Typewriter Video Series - Episode 98: Replacing Ribbons

[@thethriftyfawn]

I don't know why I found this so calming to watch and listen to, but I did! 😊

[@Jasper-or7ui]

So glad i found your page because i just got myself this model of typewriter and i need to replace the ribbon but don't know how 😅

[@ANDREA-yv3pz]

Thank you so much! Helped immensely.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

I ordered my replacement ribbons from AMAZON. I went with the Moon colored "BLACK" ribbons. I'm about to try to install the new one, spools all, myself. I'm VERY nervous about "threading" it properly into both my workhorse, 70's era "ROYAL" portable and REALLY, REALLY nervous about trying it with my Mom's beautiful, 50's era "OLYMPIA". Please PRAY for me to all the saints who were "WRITERS" in real life. Even if you're NOT Catholic! Bless you.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

One "antique" but very unique writing instrument to highlight another? VERY CLEVER!

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Thank you so much for this tutorial on changing the typewriter ribbons!

[@Whatsamattau2]

Very helpful. Thank you…I’ve been struggling with how to change the ribbon on my newly-acquired underwood champion

[@myhappyplans]

What are your must have favorite portable typewriters? I just bought my first, a 1936 Smith Corona Silent. Love your channel!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

For medium sized portables, the Silent and Silent-Super are great. Hermes 3000s are great also, although technically a portable because their case has a handle, they're more like luggable than truly portable. For ultra-portables, I like the Olivetti Lettera 22s, though all 3 I've owned had nagging issues with escapements (skipping) that would have needed professional service (hot solvent/oil bath treatment) had I not sold them first. Of the ultra-portables I do currently own, I like the early style Hermes Rocket and Olympia SF from the late-1950s. The Brothers and Silver Seiko from Japan seem to be very reliable, but have a stiff feel to the keys. I'd really like to find a Smith-Corona Skyriter, like the Silent in build quality but the compact size of an ultra-portable.

[@myhappyplans]

Joe Van Cleave I just found your “favorites” video, and noticed Your Smith Corona Standard looks a lot like my Silent. I will have to get a candelabra for mine as well! Thanks for the response!

[@myhappyplans]

I just bought my second typewriter. A 1958 Royal Quiet DeLuxe. It is beautiful, but the 1936 Smith Corona Silent I have types better, and easier. Even after adjusting the touch down to 0 or 1 it still requires hitting the keys pretty hard. I do love other features it has, like the magic margins, how the paper rolls in so smooth and straight, how the top opens by hitting the Royal logo button on the front. I am on the lookout for a Hermes 2000 or 3000, but they are all really expensive. I am sure they are worth it, but I may wait a while.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

For what it's worth... My 70's era "BROTHER" is pretty much bullet proof and has absorbed more than its share of abuse at my heavy hands. (I hit those keys REALLY, REALLY hard!)

[@davidcornillie]

Thanks Joe, I often wonder how many machines that would otherwise get used sit idle for lack of a fresh ribbon. Good point about the bi-color ribbon, I'm guilty of buying those just because there is a ribbon selector. Always nice to see the Underwood, it is a beautiful machine.

[@VinnyMinchillo]

Well done, thanks for posting this. Very helpful.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

By the way... That LEXMARK printer is the ONLY component left over from my "CTX" PC clone system which WASN'T junked. It's now my "go to" as a photo copier. (It was originally a multi-use machine which could FAX and COPY as well. I'm just glad it still CAN photocopy. I usually send out copies of my handwritten cards and letters which I "penned" by hand in a "SALT&PEPPER" notebook first for "safe" keeping.

[@Fridavalentinastudio]

Thanks for the information 🤗

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

It's so much different than just pulling out and popping in a cartridge of black or colored ink into my "old" LEXMARK computer printer. Yeah... I'm old.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Ha!

[@mscampbell6998]

Hi do you know of any ribbon that is compatible for juki Sierra 3300 . Would be grateful cant find online

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Joe? A quick question if I may? My ROYAL portable typewriter features THREE settings for the ribbon: BLACK, WHITE and RED. Why "WHITE"? I've NEVER used that setting so I'm puzzled what it's doing there? No owners manual so there's nothing I can refer to for an explanation. Any ideas? Mine is an "AUTO REVERSE" mechanism. Has always worked beautifully. (Original ribbon, bi colored, still installed as when purchased in the early 1970's.)

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The white setting is for cutting mimeograph stencils. It keeps the ribbon vibrator from raising up, so the type slugs can directly impact the stencil.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

@@Joe_VanCleave THANK YOU SO MUCH Joe! It REALLY was a mystery until now. I KNEW I had put my question to the right guy. LOVE YOUR ENTIRE TYPEWRITER SERIES! It's a college level course in the mechanics and electro-mechanicsof these great old machines for those of us "uneducated" types.

[@lucasbarletta2986]

A friend that has recently gotten into typewriters is going to buy an Olympia SG3, and I’m not sure what ribbon she should buy because I use a Selectric. I told her that she should buy one from amazon that said Porelon, but then I remembered that I’ve had problems with Porelon ribbons in the past with my Selectric because it was so hard to give it slack that it actually broke the spiked gear that turned the ribbon. Does anyone know if Porelon ribbon is better on manual typewriters and also can it fit an Olympia like hers?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Try the DIN-sized ribbons without the eyelet. These are the ones I like, they're very nicely inked: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AIVB6GM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@erniethecat5621]

Can you do a video on cleaning typewriter ink? I have a Remington Rand model 5 Deluxe that is covered in ink and I just can't get it off.

[@dianemaher3538]

Try a cleaner called LA Awesome. A 50% diluted solution on a cloth should work on that stuff.

[@erniethecat5621]

Diane Maher Thanks.

[@dianemaher3538]

Joe, what fountain pen is that you are using for your pointer?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The Duke Charlie Chaplin commemorative fountain pen. www.amazon.com/2009-Charlie-Chaplin-Commemoration-Fountain/dp/B00J4LTM14

[@mscampbell6998]

Juki sierra 3300 typewriter that is.please help

[@eaqb4894]

Hi, do you have a manual in digital format that explains how to setup the top, bottom , left and right margins for letter, essays or normal typing. Is possible to send it via email mail or upload it ?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I don't have such a manual. Each model/brand has their own way of adjusting left/right margins. Typically, the margin adjustments are behind the platen, you either press down or squeeze the margin adjustment, then slide it left or right. For Hermes 3000 and Royals with the "magic margin" adjustment you press and hold the margin button while moving the carriage with the carriage release lever. There typically isn't a top/bottom margin setting; though some machines have a bottom-of-page indicator system, but it isn't a true margin setting like the left/right settings. You "set" the top margin manually by where you decide to start the first line of text; similarly with the bottom "margin", you decide when to stop.

[@eaqb4894]

Joe Van Cleave Do you have one that explains what margins should be used for writing letter, essays or a thesis?

[@fiddlinround1549]

Look for a vintage touch typing book from the manufacturers, or a school book by Gregg or Duncan.

[@eaqb4894]

fiddlin' 'round Thanks , will do that.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Joe? Do my eyes deceive me or are you using a fountain pen as a "pointer" in this video?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Yes!

[@loveisall5520]

I won't buy any typewriter that takes a special ribbon anymore. That doesn't count my IBM office machines; I'm talking about portables--and those stupid office machines that have spool-less fabric ribbons. Includes Skyriters and Corsairs with those funky little spooled ribbons, too. Too many great typewriters out there that don't demand such inconvenience.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

"...MOON colored..."!!!!???? Good LORD how I HATE the "auto-correct" "A-I" on this phone!!! I'd throw a fast ball against my living room wall with it but bgg unfortunately I DON'T have anything else to use as a replacement phone! Ugh. Modern technology?... PHOOEY and BOOOOO! My typewriters DON'T rewrite my original copy, EVER! jb