How To Use Your New Old Typewriter! 1923 Underwood 3-bank

This little beauty has been repaired & restored with all new rubber, a shiny gloss finish, a few new old parts, and a whole lot of love. She types like a dream! For Mark M. in Ft Worth, TX

[@liblib1597]

Thank you so much for this! I was just gifted one of these by an aunt, it was my grandmother's and I'm trying to do right by it, your video made this so simple that I'm no longer intimidated about misusing it.

[@drifting202020]

Man, that is beautiful for it's age. Almost a century old! Amazing that a machine that old was able to be restored. Love your videos as always, keep it up :)

[@lydiavidell1711]

Thank you for this! I am a writer and researching a charactor having an underwood typewriter from the 1920s!

[@TypewriterJustice]

nice! you might get some use out of this link then site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html#manuals

[@MoonFlowerCreations]

My 13 year old son likes to type on our lovely 1940 Royal Aristocrat typewriter(yes, I watched your video you put out on one of those not too long ago 😊), but the other day when he tried to type with it...it didn't work. We still aren't completely familiar with all it's settings yet. And thank goodness you did this video because I just learned that it wasn't broken after all, but in the stencil setting...lol. I guess some where along the way...someone messed with it. Thank you!

[@CoreyB0]

Now it is 100 years old!

[@MC-mu3kk]

Wow, congratulations! I have 2 Underwood 3 Banks (1922 + 1924) to keep. I love these typewriters. Thanks for your videos. MC

[@lydiarosenberg2715]

I enjoyed this video so much! Beautiful restoration job! This machine is a functional work of art.

[@iamthetyper1643]

this typewriter is so beautiful I could Mary it its just great I search for one that looks exactly like this one only made in Germany because it just is unbelievable. so a bit nostalgia from me I am happy you found one have a great time with it

[@RenaissancePeopleNYC]

You are good!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Beautiful machine! I have a Four bank and yes similar. I love the bare bones of these.

[@Maidenstear]

Although mine isn't in as good shape, I'm so happy to have one of these too! Not sure if it's the exact same model but it is an Underwood standard portable. My parents said it belonged to my grandparents. Since I didn't grow up knowing how to use a typewriter now I'm doing research to make sure I don't mess anything up learning how to change the ribbon!

[@moinkhan3744]

I want this NOW

[@TypewriterJustice]

alas, this particular one is not mine! i >will< have at least one of this same model coming up for sale soon, though, so keep your eyes peeled for it!

[@thedesignatedshooter4433]

Hey! I’m from Fort Worth too!

[@sophiaroswell-cook8457]

First of all, I love the videos! i love how you show off the typewriters and their type samples, and as a wannabe collector, it makes me so happy. Second, Do you just do repairs, or do you also do sales. Thanks!

[@rivertemple146]

101 years old now

[@thecloakedfox6351]

I want one 😍

[@oliviasmith3503]

I have the exact same machine and as this is my first typewriter this was sooo helpful. What chemical cleaner and polish did you use for this? It looks so pretty 😍

[@dariel7001]

You did a wonderful job. I was wondering how you polish and clean these typewriters up?

[@TypewriterJustice]

thanks! well, i started out with Turtle Wax and the Mr Miyagi Method many moons ago; that worked just fine until i discovered there is a vast array of products & methods one can and must use, since every individual machine requires a slightly different individual approach. These days i try to just use patience, observation, ingenuity, and a tiny bit of elbow grease. oh, and coffee…LOTS of coffee :)

[@LuzCavadia]

Thank you so much for this video. What would be the price (price range) for a machine like this in such a great condition. Many thanks

[@chapzzzz9117]

Just bought a 4-bank portable myself today which all appears to work. Feeding the paper in is a bit dicky though... Where do you go to check the serial number? Thanks for the pointer on the carriage lock. Without a 1 & 0 key I assume you use the capital i & o for the numbers. Cheers Mark

[@fredericksumner7899]

Hello Charlie. Love all your videos. I have one of the Underwood 3 Banks, that has been in the family as long as I can remember (56 years now). The TWDB has the Serial (98628) has it manufactured in December 1923. A couple of questions for you if you do not mind. You mention a Steve Dade in California who makes replacement rubber feet. Do you have his website you can share? Also, I would like to discuss with you possibly restoring my typewriter.

[@fredericksumner7899]

Hello Again. I found another video that included Mr. Dade's phone number. Unfortunately, he has passed away. I would still like to discuss with you the possibility of having you restore my typewriter... Thanks

[@andrewfuentes4517]

Great video! Thank you, we recently bought a typewriter similar to this one about a year ago at a garage sale. I think it might be an even earlier year though. Any advice on how to age them? Also need help finding/changing ribbon so we can use it. Thank you for the excellent video!

[@TypewriterJustice]

howdy! the serial number is located below the keys on the right hand side, and you can look up the date of manufacture at typewriterdatabase.com as well as browse photo galleries of other specimen. For ink ribbon, your best bet will be either ebay or etsy, though there are quite a few independent sellers on the web; it uses a standard length 1/2” (13mm) ribbon, and if you have the original metal spools you can just transfer it onto them by hand. cheers!

[@svenholmquist]

Does the carriage release stay depressed when the carriage lock is engaged? will the space bar work when the carriage lock is engaged?

[@plazro]

Hi. I have just recently purchased one of these cool little typewriters. The platen and feed rollers require a bit of minor work though, plus it skips occasionally when the spacebar is pressed. Can a replacement platen and rollers still be purchased, or are they an easy fix? Many thanks in advance 😊

[@TypewriterJustice]

these are fun little machines, but they definitely like to misbehave :) the spacebar trip sits in the left/rear of the body, next to the springdrum, and uses an adjustable arm to trigger the escapement (not to be confused w the screw that the typebars use to trigger the escapement, in the same location) JJ Short Associate can provide fresh rubber for the platen & rollers www.jjshort.com/typewriter-platen-repair.php

[@user-oj5oo3fg5q]

Can I know how u baught it? It looks so new

[@addictedboycer]

Hi, I just bought this typewriter as a gift for a friend. I was wondering what the spool in front of the bell is for? Its got material going around it with a metal loop at the end. Mine isnt attached to anything 🤔

[@TypewriterJustice]

that is the springdrum, which when properly attached to the carriage provides the necessary tension for it to move to the left as you type

[@MThomasAnimations]

What manual did you use to repair this? I have this exact model but she's seen some better days and I was hoping to restore it.

[@TypewriterJustice]

Matt Thomas - no repair manual, just experience :)

[@maryseman7019]

I love mine (just got it) but I can't get the platen to turn. Everything else works fine, and the whole machine is in great shape! Can you tell me how to release platen so I can put paper in? Thanks!

[@TypewriterJustice]

there’s not a special trick to it - if your platen isn’t able to turn, there is either something wrong with the index mechanism on the left end of the platen, or your feed rollers are fused to the platen itself. engage the paper release and try to weasel a piece of paper through it; if it won’t go, your feed rollers are fused

[@georgebarry5484]

I have an Underwood Champion portable (2 bank) very similar to this one. It is in terrific shape with one exception. I cannot get the carriage to advance when hitting keys or the space bar. The cords on the spool appear to be working and in good shape. Do you know what may be causing my problem? Thank you for any information you can provide. George

[@TypewriterJustice]

George Barry - The most likely culprit is either the springdrum or the cord which attaches it to the carriage(drawstring/drawband)

[@georgebarry5484]

@@TypewriterJustice Thanks!

[@patrickmcneilly4293]

I’ve got one and I think I accidentally dropped something on it because some of the keys get stuck. So, slowly I’m gonna start moving this to the top of my projects list and figure out why it’s acting up.

[@denalygotti5349]

Could you fix mine? I just got one gifted, but don’t know why it’s not working.

[@colinmoore5991]

Are you sure this is a 1923? To my knowledge, the right hand shift key didn't appear until 1924. Mine is from 1925 and I LOVE it. While I wouldn't want to use it to write a novel, it's great for letter writing.

[@TypewriterJustice]

Colin Moore - according to the database, the serial number on this one plants it in mid 1923. There are errors in the database from time to time, but this is a fairly well documented model, and i would be surprised if the serial number dates were off by that much

[@BearCreekFarms]

I have a similar year and am trying to find the serial number? Any idea where this is?

[@lenandyshak7887]

Does anyone know where to buy new rubber parts for the Portable? Esp, the smaller feed rollers under the Platen?

[@TypewriterJustice]

assuming you have the originals, you can send them to JJ Short Associates, in Macedon NY - they do excellent work. here’s their website www.jjshort.com/typewriter-platen-repair.php

[@CINENIMUS]

Do you have a video or some guidance how to adjust the capitalisation hight? I'm Scotland so would be tricky to take it to you haha. Would appreciate any info really...

[@TypewriterJustice]

i don’t have a video for it yet, but believe it or not i have a 3-bank that needs some attention, so i’ll shoot a quick vid for it later today & link it here for you :)

[@CINENIMUS]

@@TypewriterJustice hey thanks that would be great! Upon initial inspection I think the lowercase (default position) sits on a couple of locking nuts and on top of them there are rubber bushings that compacted with time lowering the entire line so could do with new bushings or temporary turn the nuts to lower the lower case line. Very tricky to access though may need to build a custom super thin and bent spanner but you might have a better way - I am looking forward to your video. Shooting one myself haha about this typewriter too but more in general sense

[@TypewriterJustice]

@@CINENIMUS it took a bit longer than i thought, but here’s a vid showing the adjustments - hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3TFk4VretSbesk

[@CINENIMUS]

@@TypewriterJustice fantastic! Thanks a million 🙏 will become handy I just bought like 4 they coming my way in the next week or so I caught the Portable bug 🙈

[@JoshuaHargis]

Hi there. Just found this video and wanted to reach out. I have the same typewriter but a little older I think. Serial #2928. I just had it worked on near the end of last year here in San Antonio. This video was very informative. Thanks for posting!

[@TypewriterJustice]

nice! i love their snappy action. they make super fun ‘kitchen counter grocery list’ machines, btw - once everyone in the house knows how to use it, it sort of takes on a life of its own :) enjoy!

[@JoshuaHargis]

@@TypewriterJustice You bet! I’m going to sit in the park this week to type haikus for sale.

[@TypewriterJustice]

@@JoshuaHargis btw, gratz on the low serial number - that’s way cool :)

[@ClaudiaBones]

I’m trying to troubleshoot my typewriter. I have this exact model. The paper will not roll through; I have to manually push it through. Once the paper is in place and I begin to type, it stays in one place and the letters overlap. I’m wondering if some setting is activated that’s causing this to happen or whether it’s broken. I noticed that there is a little shoelace-like string coming out from behind the typewriter. I’m pretty sure that’s not supposed to be just dangling there. :\

[@TypewriterJustice]

Claudia Bones the paper feed issue is due to flattened or degraded feed rollers. The string out the back is what makes the connection between the carriage and the spring drum, and is directly responsible for it not advancing when you type. both of these are pretty easy repairs if you know what you’re doing, but you can get into trouble if you just dive in without preparation. you might want to check at site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html to find a shop near you, or email me at [e-mail]

[@ollen9881]

@@TypewriterJustice Hi, nice video! I have a similar machine (somewhat older, without the right hand side shift). I also have a similar problem as Caludia. I believe it is quite clear that the feed rollers have dried up. My question is: how to remove the carriage and how difficult is that to perform?

[@TypewriterJustice]

@@ollen9881 - DONT REMOVE THE CARRIAGE!! just remove the platen, and i believe the paper tray as well if memory serves

[@ollen9881]

@@TypewriterJustice Right! And if I may ask a silly question: how is the platen removed? (I saw in one of your pictures the platen removed with the axle beside it, but I don't want to use any force until I know I'm on the right track...)

[@zinzolin14]

I want it!!! 😖😖😖

[@maggieadams7063]

Hi! My 9 yr old just bought one of these as he loves them and wanted to own his own. I can not get the paper to feed… can you help me?

[@TypewriterJustice]

it’s almost certainly the feed rollers to blame, as every single one of these i’ve ever seen needs fresh rubber on them. you CAN do it yourself, but unless you’re already fairly proficient in typewriter restoration i would recommend you take it to a shop or technician in your area; if you’re in north Texas i can do it, but otherwise there is a list of shops at site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html they’re great machines when tuned up! good luck :)

[@Maidenstear]

I just replaced the ribbon on my underwood portable from the 20s, and the holder that keeps the ribbon in place while typing keeps wiggling out of place while I type. Do you have any idea what's causing it?

[@TypewriterJustice]

it’s possible the ribbon vibrator(which is what that’s called) has popped out of its slot at the end of the arm which raises it, but tbh there are quite a few things which could be causing it. grab a flashlight & a cup of coffee, and spend some time just observing it to see if you can spot the malfunction. There is a list of repair shops at site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

[@Maidenstear]

@@TypewriterJustice thank you so much! I'll look into it! And thank you for those repair shops!

[@svenholmquist2784]

I have my eye on a 3 bank 1920's Underwood and I would like your thoughts on a restoration estimate. How do I go about direct messaging you? Can't seem to find any contact info! Thank you for the great content.

[@TypewriterJustice]

howdy! you can email [e-mail]

[@Hunter-vw8kd]

i jest got one and i love it but i have no clue how to put in the paper?

[@oliviasmith3503]

You take the paper into the back slot and rotate the knob on the right until it comes through the front.

[@Miragemp5]

I got One of those ,Can you restored for me??

[@scarecrow737]

Violet Evergarden are watching

[@TypewriterJustice]

that’s such a great anime ❤️

[@ToygerTigerCat]

HI ,how can i check my typewriter made year?(Underwood 3-bank) ,i can see a number @/51676 on right side

[@TypewriterJustice]

according to typewriterdatabase.com your machine was made in September of 1922

[@ToygerTigerCat]

@@TypewriterJustice First , thank you for your reply me. Thank you very much for your professional answer. For a long time, I have no idea which year it was produced. Also, I don't know how to type "" Arabic numerals" on the paper, the left side of the machine is only "FIG" and "CAP". To the right, it's just "backspace." Nothing below. and i have to try use Press "Fig" to type no numbers.

[@ToygerTigerCat]

i mean do i lose a "CAP" ON right side?

[@Joshua.Jordan.Comedy]

Interested in selling?

[@TypewriterJustice]

this particular one was a customers machine, but i have another one which will be available in the next couple weeks - keep an eye on my channel & on my IG for it :)