll be great!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @Christianmichael6977. How are the tubing solutions holding up? Well enough. Again, I prefer a professional re-platening. But these do surprisingly well over the long haul. Yes, I’ve used this solution with a clean-sand option. I didn’t do that for this video but have done it for other machines. Works best if you have a set of calipers handy to measure overall thickness. And no, I don’t consider that overkill. More like informed experimentation. I hear you about granite platens. They can be a bother. Do what you can to fix them! Wishing you well.

[@oliverw3646]

Hi Damon, How ingenious! Thank you for sharing this most useful information. Judging from its remarkable cosmetic condition, your 1934 Remington Rand #1 must be an extremely low mileage specimen ...

[@damondimarco2251]

Hi Oliver. The exterior is in excellent shape. The interior... not so much, I'm afraid. That machine has a few issues I'm still trying to sort out. Good news is it's probably worth the effort. Feet and feed rollers by Steve Dade certainly helped, as did the platen by JJ Short & Associates.

[@JacobStJules]

After a couple years how is the job holding up? Do you notice any change in the function of the machines over time? Thank you for your video.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi, Jacob. Great question. As I mentioned in other responses, this really does the trick for larger diameter platens. I always prefer to have my machines professionally reconditioned, but this method worked surprisingly well for the little effort and expense I put into it. One potential downside: the increased thickness of the platen prohibits hitting the paper release and ripping sheets out of the machine like some beat newspaper reporter in an old movie. This could probably be handled by sanding the platen down a bit first to compensate for the new thickness the tubing adds. Using calipers for precise measurements would also help. Short answer to your question: the machines work great, and I hope the video helps. Thanks for watching!

[@timothycatlin7414]

wow thank you so much for this!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You're very welcome!

[@berniepokorski6608]

Great Video! Thank You So Much!!!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You're very welcome, Bern. Thanks for watching.

[@mitchvass4498]

Ok nice job.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thank you, Mitch!

[@michaelprice4423]

I get the feeling that the platen has shrunk a bit as it hardened over the years so the extra diameter you added probably returne d it to something closer to its original size. I'm looking forward to giving this trick a whirl on my Underwood Model 3.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Michael, I never considered that. But I think you might be on to something. Ossified rubber indeed seems to contract. In fairness, I pulled this experiment with standard model typewriters whose platen diameters are larger. Not sure how it work on portable or ultra-portables. Other DIYers seem to have tried it and done okay. I suppose I would use thinner tubing for small platens to approximate the original diameter. Wishing you the best of luck with your Underwood. Please let me know how it goes!

[@JB-uv4hm]

If you look at a lot of old platens they get ringed. Is this not shrikage? I have a KMM that has same platen as your KMG. I womder what the covered diameter is?

[@austinvickymoore3656]

NICE!!! gotta get some of that rubber! My Royal HH needs this done.. haha got it from a flea market for $30 and had the original ribbon spools just need to finish some cleaning and lubing then... idk what I'm going to type.. but im gonna! Haha great video!!!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Glad you enjoyed it. This procedure should work very well with the Royal HH. Very similar in build to the KMG I treated here. Wishing you great success!

[@kerc]

Hey, this is Kerc from Dice Pencil & Paper! I didn't know you had a channel... Subscribed!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Excellent, Kerc. Good to have you aboard! And subscribed right back.

[@tomrehkopf9793]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@MarkEichin]

Very clear and complete (embarking on platen cleanup on a Royal Quiet Deluxe that's been stored badly for 40+ years, I use heatshrink tube for electronics all the time and it would never have occurred to me for this.) But what actually caught my attention was that on your typewriter, the carriage return is on the "wrong" side? I've never noticed a typewriter where you "push" it like that, was there some standardization, or had I just not seen enough typerwriters?

[@damondimarco2251]

Hi Mark. I'm with you. When I first saw the LC Smith #8, I thought, No way. That can't be right. The return lever is ALWAYS on the left. Well, yes and no. The LC Smith #8s actually have a chrome knob bolted to the left of the carriage. Typists are supposed to use that knob to push the carriage right when they finish typing a line, then toggle the line space lever (what you're calling the carriage return) on the right to space down on the paper. This is a two-step process that later became a one-step process as machines grew lighter in weight and their mechanical designs improved. Interesting fact: like Remington, LC Smith was a gun manufacturer before the company started building typewriters. That might explain this design. To my mind, it's similar to old-style revolvers whose triggers were single-action before they became double-action. If you watch old Westerns, for instance, shooters had to first cock their pistols, then fire. Cock then fire, cock then fire. This action was later replaced by double-action trigger mechanisms which combined both actions in a single mechanism. At any rate, I appreciate your comments and wish you all the best on restoring your QDL (great machines, those). Thanks for watching!

[@kylehazachode]

Dude great video. Shocked there’s only 19 subscribers on your channel. Guess I’m number 20

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

No worries, George. Just glad you're here. Welcome! We've got more coming down the pike. Stay tuned!

[@oliviasmith3503]

I'm number 57!

[@craftgrrl14]

The platen on my Montgomery Ward Signature 511D from 1969 seems to still be in decent shape. My 1930s Royal Varsity typewriter has a very beat up platen though. It's got all sorts of indentations on it from decades of being hammered into by the keys. Don't think I trust myself to replace it on my own.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Are there any typewriter repair shops near you? You might outsource it to them.

[@craftgrrl14]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco could one theoretically use a sheet of rubber as one of the pieces of cushion paper when typing to achieve a similar effect without replacing the platen?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@craftgrrl14 Apologies for the delay, I had to think about this. Theoretically yes, Cybernetic Rose. But in practice, I doubt it would work. The sheet of rubber would have to be thin enough to roll through the platen. Which means it would not stand stiff once rolled through but flop over, either behind or in front of the typewriter. If it fell across the keyboard, that won't work, obviously. If it fell behind the typewriter, it's tempting to think it would still serve its purpose but I doubt it would. Likely, the floppiness of the rubber sheet would exert uneven pressure on the platen, shifting the paper a bit and creating irregular hammer strikes, which in turn would cause an irregular imprint on the page. The only real way to test, I suppose, is to try it. If you do, would you please report back on your findings? Who knows? You could be on to something. With my best, and thanks for watching, Damon

[@bletheringfool]

I have heard of this technique before but wonder how many times it can be carried out fue to the extra thickness. It seems it didn't bother your beasts but I have a portable typewriter and I don't think I would be so lucky

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

If you try it on a portable, BF, I would recommend using the thinnest tubing you can find. Also, as stated in the beginning of the video, this was an experiment. If we're talking about a machine you use regularly, a machine you rely on, I would not hesitate. Get the platen recovered professionally. That being said, I have to admit the technique worked very well on my two standard sized typewriters. Wishing you well. I appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching!

[@timpipe]

I saw a vid from a guy who removed the old rubber entirely and used 3 layers of marine grade shrink tube. I'm going to try that method...

[@MartynVHalm-pb3hv]

I heard that you can use sandpaper to sand down the platen before you put on the shrink tube, so the diameter of the platen isn't increased as much from the thickness of the shrink tube.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Martyn, this is true. I didn't sand these because I'm confined to my NYC studio for COVID-19; not the best place to make a lot of rubber dust. Plus, I don't have my drill here, and drills give you a nice even finish. Attach the platen to the drill and spin it through a sandpaper sheath you grip in one hand. But be warned: your hand will get hotter than hell from the friction. A gardening gauntlet or work glove can help. I use 320 grit sandpaper for this. The process can also be used on medium hard platens that just need a bit of surface debridement to get their grip back.

[@MartynVHalm-pb3hv]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco That's what I figured, but I thought I should just mention it, for people who like you want to DIY refurbishing their platen. Love your video, very engaging.

[@mrsb6447]

Lacquer thinner and a fine screen works for resurfacing.

[@yamz4585]

Love your videos :)

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thank you, Yamz!

[@sandratharp3104]

please post how to remove platen on a 1923 remington portable model 1

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi Sandra. Thanks for watching. Sorry, I don't have that model. You might try the excellent resources offered at Phoenix Typewriter's KZbin channel. Duane Jensen has been very generous documenting such procedures. He may have a video that suits your needs. Wishing you the best of luck and again, thanks for watching!

[@TheOfficialChainge]

Nice job! What if you wanted to reburbish your already DIY refurbished platen? Would you just apply another plastic tube or remove the one you added the last one

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Can't honestly say, Thomas, since I've never done it. I suspect, however, that would not be a good idea. The machine's tolerances might tolerate one extra thickness of rubber on the platen. Two might start to interfere with the action. Remember, if this were being done professionally, they'd cover the rubber to its original diameter specifications.

[@my_negative_world]

Do you by any chance have any info on how to remove a platen on a 1960 Hermes Baby? Also big thanks for the video. I was thinking about the same exact thing but seeing someone doing it on video kinda reassured me.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

My pleasure! I'm sorry, I've never owned nor worked on a Hermes Baby. Best advice I can give is to check the community online or call up a typewriter repairman and ask them.

[@jespertrans7132]

Cool 👍🙂

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@LastGenGaming675]

😂😂😂 1 2 Magic Lol I thought the same when I first worked on one

[@damondimarco2251]

Then we are well met. Pass, friend.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Magic! Exactly!

[@tfaber9394]

I didn't know Liam Neeson fixed typewriters ! ( Looking a little like Liam Neeson with that beard). "I have a very particular set of skills, and I will use them to find that shrink tube, remove that platen, and re-cover it !"

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I will find you. And when I do, I will recover your platen...

[@thestrangestbean]

I just got my first typewriter, which is a 1940-1942 Remington Rand Model 5 not too long ago. The vendor I purchased it from cleaned it and replaced all of the rubber parts except for the platen, which is hard as a rock. I looked into J.J. Short & Associates, and that seems like it would be pretty pricey, so then I found this video. I don't know how to take off the platen on the Model 5, and I am afraid that adding on more rubber would negatively affect the typewriter. The paper rolls in flawlessly, but I don't want my type slugs to be damaged. Would using backing sheets reduce that if I don't recover the platen? I looked at possibly attempting to use rubber renu as well. What do you think?

[@damondimarco2251]

Good questions, SF. As I mentioned in the video, this technique for recovering platens was an experiment. It seemed to work well for desktop or standard model typewriters; I'm not sure how it would work for portables or ultra-portables. Normally, I use JJ Short & Associates or a similar vendor to recover my platens. Yes, you pay a bit more that way, but the craftsmanship is undeniable. Yes, too: as a general rule, I use a backing sheet on all my machines. Doing so cushions the type slugs, which protects them. This can mitigate having a hard platen and it also (usually) brings out a bolder stamp for the characters. Check out Typewriter Justice, I'm pretty sure he has a video about pulling the platen on a Remington Model 5. You could also check out Duane Jensen's videos at Phoenix Typewriter, he's got a ton of expertise and is very generous with showing it. Let me know how it goes and wishing you good luck!

[@thestrangestbean]

@@damondimarco2251 Wow, you really reply fast! I looked into how to take out the platen, and now I know how to do it. How much do you think getting my platen recovered would cost from JJ Short & Associates?

[@MR-qq6ec]

So what's best? Changing the platen all together or simply put another layer of new rubber on it like in the video?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Without question, having the platen professionally refurbished is best. This was more an experiment to see what could be done on as a workaround.

[@MR-qq6ec]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Okay nice to know!

[@pandaguan]

I actually used "shrink tubes" to replace the rubber on the rollers.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Yes! I do that all the time, too. Smaller job, same principle. Thanks for mentioning that.

[@my_negative_world]

Do you just add a single shrink tube on the old one or put a lot of them until it builds up to the same height?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@my_negative_world I've seen articles that talk about the "build up" technique. Like this one (www.instructables.com/id/Renewing-an-old-typewriter-platen/) But that only seems to works when you've cut off the rubber entirely or sanded it down a great deal. The more rubber, you strip off the more you have to build up. In this video, I only used only one layer of shrink tubing. Without question I would have profited from a) measuring the original thickness with calipers; b) sanding the original rubber a bit to make room for the new thickness of shrink wrap. Bottom line is you want the platen to be as close to the same thickness as the platen measured to begin with. Does that help?

[@jamesbernsen3516]

Link for the source of the rubber? I've got a few old typewriters I'd like to try this on.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi James. Check the comments section above. On your screen, it probably says SHOW MORE. Click that and you should see the commentary for this episode, including links to all products used.

[@bonzomcduffy8336]

Speaking of Tom Furrier, he wants to retire in June and sell the shop to someone who is very interested in keeping the shop going. Call him if you want to work on typewriters and help people like me who are lazy and ignorant about the upkeep and maintenance of these wonderful machines.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I'm very pleased to be thought of this way, @bonzomcduffy8336. But the truth is, I'm a writer and actor by trade ... a writer and actor who loves typewriters, true, but who also has deadlines to meet. My attempting to run another business do justice to Mr. Furrier's incredible work and legacy.

[@bonzomcduffy8336]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco No worries. It's a shout out to anyone for a man who is not only a legend but also a pillar of the typewriter community of the Northeast. He asked me to put the word out to anyone at all interested. If you have lotsa stuff going on it's perfectly understandable.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@bonzomcduffy8336 Understood. Full disclosure, I’ve never met Tom but I’ve always wanted to. His shop is a legend. I wonder if he’s reached out to Paul and Jay at Gramercy Typewriter here in NYC. They, too, are legends and perhaps looking to expand their business to another city here on the Northeast Coast.

[@bonzomcduffy8336]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco No idea. If you don't live near Boston or the Northeast and unless you have to there would be no reason to meet Tom but he sure is a nice guy if you do some acting up here in the Northeast stop in sometime. He's fun to talk to and very kind to the less than mechanically inclined like me.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@bonzomcduffy8336 Oh, I don't know ... I'm actually at a point where I'd love to make a field trip to see a good typewriter shop. If only there weren't so many deadlines. I bet Tom's as kind as he seems in the videos I've watched. Fixing typewriters and patience apparently walk hand-in-hand. It sure taught me a thing or two about life. Cheers to you, @bonzomcduffy8336.

[@MR-qq6ec]

Can you put paper in the long way? I mean like an A4 but in landscape format?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi, MR. No. "Regular" paper is 8.5 x 11 inches. A4 is the next most common size used worldwide, slightly shorter and wider at 8.25 and 11.75 inches respectively. Best bet to type landscape on A4 is to get a typewriter with an extended carriage. I see them from time to time at yard sales and so on. They're monstrous to handle since the carriage is elongated. But if that's your thing, I say you should get one. Let me know how it goes, and thanks for watching!

[@MR-qq6ec]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Okay thank you

[@MR-qq6ec]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco BTW Do you have good advice on how to make it less noisy?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

​@@MR-qq6ec I'm not sure what you mean, MR. Typewriters make noise by their nature. This process, as I've applied it, actually made both models I experimented on type softer. What make and model typewriter are you working with?

[@MR-qq6ec]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Hi sorry I'm a totally newbie ha... Just got a Olympia Splendid 66 today and it's not as noisy as I thought. Anyway thanks for answering

[@demonprincess5634]

the Platen on my Royal 10 is only 95 years old

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

If it's still working @demonprincess5634, I say: ALL HAIL THE ROYAL PLATEN MAKERS. And keep typing happily, of course... With my best to you for watching and commenting.

[@demonprincess5634]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco well it is hard as a rock but still typing, I'm sure a new one would be better but for know this is what i got.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

⁠ I get it. Believe me, I get it. Wishing you well. No matter what… keep writing!

[@demonprincess5634]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco you too, my friend ;)

[@mcschneeman1]

the link for the tubing goes to the wrong product, or right product but wrong measurement. thanks for the vid though

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Right. This was covered in the video itself. Apologies if it wasn’t clear. Did you try it? Did it work for you? Please let us know and thanks for being part of our community. Thanks for watching!

[@mcschneeman1]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco oh yeah, you say it's too thick but with shink down. but this link is for 5/8 inch and is too small. or am i missing something?

[@edsewetoob]

I just clicked the link blindly for the shrink tubing and ordered it. Shame on me for not noticing that the link takes you to the 1/2" tubing and not 2". So, I ordered the correct 2" tubing (for the platen) and hopefully will be able to try your technique next week. I'll keep the smaller tubing for other purposes. I wonder if the 1/2" would work for feed rollers, etc.? Thanks for the video, and I have subscribed. I also have subscribed to your newsletter. Keep up the good work!

[@seraphim3r]

Steve Dade passed away in January 2021.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Yes, I know, MS-89. I called Simi Valley and spoke to his sister-in-law (if memory serves). His enthusiasm, knowledge, and generosity are very much missed. Thanks for checking in about it.

[@rendzas]

Are there anyone in the world (exactly, the world because in my country there is no one who fixes typewriters) who could sell their services of helping me to fix a typewriter remotely? Model: Silver Reed SR 180 DE LUXE. The carriage lever just brings advances but does not bring it to the next line, some wheel near the lever seems to be fallen or got lose.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

It's a good question, Renata. I find most typewriters are hard enough to fix by hand, let alone remotely. Also, the Silver Reed SR is a later model typewriter. A lot of repair folks avoid these, it seems; after the 1960s or so, typewriters, like so many other consumer goods were made to be disposable. But it's a great big world and perhaps someone does it. I always start with Gramercy Typewriter, here in NYC. They're excellent craftsmen, and gracious. If they don't do this sort of work, perhaps as them if they know someone who does. Good luck!

[@rendzas]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Typers like me just pick in the flea market what looks the best, didn't even have an idea about how much more disposable these type of products became during years, which is logical but even more breaks my heart if unfixable. Anyway, thank you so much for promt and broad answer. Just what I needed to move forward. :) Wishing you well.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@rendzas My pleasure. Again, best of luck!

[@ettoliram8116]

Renata, if you are still looking for help, you could try asking your question on the typewriter forum; typewriter.boardhost.com/index.php They are a small but friendly group of people, perhaps they can point you in the right direction. Even the newer typewriters are usually still very fixable! :-)

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@ettoliram8116 Excellent reminder. Thanks for that!

[@solstar4778]

Who a repair person in Houston Texas?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I've never used anyone in that region but a quick Google search offered many options. Try this: www.google.com/search?q=typewriter+repairman+houston+texas&rlz=1C5GCEA_enUS908US908&oq=typewriter+repairman+houston&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j33i160l2.8741j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Whatever you discover, please report back. The community will value your input. Wishing you luck!

[@TheTypewriterGuy]

Don’t be cheap Send the rubber to JJ SHORT Macedon New York WILL LAST ANOTHER 30 years TT S product / Tony Garden city New York Typewriter feet and repairs

[@damondimarco2251]

Uhm, hey thanks. As it happens Peter at JJ Short handles all my platens. Or Steve Dade did before he passed. I put this video together as a "what if" for DIY folks. You're right. A good platen done by an excellent craftsman is worth the investment. Thanks for watching.