Olympia SG1 Typewriter

[@pattyperkins2695]

Thanks for the video, Joe! I just got an SG1 a several months ago myself, and was having a similar intermittent issue with my double-space letter key. Sometimes it wants to play, sometimes it doesn't; sometimes it take a line or two of typing to kick in. I thought I had flushed it our several times, but after your video I'm still flushing it out more. If you found any particular spot that needed extra care to get and keep yours working again, please let me know. Meanwhile, thanks again for all of your wonderful videos!! Patty

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I didn’t find a specific area that fixed it except generally around the escapement area.

[@OleSkullestad]

Hi Joe- I have the same machine, same year and color. Trying not to sound too biased, I believe the SG-1 machines are the best full-sized typewriters ever produced. The design and production quality are second to none. I completely rebuilt mine with new JJ short platen and rollers and I am very satisfied with the results. The biggest downside of the SG-1 is the weight- which is only slightly less than a Tiger tank. I have collected and disposed of virtually all major brands of typewriters over the last five years. What I ended up with as my favorites are: Smith Corona Silent Super, Olympia SM-2, Olympia SF, and the Olympia SG-1. Congratulations on the acquisition of the SG-1. Hope you enjoy using it!!

[@ronkelsey1983]

Darwin Raymond says that hands down that the SG1 is the best engineered typewriter ever made. Susan has an SG1 and an Ambassador. She leans toward the Ambassador but loves her SG1 too. Great video! Enjoy your new machine!

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Beautiful! It is in a great cosmetic condition! Glad you are working through the cleaning and degreasing. I am pleasantly surprised to see that the tab brake and the right margin stop block seem to be in good shape! Of of features I like most, one is the easy disconnect on the carriage return lever, allowing to stow the lever back when I am not using the SG1. The second favorite feature is the user friendly mainspring tension adjustment once the carriage is freed from the base. It is easy to add tension by winding the spring through the big wing-like key clock wise, and easy to reduce tension with the vertical lever you move left and right that lets the spring unwind safely one click at a time. Another one is that large diameter platen is really great for typing on cards and heavier paper. Finally, I think the most pleasant aspect is the key touch and action, coupled with heft of the machine that maintains it in place. Enjoy! ❤ Daniel

[@BooksForever]

Thanks for describing those additional features. I recently acquired an Olympia SG-1 in very good condition, and hadn’t yet discovered those features. Your comments will surely be handy!

[@elliotwhite32]

Make as many SG1 videos as you can please!

[@JosephDickson]

That massive tab bar solves the programmer's Tabs vs Spaces dilemma.

[@christophermckellar1352]

Nice! Some fun features. Thanks!

[@Clipperpan]

Such a detailed review, thank you! Always a pleasure to watch your videos!!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Thank you!

[@jasonjaeger7773]

I have mine on a rolling typewriter table. It is one of my favorites to use. I still need to find the paper holder too

[@VirtualGuth]

She could not have picked a better recipient! Interestingly, back when I was hunting for typewriters it seemed that there was always at least one SG1 or SG3 available in my area via craigslist (and often there was a few of them listed at any given time). Now just four years later, I try to look over the typewriter postings on craigslist before joining the Saturday night T&T Zoom call and I rarely see these listed. Here's hoping that this example provides you with plenty of typing enjoyment going forward.

[@trs80model14]

My mom had a circa 1961 Olympia in the same color, typed lots of school papers etc.. even though we had a computer with a dot matrix printer. Not all teachers would accept that..

[@deoara1]

I also have the same SG-1. Works beautifully. It appears this keyboard was used in classroom setting and the keys are missing the printed letters on them. This was done to encourage new typists NOT to look at their keyboard while typing and doing the “hunt and peck” method. I would like to restore the letter/number marks on the keys. How can I best do this? Do I have to just replace the plastic key caps instead?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Replacing the key caps would be the best solution. I’d advise getting in touch with people on the Antique Typewriter Maintenance Group on Facebook. A less original-looking idea is clear label maker tape, but it wouldn’t look as good.

[@petercheney8316]

I'm going to (probably) buy one of these tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Good luck!

[@ESC4P3-forever]

How about a comparison video with your SM3 and the SG1? I’m curious about how different they are in feel and which one you enjoy using more.

[@dadtype2339]

I'm happy you have this, and jelly lol... I've been looking for a few Standards for some time, and a standard size I want as I've not one yet, they are: 1958 Olympia SG-1 Green 1947ish Royal KMM black 1955/59 SCM 88 office gray No, I am glad you have it, I can tell in your Eyes it's made you happy. I'll be looking for on the TWD! I'm still looking. I'm sure one will come to me in time. But this is the leader on my hunt list. Also check your messages my friend, There was something I noticed in your Praxis 48 Repair videos. Hope to help. Lucky, glad this SG-1 is in great hands and in a loving home. 👍 Congrats! 👏

[@tmunk]

Sent you an STL file for the paper support. 3-D print timelapse for future video? :D

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Thank you!

[@brianlpowers]

I was lucky enough to find an original paper support for my SG1, but I would love to see the process and your thoughts about the 3D-printed replacement!

[@mpconnoisseur]

Can I ask for a video on replacing the carriage band? I have a broken band and need to replace mine. I know you have a vid on a different typewriter, but I’d love to see a version with the SGs. Thanks!!

[@elliotwhite32]

Excellent video I look forward to your paper support solution

[@crazyrecon1986]

Recently acquired one of these and absolutely adore it. It was in rough shape when I got it and bringing it back to working order has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, no exaggeration! I had a question though. I have a 1961 with the 15-inch carriage. I notice when typing that the carriage seems to sit a little "loose" onto the frame when it is hooked in. It is secure, and not going anywhere, but there is a little bit of jiggle and give that happens while typing that makes a fair bit of noise that I am not hearing happen in your video. Was just wondering if there's a portion of the carriage that I'm not seeing that just needs a screw tightened or something. Any tips welcome!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Perhaps the two hooks that engage the chassis when you turn the side knobs need adjusting?

[@bwhog]

I have an SG1 but haven't dug into it yet. It needs a deep scrub and a little work. (Usual cobwebs and such.) Ought to be fun and frustrating! Not having used the SG series, for now, I agree with the portability and favor meine Schreibemachine Mittlegrosse drie oder vier. 😉

[@joãoAlberto-k9x]

Hi Joe. 🎉.

[@petercheney8316]

You picked it up? Did you lift with your legs, not your back?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

There’s also the option of first removing the carriage. Then it weighs as much as an Underwood 5!

[@BooksForever]

I’d say you chose wisely on the Underwood giveaway. You have an obvious cozy relationship with your Royal, and I suspect once you use your air compressor for a final degreasing, you’ll develop an abiding affinity for this fine Olympia… unless the typeface itself is not wholly to your liking. PS. I think the typing sound of the SG-1 is among the nicest around. I’ll be eager to listen when you compare/contrast back-to-back with your standard Royal.