The Typewriter
QWERTY Page 2
Keybar Special Effects Page 5
Common Typewriter Issues Page 6
Pg.1
QWERTY Ever wonder how the keys on the keyboard got the shape they did? Well you now have none or
at
Pg.2
a key was struck, a colliding with each other and In 1874 Remington & Sons bar. When swing the bar into jamming. So the story goes that manufactured the first commercial linkage would with the typewriter, called the Remington Number 1. This typewriter was designed by Christopher Sholes and used the “QWERTY” keyboard we are all familiar with. This early typewriter used a mechanism with characters on the end of a
a tape coated with ink. When the character struck the tape, the impression of the character was transferred onto the paper, which was positioned behind the tape. Shole s’ original prototypes had a problem with the bars
Pg.3
he arranged the keys most common letters in hard to reach spots, to slow typists down and try to avoid this problem.
xx Pf Pg.4
Typebar Special Effects TYPING BETWEEN THE LINES: Most machines have a way to release the carriage from the mechanical line spacing between lines. This may achieved by a lever, by pulling out the platen knob, or sometimes by pulling a skewer on the platen knob. Use this technique to move between the lines or create free form type.
RELEASING THE CARRIAGE: Many Type Bar letter artists like to release the carriage from the machine spacing between characters. Use the carriage release lever to do so. This allows you to type wherever you wish along the line.
Pg.5
& PRESSURE TECHNIQUES OVERTYPING: to pressure. Typewriters respond and type You can also go back “bold� it. over existing text to e this for Type Bar artists us unique effects.
Common Typewriter Issues
Pg.5X 6
Problem: Paper won’t feed into the typewriter. Causes: Paper release is engaged. Flat spots on feed rollers. Platen/feed rollers hard and unable to grip paper. Platen slipping has become separated from the inner core. Solutions:
Problem: Carriage doesn’t move when typing. Causes: Carriage lock engaged. Margins set to center. Drawstring/drawband or mainspring broken. Escapement damaged/frozen/ out of adjustment. Solutions:
Check that the paper release is not engaged. The paper release is a lever (usually found on the right end of the carriage) that releases the pressure of the feed rollers from the platen. This is so you can straighten paper before typing since it often times gets loaded slightly askew. Flat spots require replacement or recovering of the feed rollers. The platen also may need to be replaced if it is hard to the point of being brittle/chipped. Medium-hard platens were the standard platen sold on typewriters. A soft platen didn’t allow a hard enough surface for carbon copies or stenciling. Soft platens are mainly found on machines purchased for personal use only. If the platen is cosmetically good, it may only need to be cleaned and reconditioned. If it’s chipped, cracked or slipping, it will need to be replaced prior to use. You should also always use two sheets of 24 lb paper when typing. This will provide the best copy and protect the type face and platen from damage.
The carriage lock may be hard to locate or be of a design that is nearly impossible to figure out on your own. Refer to your owner’s manual if you have one. Underwood portables have a simple carriage catch on the left side right below the carriage. Move the carriage to the right a few inches to disengage. Remington portables have two systems. Early portables require the sliding out of the platen shaft/knob on the right end of the carriage. The lock lever is located on the left end of the carriage and is spooned against the left side carriage release lever. Newer Remington’s (Model 5/Streamliner/ Deluxe) have a small lever on the left end of the carriage located in the same spot as the earlier models. There is a little ball on top of the lever. Push the lever to the rear to disengage the lock. I always mark the release lever with green tape prior to shipping.
Pg.7
Problem: Keys stick or jam. Causes: Segment is dirty. Segment type bar wire is rusted. Type guide is misaligned. Type bars bent. Typing too fast. Solutions: If only a few keys are sticking, then it’s likely the type bars have been bent. Slowly press the key and look at the center point as the type bar rises. The forked chrome piece in the middle (right in front of the ribbon) is the type bar guide. It helps align the type bar during the last second before striking. If one key is sticking, it is likely hitting one side of the guide. See which side it’s hitting and VERY gently push/bend the type bar in the opposite direction. Type bars are easy to bend and you might break one off if you apply too much pressure. Once you get the bar back in proper position, it will no longer stick.
Problem: Ribbon is not printing. Causes: Ribbon is old and dry. Ribbon vibrator set to white. Ribbon spool isn’t rotating while typing. Type bar/face angle or segment misaligned. Solutions: Replace the ribbon with a new one. Avoid large retail store ribbons. Sometimes they have been on the shelf for years. You should also avoid Ko-Rec-Type brand ribbons. They went out of business December of 2008 and I bought all of their inventory. Anyone selling Ko-Rec-Type today is selling really old product. New ribbon should not cost more than $9 per ribbon including shipping to Lower 48 US addresses. Many sellers charge $12 - $17 per ribbon including shipping. They will also list ribbons for $2.99 but charge $6 or $7 for shipping. I sell 2 ribbons for $18.95 or 6 ribbons for $40.95. Those prices include free USPS Priority shipping to Lower 48 US addresses.
Pg.8
Next Issue: Featuring Barbara Blackburn, world’s fastest typist January 3rd 2017