What to do when you get a new typewriter (Typewriter 101)

Instagram- / just.my.typewriter
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[@sergiomontes5534]

I originally bought a typewriter for a photoshoot. But this is quickly becoming an addiction!!

[@johntapp7232]

This is all stuff I wish I knew when I first started pokin’ at these critters back in the early eighties when typewriter collecting was essentially unheard of. I was buying typewriters for like $5.00-$25.00 (now they’re in around $100.00 or more so I can’t buy as many). Also, I bought typewriters in batches-When an office cleaned out while switching to computers, I got a lot of identical typewriters at the same time and was able to put together like three out of five. They were usually in pretty good shape and didn’t take too much to knock a few together. Barnyard cases, rusted old antiques-be prepared to raise the dead. Some machines it took just about everything I know about typewriter repair just to get them going. But for me, repairing a set of keys is half the fun. I’ve had this hobby for nigh forty years-started when I was 13, now I’m 53. I could even talk about typewriters forever-as you probably well know if you have been on these online for anytime now. Now I’ll shut up and let you get on with your rat killin’.

[@centurionmcjk4391]

eccentric but funny asf im 16 and just got a royal 440 from a dead relative

[@trueKorvus]

Your top favourites?

[@mariasil8234]

Las mejores son las Royal, en especial la número 10, la cual es muy buscada y coleccionable, lleva hasta cristal bicelado, una locura.

[@DirtydogMech]

Any for sale?

[@AndreaSzabo7171]

😬

[@AlexFarlow-m1w]

Computers tend to lose your stuff even if you back it up but if you have typewriters you can get your thoughts on paper that you made just for you and it’s there for you to read and use

[@martham326]

A very detailed video for people (me) who always wanted one but never knew how to fix one. Thank you!

[@LITTERBOOTS]

I use a brass brush on the slugs. It doesn’t hurt the steel.

[@SMWBraden]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial!

[@KrisGT]

Loved this!

[@doorot10001]

Thank you for the info!

[@teenathomas8562]

I went to the database, but couldn’t find my typewriter. I just got it and am trying to figure it out. It is a Royal Mariner! Do you have any suggestions on where to find information on it? Thank you for having such great videos on these old typewriters! ❤

[@JustMyTypewriter]

You can look more into the royal company and try digging from there! I've also had luck looking at old ads for my specific models

[@tipsybean]

Hi nice videos. Would you recommend any specific quite simple to use typewriter for someone who is an avid writer? Thanks!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Depends on what you want! If you're writing frequently, there's nothing like a desk standard! If you want something a bit easier to use- you could always go electric!

[@tipsybean]

@@JustMyTypewriter oh thanks! Yeah It would be used for journaling as well as short stories, just quite new & would like to find one that’s simple

[@kadencephillips8919]

My top part is moving fine but for some reason none of the keys quite meet all the way too the place the paper goes in… what does this mean and is it fixable?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Would depend on the machine- but it's definitely something that could be fixed! Check and see if you need to clean out the type bar area- if there's anything stopping them from going up all the way. I would also check to see if there's a carriage lock or if the margins are set to the middle- in both cases the keys wouldn't advance the platen. You could unlock the carriage with that carriage lock switch or move the margins to the edge. Another thing I ran into recently on a big desk typewriter is underneath the keyboard where the keys go into the machine, there should be a bar that all the keys go down and hit that advances the carriage. Sometimes, if a a spring is broken or it's not adjusted correctly, it can get stuck and keep all the keys from depressing. Check if there's anything under the key portion of the typewriter that's stopping the little key arms from going down all the way!

[@Himachal_Sage]

Hi I neee little Guidance on my typewriter, as when typing keys, there is no movement.।। Its Stuck

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Could be a few things! Check to see if there is a lock set on it. Look for any levers that might have locked the machine. That would be the easiest fix

[@Himachal_Sage]

@@JustMyTypewriter lOCK? iT IS uNDERWOOD 18, COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE ARE THE LOCKS...HOW CAN I SEND YOU THE VIDEO OR PIC OF IT??

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@Himachal_Sage try hitting all the levers to see if they do anything. If not- feel free to message me on instagram- @just.my.typewriter

[@HotRodTypewriter]

@@Himachal_Sage I just restored an Underwood 18 last week. You should hop on the typewriter discord. Drop a picture and your problem. We can try and work it out.

[@biofall38]

Where did you buy the cyan ribbon

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That's a We R Memory Keepers ribbon. I used to buy them at Michaels, but they're still on the website

[@biofall38]

@@JustMyTypewriter tanks I’ll have to pick some up it’s my friends favorite color so I’d like to type something in that color for him

[@kwacz]

Purposly bought a cheap broken typewriter on ebay for 15 bucks. When i got it it was completely locked up. Nothing moved. I thought oops i just wasted all that money, but... I unsized everything, cleaned and lubricated key areas. I then adjusted everything, and somehow.... It turned out to be the best typewriter i bought to date and also the cheapest.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

glad it worked out for you!

[@AlexFarlow-m1w]

I don’t trust the computer as it has been given us issues and I like the typewriter for many reasons one is if the computer is run by everything that is unsafe to use and with everything else that comes with it people should get rid of computers that what I plan on doing I’ve disliked computers for many reasons when the typewriter doesn’t have any issues with it except for basic maintenance and no issues with electrical equipment to plug in unless you have electric typewriter and I enjoy the typewriter more than the computer especially because of the history of them and they are fun to use

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

You "STARTED in 2018...". Just under FOUR years ago? WOW! You've become very expert in their operation and care in that short time! Also a wonderful ADVOCATE for these grand old "relics" too! Fantastic.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Which is why I can't feel too bad about having ONLY 30 typewriters....

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

@@JustMyTypewriter ABSOLUTELY NOT! GOOD FOR YOU!!! ANY "COLLECTOR" WILL SEEK TO AMASS AS MANY OF WHATEVER THEIR "OBSESSION" IS FIXED UPON. USUALLY? The ONLY limitations are financial and "spousal" objections to the "clutter" they may be creating in the shared living space. (Thus? The inevitable "banishment" out of the house to the garage! LOL).

[@s.porter8646]

Retired military, wanted to write a book, got an OLY, now writing a second novel

[@67comet]

WAIT!? DecaF? Oh my, and I had such high regard for you all being a teacher, enjoying typewriters, and your love of vintage style things.. SIGH.. well, I'll just keep watching and hope you eventually throw that defaF out the nearest window and hug your pets until some good coffee is finished brewing :) .. (seriously, drink what you enjoy, I'm just here to see typewriters, the occasional pet interruption, and remind myself of the pointers you've given out over the years).

[@JustMyTypewriter]

to be fair- it depends on the time of day.... it was night while filming.....I'm so sorry to disappoint

[@67comet]

@@JustMyTypewriter :) .. I'm sure we'll let it slide "this" time .. Just don't tell me you don't let at least one typewriter sit on the counter and never smack a typewriter with a rolled up newspaper, it might hurt its feelings :) ..

[@fraserihle4847]

@@67cometjust stop bro

[@dr.typewriter-venneburgtyp121]

I really like you're insight into the hobby and passion! A very refreshing introduction to machines many couldn't comprehend are still so current and vibrant. More of this!!

[@wolfshedler5898]

brake fluid reconditions all rubber components Yes its a mechnics trick. Do not get it on paited surfaces

[@herothebard]

The typewriter database also has a bunch of typewriter manuals. (Though I have definitely found typewriters without the manual) the manuals will give a rough date of the typewriter and valuable information about it.

[@Qwijebo]

I love my typewriters, if they work. In my locale there's maybe one guy that repairs them. So far I have one or two sitting in their cases. You need to be a technician to repair these things. But I love using them. It's an obsession really.

[@sarahharris7748]

My names sarah to lol except I'm 13 but I just got a typewriter at a craft mall and it's really old but works great it's a smith corona 1957 or 1953

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Congrats on your machine!

[@Saboda53]

Ooh! I just discovered ANOTHER REASON for why the keys may not work… I bought an Olympia SM-3, it arrived and worked perfectly. Then, strangely, after a day or so, the keys mysteriously became almost impossible to depress. They wouldn't type unless you struck them really hard - clearly something was not right. But what? I finally found the problem: the "ribbon reverse levers" - under the cover - were somehow IN-BETWEEN their two positions! (I don't know how that happened.) There are two positions - spooling left, and spooling right - but it's possible to have the levers "in-between," and when that happens, the keys just don't want to depress! An unusual problem, to be sure (as I couldn't find it in a Google search), but that was the cause. And to think I came this close to shipping the machine back for a repair or refund!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That would do it!

[@bletheringfool]

Great video. I have an Olympia AEG Traveller Deluxe S that I was given as a present in the 80s. I have kept it and used it over the years for job applications but haven't used it for a long time. I started back using it to write some scripts (just for fun) even bought carbon paper. We used them in high school and was trained on some models going back to the 60s. This channel of yours is going to be invaluable about looking after and maintaining my old machine. And I hope to maybe add a more work horse machine at some point. I don't have a lot of room.

[@joeyclark4342]

Thank you for this insight. I’m a screenwriter and want to start typing my scripts with a typewriter. You’re very insightful and love the passion. Will watch more of your videos for tips!

[@inranglhood60]

Just bought a SC Silent. The entire keyboard is locked... I think the previous owner oiled it years ago...

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Try cleaning it!

[@tommymcmurray8065]

I found out that my type writer is a Smith-Corona 88 from 1955

[@AndreaSzabo7171]

Excellent. 💘💘💘. 😬 I got two and i not afraid to use them. 🤭

[@FacelessMan-143]

I have typing problem.. When i typing the letter are skipping ex: (t hank, B ank ) Word come like this.. I don't know how to 𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚟𝚎 this.. Njan ഞാൻ കൈ പൊക്കിയാണ് ടൈപ്പ് ചെയുന്നെ.. എനിടും.. ഈ problems ondakunu.. slow ആയി type ചെയ്ത് നോക്കി എന്നിടും ഇ problem.. ഉണ്ട്.. can you suggest any solution to this problems??

[@JustMyTypewriter]

try cleaning out the machine first as dust can cause skipping

[@noone-uy8dh]

Hi, I just found your channel, I bought olivetti lettera 12 , I can't really change the ribbon because it has a catridge, some suggested to put a new ink in it but I d not know how... might you have asolution for this? Thanks in advance.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

@@noone-uy8dh some companies still make cartridges and you can take them apart and use the ribbon inside in your old cartridge. Try swintec!

[@mellow-fellow]

so if I have an SC clipper, mineral spirits for the internals? I was thinking of trying to disassemble but maybe its not necessary because its all gunked up. Otherwise just the T key has to be fixed.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

That's what I would recommend! Try cleaning first

[@saulysw]

Decaf? I'm sorry, I thought I knew you. Apparently not. Wonderful overall summary of things to watch out for- well done.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

When you've had three cups before it, you need to start to slow down

[@annaleeheo386]

Very helpful, thank you very much! Going to buy my first typewriter tomorrow.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Congrats!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Just saw this video...OK...so some how I missed this one a few months ago when it came out. Your terminology was perfect in this video,with so much great information. For all around information...this is one of your finest! Take great pride in this one,well done. Thanks again for this video.

[@thethriftyfawn]

HUGE thumbs up from me Sarah!!! Your best video yet in my opinion! Absolutely delightful, and EXTREMELY informative! The information you covered here has made me feel FAR MORE CONFIDENT with actually moving forward in looking for my first typewriter. Not "knowing what to do" after buying one was actually the number drawback in actually purchasing one. You literally answered ALL of my questions in such a concise and well formatted video that was broken down into relevant sections! I definitely agree with you that for a person who is making their first purchase, to prioritize choosing one that does not require any daunting repairs or restoration to ensure a pleasant first experience. Also agree that after being comfortable with the first one, moving on to choose another that may need repair would be much more manageable once you're familiar with how they work! This video will be an EXCELLENT RESOURCE to come back to for reviewing the components again! Thank you SO MUCH for such an excellent video Sarah!!! 😊❤👍

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I'm so excited for you to get your first typewriter! Be sure to keep me updated on which one you get!

[@thethriftyfawn]

@@JustMyTypewriter Will do! Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm!!! 😃

[@hitbyabus4615]

6:27 and a little bit of sanity to spare…

[@phoenixtypewriter2136]

Another great video, Most Excellent

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Thank you! I use your videos all the time for repairs and questions- it's so awesome to have feedback from you!

[@odinohuaman4320]

The most comprehensive video on typewriters. Two thumbs up!!!

[@MrsRemi]

I love your voice, the way you present yourself (it's so elegant). But most importantly, these tips are applicable and useful AND easy to understand! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Thank YOU!

[@MrsRemi]

@@JustMyTypewriter thank you for encouraging me even more to get my hands on my first typewriter, it is putting my mind to ease that you can clean them so throughoughly!

[@winfried3208]

I am so happy i found this channel! U started getting interested in typewriters about 3 years ago and got my first then, but jt was terrible quality and i also knew nothing of how to take care of it, so i tried cleaning a bunch of dust it had jammed all over its cechanical inside lart with a paint brush and i totally broke it. Now i have another one, way better quality, german and i am in love with it. I've learned to be more careful with my typewriter. Also, tomorrow i will be picking another lovely german typewriter up,which i find absolutely stunning - it is from the 30s, and it has both a cirilic and latin keyboard.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Congrats on your collection!

[@winfried3208]

@@JustMyTypewriter Thank you so much! I just recieved the typewriter i was talking about. It's the ADLER model 32 A. I'm amased by the condition it's in. An amasing piece of history! After i did some digging,i found that the other german one i have is a BERIMEX madame 400. Very interesting

[@radicalracing09]

I'm this vids 1000th like 😊

[@Maxim_The_Tsechick]

Give Me Some Typewriter

[@TPN_2006]

I still have my Sharp PA-4000 that I got for 6 dollars a few years ago at goodwill, worked perfectly and came with everything when I first got it and it still works like a charm

[@tmunk]

Very good overview on the basics - love it! (:

[@AngelDeSantis]

Super helpful! managed to change mine by following along, thank you!

[@nick4855]

I found my first one while working. I do bulky pickups for trash company. It’s a Remington noiseless 7. In great shape, need to recover the case.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

MOTHBALLS (NOT "FLAKES"!!!) work very well at deodorizing any "moldy" smells if locked inside the case, unopened for several days to a week. Then? Well? You've gotta "air out" the case for at least 24 hours to dissipate their fumes too.

[@Ali-Baig]

8:1s mouse bones!!!🫣😖

[@jimattrill8933]

I have a Hermes 3000 french model with all the accents and cecilla. My French father-in-law used it to write stuff for the South African Radio Service for years. I love your accent especially when you say the word 'typewriter'. As a British speaker it sounds very different!

[@carsonthewomapython]

I bought a Royal Caravan typewriter a few days ago and am in love with it I've decided to repaint it teal (cause it's definitely a keeper) Your videos have helped me so much in figuring out how to take it apart and not lose my mind ... thank you so much

[@Nonesuch6588]

So glad I found your channel! I had no idea how to clean my 1956 Smith Corona Sterling. Thanks 👍

[@ranplan]

VERY informative for someone like me that loves old manuals, and plans to fix up a bunch of units that I find for cheap. Thanks!

[@sunjawinter9173]

My grandma gave me my grandpa's typewriter and I'm preparing to test it out and get it working again!

[@Lalmi_gacha]

Hi I got myself electronic typewriter as a gift (someone was selling house and gave it to me), however the problem is the keyboard sync, they are not set up correctly.. give me few examples: Q = 2 A = 5 Z = ' W = ` X = V Etc. And to make it better V = 3/4 Itp. The model I have is: Sharp typewriter PA-3100E

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Hi there- I'm not familiar with this model or issue- I encourage you to post about it on the antique typewriter collector's group on FB!

[@hitbyabus4615]

19:01 i did that on accident with the same exact typewriter, the case was upside down at the antique store

[@charliecale4774]

...mouse bones. ...meow. Your videos are fun and valuable! Thanks!

[@DarkSide_Vinyl]

This was a wealth of knowledge presented in a perfect way. Thank you so much for this video and your channel. I'm a new subscriber.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Welcome!

[@HeyTylerMartin]

Do you do consultations?? I want to zoom with you and ask a question about my typewriter 😂

[@JustMyTypewriter]

I always list my email in the description! If I don't know how to help, maybe we can find someone who can

[@ygstuff4898]

Awesome intro. overview. The cleaning hints were well-described. Loved the purchasing caveats near the beginning.

[@mariasil8234]

Hoy están de moda, ademas escribir en ellas es inspirador❤

[@jenniferking2434]

I'm 8 years old and I just got my first typewriter - a Smith Corona. Thanks for the tips. Rowynn

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Congrats- hope you love your typewriter!

[@tubuliferous]

Outstanding beginner guide! Thanks for putting this out there.

[@tigertalk3690]

Hi, Great video! I was just wondering how long a typewriter ribbon will last?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

It totally depends! They can last in a sealed package for a very very long time. In the open air with lots of use, a few years. It also depends on the brand and manufacturer

[@CaptainClaytonGaming]

Its been fun watching your channel grow.

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Thank you!

[@JoeSmith-xm3wb]

Wow you don't look like 53 yrs old, you look so good and young...nice!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

mentally, I'm 86....

[@VirtuousPraiseworthy]

Excellent!

[@351kostakis]

Fantastic

[@johnlennon1049]

Like the coffee mug with the typewriter on it. Where can I get one of those?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Found mine at TJ maxx- it's Novagratz home design if that helps!

[@johnlennon1049]

@@JustMyTypewriter I'll give it a shot! Thank you and I really do love your videos. You're just down to earth.

[@njm1962]

The carrige moves to the left automatically without touching anything and the space bar does nothing at all.... have any suggestions?

[@HotRodTypewriter]

What typewriter are you working on?

[@njm1962]

@@HotRodTypewriter hi, a foldable corona 3.

[@phoenixtypewriter2136]

Escapement is not engaging, could be stuck or broken

[@njm1962]

@@phoenixtypewriter2136 THANKS

[@earlyspark]

should the paper release lever be open/loose or closed/tight when storing the typewriter?

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Good question! I leave mine closed

[@JustMyTypewriter]

UPDATE: I just saw something on FB about how you should leave the release lever open to avoid causing flat spots in your platen if left for a long period of time...I had no clue!

[@earlyspark]

@@JustMyTypewriter i appreciate you following up! that makes sense, i think. thank you

[@jazminwitherspoon826]

Girl! I threw my original ribbon spools away! This morning I dived in my apartments dumpster and got them back!

[@JustMyTypewriter]

Glad you went and saved them!

[@yogibear2k220]

I can't believe that people are still using typewriters in 2024. Why? And for what purpose? The last typewriter I used was about 45 years ago. It was a Smith Corona Super "g" and it was terrible. The keys stuck all the time, the ribbon refused to move sometime, the case was cracked and the paper roller sometimes didn't move the paper. In fact the only thing that worked properly was the bell. I then went over to a printer (9 pin dot matrix,) and have never looked back since. I could'n do without my colour printer now. I love it.