Typewriter Repair Failure

#typewriter #typewriterrepair #olivetti
In Episode 433 Joe ponders what happens when his attempt at repairing a much-loved typewriter goes awry.
Some typewriter repair resources:
Duane Jensen's Phoenix Typewriter Channel: / @phoenixtypewriter2136
Ted Munk's Typewriter Repair Bibles and Serial Number Database: munk.org/typec...
Richard Polt's Typewriter Manual Library: site.xavier.ed...

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

You evidently researched and learned the details of that mechanism, and it is an impressive one! I cannot help myself but try to jump in and find a solution for the carriage return issue, admittedly even if you are happy with the solution you devised, with the simple fix suggested by your wife ❤ If you ever feel like going at it again, I wonder if it would be possible to use a cycling/timing tool, like the one used on the Selectrics, that allows the observation of a cycle by turning the main shaft slowly and in small steps. Does the service manual mention the use of such a tool? My thinking is that the tool might help see in slow motion the carriage return mechanism doing its cycle, identify why it doesn't latch off, as you have said in the video. Another thought: what if the rubber put on the clutch is too grippy and the design requires some slippage of the clutch at the end of the CR cycle to complete the latching off? I hear the grinding of a safety clutch as if the mechanism was locking up. I might not have that right though... In any case, this is an excellent repair video! Thanks for sharing it.❤ Daniel

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I’ve hand cycled it by turning the secondary pulley but as of yet haven’t isolated the problem. As of right now the machine is back together and working with the manual return, at some future date I may revisit it.

[@otterchen]

Working with typewriters is creativity, be creative to find them, be creative to clean them, be creative to bring them to function, be creative to repair them, be creative to write on them. I think, often machines are butcherd by overconfidence, bit even then there is the learningprocess in the margins we work in repairing and getting better and saving more of these marvels for writing. Success and failure are good teachers.

[@someonespadre]

In one of his war correspondent articles Ernie Pyle wrote his typewriter broke such that the return lever no longer worked so he returned the carriage by pulling and twisting the same way. I think he was in Anzio.

[@dianemaher3538]

Thanks for another interesting video Joe! 😎 It's always so great how well you are able to explain these things.

[@scuderianorreno]

Nice video Joe! That clutch engagement did look a bit violent though. You can adjust the engagement by using softer springs (the two holding the clutch spring plate). I have overhauled a few electric Olivettis and I quite like the way they work, though I know a lot of people seem to dislike them.

[@ronkelsey1983]

This machine is on my bucket list since i saw one in Albuquerque two years ago. You do a great service by telling us what to watch out for.

[@paulopirescoelho4973]

Very good! I have one of these and it works perfectly. The only problem is that the carriage returns very slowly and I need to help with my hand, but when it reaches the left margin, it engages normally... now I know this machine much better. Thanks ! For me, as an architect, this is the most beautiful typewriter ever designed... Frank Lloyd Wright would have loved it...

[@brettmanuel3440]

I love the look of that Olivetti praxis! You’ve inspired me to look out for one.

[@michaelbrown5044]

Thanks, Joe. Another great tutorial.

[@JB-uv4hm]

You need a Brother JP-2.

[@douglasjackson9058]

Lots going on there!

[@tmunk]

Must be an Italian design :D

[@JB-uv4hm]

I good vid on why not to get a P48.

[@douglasjackson9058]

When knowledge is gained....is it really a failure?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I think not, thank you!

[@saulysw]

Often using an old machine involves some form of of compromise. Where that line in the sand is for “unusable” differs for each person. For me, the return is such an important function I would not accept it not working. The section on “knowing your limits” resonated with me deeply though. I am also on the more cautious end, starting out with just changing a ribbon. I have a computer keyboard that needed repairs that took me 11 years to get the right knowledge and resources to fix! That is a bit extreme, but a “do no harm” approach leaves you options in the future. Your block of wood can easily be removed, which is a good thing. I did see briefly in the tour of the linkage a small hole that might have been where a spring attached? When I get to a PC I’ll give you a timestamp for it. Also, I’m assuming you have lubricated lightly all of those links? Regards.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Yes, I’ve gone through several rounds of degreasing and lubrication with both light oil and light grease like Lubriplate. The original grease looked like a yellowish light grease. I’ll continue to study the service manual and perhaps try tackling it again. In the meanwhile it types nicely!

[@saulysw]

@@Joe_VanCleave 15:50 is where I see a hole in the metal that might have a lost spring? Not the grease covered bit, further up. I'm not sure where the other end would go - maybe even the hole in the grease covered bit, haha? This is totally a guess and may well be completely wrong.

[@ianrobbins]

AT 9 :15 looks like there is a spring missing.

[@joãoAlberto-k9x]

O.K.