TypewriterMinutes - Typewriter Review: 1978 Brother Charger 11

[@typewritertown]

TM Crew, I really appreciate the documentation of your 1960s and 1970s typewriters. In some cases this is the only comprehensive review available. As usual humorous, detailed, and full of great advice for novice collectors and repairpersons. As for this Brother, I may keep my eye out for one. It is a compact ultraportable with a great case (I love the cover - bottom of typewriter combo). Good job!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks, David! We’re still having fun doing these. Hopefully we won’t run out of ideas or typewriters soon. Hope you and SB are doing well!

[@w4r7]

Very informative. Just ran into one today and can't wait to install the ribbons. Subbed!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Excellent!

[@cmedicinehorse]

These are great little Typers. I have 3 of these. 2 are still sealed In the boxes. Every now and then I give typewriters away to somebody who wants one. I have kind of been hanging on to these ones lol..Colin

[@TypewriterMinutes]

New old stock? Sweet!

[@marconey998]

Would you sell one?

[@anitarafidi5605]

Can you tell me how to re-pack mine into its carrying case how do I lock down the return lever

[@notmychelle]

The Honda civic of typewriters

[@lilibethortega5084]

I just got one at the goodwill for $6 i love it

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Congrats! And sorry for the tardy reply as I have been off KZbin for a while

[@LauraRobertsButtontapper]

Lots of great information in this video, thanks so much for reviewing this machine. :D

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks! They are great little typewriters.

[@Mazurka1001]

... just got one of these, thank you for the detailed review. little concerned as to now finding the ribbon and, hopefully, simple enough to install... so excited about having a typewriter again🕺🏻🙏🏼

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you!

[@jellybeanjilly6873]

This is such a great resource! New sub earned!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks!

[@ka-powUSA]

I just got a mustard yellow one of these today for $10. Everything works, but it definitely needs a thorough cleaning.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Congrats! It should clean up nicely.

[@kiraatk5980]

I found this one at the thrift store for $40!

[@windex7]

Great review. What’s the value of these typewriters these days? I found an old one in our basement.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

That’s hard to answer. Condition is everything. One that has not been cleaned and repaired can go for as low as $30 (or less). Cleaned and serviced, $150-$300. It is a wide range.

[@miketaylor7678]

Thank you. Where do you find parts for the vintage typewriters?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Some I get from parts machines. Some I get by asking around online (antique typewriter maintenance page is a good example). Sometimes I just have to improvise by making a part or finding a suitable replacement. For example, I’ve found some good Brother JP1 replacement feet at the hardware store-little rubber furniture feet.

[@tpaynemm]

I am a little brother. I am NOT annoying ;). Great job. Now leave my Lego alone :)

[@TypewriterMinutes]

If only we had a Lego for every Lego fight I’ve seen and heard in this house, we could build a life-size castle.

[@hammill444]

Great video. But I'm curious --- how would you say this Charger 11 compares to the Webster xl500? Do you have a preference and why?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I prefer the XL-500 because it has a pop-up paper support, a touch regulator, and a preset tab function. But they’re both good machines.

[@hammill444]

@@TypewriterMinutes thanks for the response. Based on this video, I just bought an xl-500 this very afternoon to be delivered next week. I'm looking forward to it.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Excellent! Hopefully it’s in good shape.

[@hammill444]

@@TypewriterMinutes yes, it appears to be in excellent shape-- all adjusted oiled and cleaned. I hope it performs as well as your machine

[@chrisc5225]

What do you use to clean the platen roller? I need to clean Charger 11 Correction the white ribbon has stained it.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I remove the platen and use a cotton rag and Soft Scrub. Put some on, then twist and scrub. Repeat with clean cloth and keep doing it until clean.

[@jermaineslaughter2641]

I am thinking about buying one but what brand of paper is good to type on ? And how maintain and care for a type writer?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I just use plain cheap copy paper. The best way to maintain the machine is just to use it.

[@w4r7]

Question @typewriterminutes The caps lock is stuck and won't move when initiated. Is there a lock or switch that prevents this from happening? I'm currently experiencing this as I just installed the ribbon for my Charger 11. Any help is greatly appreciated :-)

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delayed reply as I have not checked messages here for a while. Did you get this figured out? If the caps lock gets stuck in the down position, then there might be a missing spring. I just repaired a brother with that issue and I had to install a new spring, without which the caps lock does not come off when you push shift.

[@crycket]

What do you use to replace the rubber grommets? I just picked up a Brother Charger 11 and the rubber was brittle...

[@kri453]

Very nicely detailed video. Thank you both for taking the time to post it. I have a Brother Deluxe 100. The ribbon color adjustment on yours and mine has three colors. Did they make a ribbon with three colors? (If so, I cannot find one anywhere...) Where do you get your ribbon for your typewriter? Right now, I have a Smith Corona ribbon in mine, and everytime I hit the shift key it jumps out of place. I think it's time for me to get something more legit.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

The middle or “white” selection is stencil mode, which means it just types blanks. Smith Coronas and Brothers both use 1/2 inch ribbon on standard 2 inch spools. Perhaps the ribbon is not threaded correctly? Brothers have a tendency to make the ribbon jump a bit, especially on the red setting, but it’s usually manageable.

[@alexandrakulik9827]

Hi, great video! I have a question... at the end of a line, your typewriter seems to automatically allow space for the next line to begin. Mine is not doing that (so when I move it back over, it continues to type on the same line that I just finished). Is there a way to resolve that problem? I hope I worded that in a way that makes sense

[@anitarafidi5605]

I wonder if you can tell me how to repack it into its carrying case what do I do with the return lever

[@t.tv_VRKA]

I have a problem with the Q and % keys. The type heads are lower than the rest of the key and as a result when I type, the letters only show the bottom or top of the letter. Any idea how to fix it? I can provide pictures if you could help me out! (Brother Deluxe 220)

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delayed reply but I have been off KZbin for a while. It could be the type slugs need to be formed or bent a little bit but it is a risky proposition. Did you fix it yet?

[@solkels_z4794]

I saw a Brother Charger 11 with a "correction" on the right, what does that means?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

They sold that model with a ribbon that was half black and half white correction ribbon (rather than red). So if you made a mistake, you could backspace, choose the correction setting, and type the same mistaken character again to “erase” your mistake. Over the years the white correction tape dries out and crumbles and flakes down into the machine, making a mess. :)

[@Isicil]

@@TypewriterMinutes Just got a Brother Charger 11 with a 'Correction' at my local antique store- can confirm that the white ribbon has left an absolute mess inside!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

@@Isicil yes that’s fun to clean up. Not.

[@c0nstantin86]

Deluxe 220 next? Thx!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I don’t think we have one of those but maybe someday.

[@c0nstantin86]

@@TypewriterMinutes oh boy oh joy!!! ❤❤❤ Cuz' I bought one of them and sometimes the roll doesn't pull.. maybe i'm doing something wrong...

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Unfortunately I don’t think I can help without seeing it. Join the Facebook antique typewriter maintenance group. A great group helps answer questions on maintenance issues.

[@c0nstantin86]

@@TypewriterMinutes it's allright. I fixed it! There was this blade that was suppose to rest on a sproket preventing it to roll back after the key was pressed and I bent it towards it and not it's fixed! My first typewriter!!! I will never forget! God bless you and your family for sharing lost knowledge! 🤗

[@clintondaly9232]

Just found a whole bunch of really old typewriters some just like this one and some that are antique. I'm looking buyers message me for pictures if you want I just need to sell em. My grandfather passed and had a small collection

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Hi there. Sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. Where do you live?

[@anthrosapien3784]

I have been having a problem with my typewriter I got it yesterday, and the carriage is stuck. I can easily move the carriage to the right, but I can't move it back to the left without smacking it. So when I type the keys work, but the carriage doesn't move to the left. Please help me, this is my first ever typewriter, and I kid you not, I have spent litteraly hours trying to fix it. Can you please help me by replying to my comment? Please and thank you...

[@TypewriterMinutes]

This is difficult to diagnose remotely without getting my hands on it. When you say you have to smack it, do you mean it is jammed? Or it just doesn’t move when you type? Is the draw string broken?

[@anthrosapien3784]

@@TypewriterMinutes I think its jammed, and yes it doesn't move when I type, like at all

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I recommend joining the Facebook antique typewriter maintenance page. Easy to post questions and pictures there for folks to help diagnose the problem.

[@anthrosapien3784]

@@TypewriterMinutes I dont have facebook unfortunately, is there any way I could possibly send it to you? I will pay $$$

[@TypewriterMinutes]

@@anthrosapien3784 Unfortunately because of time constraints I have not taken on trying to fix other people’s machines. But if you tell me where you are, I can try to look up and see if there are any Typewriter Repair shops near you.

[@roxannep.4283]

Hi! thanks for the great video! :) Newbie here. ;) I have also a Brother Charger 11. But it is cream color and the Brother logo is blue (with cream casing). I have been looking everywhere for a similar one like mine... (on the web), they seem to be all blue... ?!? My serial number is G23387386. I have a couple of keys (like the space bar that does not work), working on this. I have looked in typewriter database etc etc etc... and I cannot seem to find the year it was made...except maybe July 72? :/ I can't find one similar to mine because nobody liked the cream colored one? hahah

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks! At one point we had a cream colored Charger 11. It was beautiful.

[@dawn0587]

How much would this typewriter sell for?

[@dawnellafyfe365]

ME AGAIN. I THINK THIS GENERATION WOULD LOVE YOUR TYPEWRITERS. YOU WOULD SELL A LOT OF THEM.. IT WOULD BE NEW TO THEM.. QUICKER AND EASYER THEN BUYING LOTS OF GOOY INK. PLEASE SIR!!!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I think the younger generation is interested in analog things like typewriters, which are becoming more popular.

[@dawnellafyfe365]

PLEASE BROTHER TYPEWRITER PEOPLE START MAKING TYPEWRITERS AGAIN. YOU DON`T HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE MESS AND ALL THE MONEY TO ADD TO COMPUTERS. I HAD THE LITTLE BLUE ONE ONCE TO DO MY BIBLE STUDYS. I WISH YOU WOULD. I`LL FIND ONE . LOVE THEM THANK YOU ANYWAY!!!

[@SapphireEngineering]

Can anyone tell how to release the carriage lock button in a brother 220 . It's sort of jammed and hence the carriage keys are not working . Also only going halfway.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I don’t have a brother 220, but it looks like a brother JP1. The carriage lock on a JP1 is on the right side and it toggles into a lock position where it prevents the carriage from moving. I’m not sure how else to diagnose it without seeing it first hand. Did you have any luck?

[@SapphireEngineering]

@@TypewriterMinutes I tried it multiple times to release the carriage lock . But it is jammed at its place , almost touching the screw and nut of the slide rack which might be refraining it from releasing. Is there any email on which I can post a image or small video.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I’m not sure if I can help but my email is typewriterminutes at gmail dot com I’ll check for messages tomorrow.