Typewriter Video Series Episode 244: Ribbon Winder

Joe demonstrates a make-shift ribbon winding fixture for respooling ribbons.
Here are the black colored, darkly inked DIN-spooled ribbons online that Joe uses (no relation to seller):
amzn.to/3aMr41G
(Note: the red/black ribbons mentioned in the video are currently not in stock.)

[@VirtualGuth]

I'm telling you Joe, the "Van Cleave-O-Matic 5000" Ribbon Winder is only a good logo away from becoming a runaway hit. Thanks for detailing this again in its own video as it's really a fun example of workshop inspired ingenuity.

[@dadtype2339]

I have 3 mechanical typewriters, two SCM machines and Electra 110 and a Galaxie Deluxe, both came with their original SCM metal spools from the factory, and because I love how they look and keeping history together, I'll re-spool new ribbon on to them, and I actually use the machines. There is a neutral position on the gear so that one can spin freely and so I'll either do it by gloves hands or with my Dremel on low speed and use the handheld engraver pen that attached to the Dremel. But usually just by hand. Good exercise. Always with gloves on to keep the mess down. I have done bare hands but my skin really sucks up the ink and stays longer than I like. The Royal Aristocrat came with generic plastic universal spools I am guessing from the 70s or 80s and I still have them they are nice in the sense that they have open tops so you can really see how much ribbon you have, which is handy if you are running a ribbon without an eyelet. The tension on the ribbon will eventually cause it to change directions but you really feel the stress on the keys and escapement which I don't like and prefer to just check to see how it's going and switch directions manually...sometimes I'll type with the cover off as you can see more action and I don't mind if it's louder. But with that one I will just toss on the uni spools. I wish it had its original, and I have a parts 120 Electra that came with its metal spools and I've wondered if it will fit the royal so next time it's ribbon needs to change I may see if I can use them although they have no windows so I'd had to spool on ribbon with an eyelet. Well stuck in bed today over did it walking too much yesterday as I went to the train show that came to town. There was a scale N derailed Pacific Union Big Boy with cars, and from behind the wall a pair of hands reached out from the sky to fix it, I said I can hear people screaming!!! This is why I don't own a globe anymore, got tired of hearing screaming Everytime I looked for a place! Ha! ❤ I like you Spool rewinder gizmo of as my Dad would have called it a Gizmahchy (Giz-Ma'-Chee) lol. Got me thinking of how I'd build one and being half German it will and must be over engineered! Lol. Hope this Sunday found you well my friend.

[@DavidALovingMPF102]

Dig out the old super 8 film editor or even the film projector! How about gerbil power?? Joe, you have video teaching figured out! You could sell anything! You are better than Ron Popiel ( can't spell his last name), lots better than Billy May's. Well, he's dead anyway, drugs..another covid stay at home project!!

[@georgegonzalez-rivas3787]

Very nice. But there's no need for the spools to be at the same height, right? Just seems natural because typewriters have them that way. If you mounted them vertically, with the 'receiving' spool on top, then gravity would supply the back tension you mentioned automatically. Whatta think?

[@my_negative_world]

I prefer to put one spool into the machine from which I took it and the other on a screw driver. Really fast and simple. The little winding thing looks lovely though

[@joehefner2296]

Hi Joe your ribbon guy is out of black ribbon on amazon. Can you send me a link for the the black and red? Or someone else? I know about Baco Ribbons. Thank you for all the great videos!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The all-black ribbons are currently in stock, I have two boxes on order: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AIVB8AG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@joehefner2296]

@@Joe_VanCleave i

[@joehefner2296]

Thank you Joe I just placed an order for them. Does this same seller sell red and black ribbon? I am going to try to make a ribbon spooler similar to yours. Buying ribbon from this seller is going to save me lots of money. Can you use a old parts typewriter as a spooler for ribbon? Have you ever tried it? Keep the videos coming I enjoy watching them.

[@pattonhorton2072]

Thanks for this magnificent and innovative project! This will come o good use in winding newly re-inked ribbon with some modifacation

[@kylehazachode]

So glad you made this. I bought uninked typewriter ribbon off eBay a few days ago. I’m going to make my own white ink typewriter ribbon this week. I’ve always wanted to type on black paper and use my white ink pens. I’ll be using white rubber stamp ink from Michael’s.

[@itayshvat2498]

Thank you Joe, for another inspiring video. I’ve had the thought to make one myself, but the distance between my thoughts and doing happens to be miles long.. nevertheless videos like yours inspire me and are influential in filling in the gap :) I’ve taken some suggestions from you before.. the ribbons that you mention, I’ve ordered, and are my staple now, so I second that.. also the continuous roll of paper.. so yhee.. thanks bunch and a toast to creativity

[@solitairepilot]

That’s a pretty nifty little device, nice thrifty handiwork!

[@dandey1214]

Where do you get you ribbons bulk for $10/dozen?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

See the description above for the link.

[@copyrightfreevideobyttf]

Joe, you never cease to amaze me with your ability to create just about anything with scrap wood and scrap hardware! The clipboard holder, the platforms, and now THIS I can only imagine what would happen if your toilet paper dispenser broke unexpectedly, and it was up to you to replace it... LOL!!!

[@MauriceandDonnie]

After viewing your KZbin video, I made a ridiculously over-built ribbon winder; I used a DC gear reduction motor from a surplus store added a forward & reverse switch, a 6volt A/C adapter and spool holder. It works great.

[@yuehchopin]

good

[@bentbilliard]

Like a cassette winder. I wonder if one of those could be modified to use it with ribbon spools...

[@pipedog9702]

Enjoying your videos in Japan. I am a new guy here in the word of typewriters. I mean I am old enough to have learned how to type on a typewriter in school, but it was a big ole electric one. What is the life span of ribbon for these portable manual types? What volume of typing requires there placement of the “typical” ribbon? Thank you.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I've seen ribbons decades old, so they can last if just sitting around. For maximum use, I haven't quantified how many typed pages, but it's in the hundreds.

[@rodjapavlik5730]

Dear Joe, thank you for this Video. I want to embed it into my blog - and can I therefore use one of your photos on your blog?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Yes, feel free to use my photo, thank you.

[@drandallesq]

Nice solution Joe! Thanks for the idea. Happy New Year!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Happy new year!

[@joehefner2296]

Joe I ordered the black ribbon from your link to amazon 12 pack. I received them working great. Can you please send me a link for there red and black ink for my Olympia SM4. I cant find them.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Last time I checked they were out of stock on the red/black, so I ordered several boxes of the all black. I don’t know if these are NOS - new old stock - or if they’re being currently manufactured.

[@joehefner2296]

@@Joe_VanCleave thank you