A Dummies guide to the IBM Selectric
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2015
- As I attempted to fix a broken IBM Selectric 3 (from 1976) that I purchased at a thrift store for 20$, I realized that there is a lot of documentation online but not a lot of videos. This is my attempt at remedying that problem.
I ended up learning a lot about how these typewriters work and thought I would share what I learned.
This is not a perfect guide and I am sure I made some errors but it should get you started.
Links:
engineerguy : • IBM Selectric Typewrit...
Yahoo group: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/g... 
Хобби
I serviced Selectrics for 25 years. When they were sticking I removed all casings, ribbons, correction tapes etc and cleaned them with air pressurized varsol, then sprayed them with typewriter oil. The varsol washed all the old oil and grease out. Then greased cams, cam followers, cycle clutch, degreased rubber drive belt, checked adjustments. Looked and worked like new. Secretary's loved me
I bought a black IBM Selectric III from the IBM showroom in Manhattan. It was about $700 or so but it was worth every penny. I had used other earlier Selectrics and that's why I bought my own. It was a fine machine. It had a wonderful keyboard and I could type well over a 100 WPM on it. I also bought three extra balls for it with different typefaces. I got plenty of use out of it until I sold it and bought my first Macintosh with MS Word. IBM Selectric typewriters can't be beat. They're just so smooth to use. This video really brings back good memories.
Beautiful engineering... good old days when finance guys weren't there to ask engineers to cut corners round...
Actually beautiful engineering... actual good old days when actual finance guys actually weren't actually there to actually ask actual engineers to actually cut actual corners actually round. (fixed it for you)
IBM was one of the most aggressive and unethical companies of the 20th century. You should read "Big Blue" by Richard T. Delamarter. They may not have cut corners round, but they did many much worse things.
You are an absolute godsend, I just bought an older 1961 ibm typewriter and have no idea how typewriters even work, (I work more with custom keyboards) luckily I knew that I found a gem when I saw it, I paid a whole 12 dollars for it. Thing is that it’s filthy, lots of keys are sticking, and it’s covered in dust from the inside out. So this video showing a little bit about what I have is super helpful even if it is a newer model, thank you.
I'm a new adept in the art of Selectric repair, got model III correcting recently. Thanks a lot for the explanations,
I unscrewed the hex grub screws on the platen shaft before taking the typewriter's case off because Ididn't know about the platen latches until I saw Fran take the machine apart for repair.
I just picked one up on the flea market, got it working in a day by just lubing the stuck parts. It was kind of a sensation to me and my friends, we had never seen anything like this device before. We were fascinated by the movement of the "ball"! Sadly after a few hours of typing the steel band that rotates the ball broke, causing huge sadness for everyone. I am now looking for a replacement band, I really want to see it live again. Wish me luck :(
Literally the same thing happened to me a couple months ago...
Those things are a mechanical marvel.
I was just watching an old Columbo episode that made me curious about them.
Great video from the viewer's perspective, giving a general overview of the operation, disassembly, and common service tips. Thanks. I wish a few of the parts I wanted to see weren't out of focus or blocked by your arm.
I used the selectric in high school and college. Toward the end of my college, we had the computer lab with word processors. The paper template over the keyboard for Word Perfect looked like an instruction card in a jet airliner. Alt, Cap, & lots of tiny print to tell you how each function works. 1989? I think. I did use a manual portable before this. My fingers had muscle bulges!
OMG…You’re a genius. I have one of those nut don’t have the confidence to work on it. I bough mine brand new back in the early 80’s.
Thanks so much. Perfect for my level with some mechanical experience in advance, learned to type on one of these and knew a few switches, but not ever had the cover off. My used Selectric II isn't gummed up and issue were the two blocking plastic pieces with the patent sticker and jewelry warning sticker have warped a bit and interfering with the carriage movement in two spots. Removed them for now and thinking how I might unwarp the plastic.....
A local Thrift Store has a black IBM SELECTRIC III on its shelves for $35.00. It has been tempting me for a few days now.....
I really want one! I pulled a mint condition Smith Corona PWP-4500 PLUS word processor off the side of the road! MINT CONDITION! I love doing my work on it. These seem too cool!
This provides a wealth of information for someone repairing one of these little engineering beauties.
Actually, it actually doesn't.
@@User0000000000000004 well, they'll be a lot wiser after watching, as opposed to not watching at all.
Very informative, great vid. Thanks for posting it.
+ultimate typewritingmachine Thanks. I don't have many views but i just to share what i learned.
@@pacmanpaquette Thanks actually. I actually don't have many actual views but I actually just to actually share what I actually learned. (maybe you should actually cut out the actuallys and you'll actually get more actual views)
Small correction: you said that the set screws for the platen are allen screws. They're not, they're Bristol screws, and almost all of the set screws in the Selectric are Bristol screws. Using an allen key on them will eventually strip them out. Bristol is a little more like torx, and I've had luck using torx bits on them without doing damage, but only did that because I too didn't know that they used a completely different type of bit.
Fantastic Video!
Thanks for the post; it doesn't matter that you don't have that many views, as long as your content is great and each viewer appreciates it!
You happen to be Quebecois?
Any idea how the bell mechanism for a Royaluxe 450 looks like? I have a missing part of it and I canțt fiture out how to make a replacement, since I don't know how it looks like.
Many thanks for a very interesting video. I used to work on the IBM 2740 and 2741, which had almost identical mechanics, but with added electronics to make them data transmitting machines as well as typing. That was long before I even retired. Now in my spare time I play with other things and I often need the small that was standard issue un the IBM toolbox. Can you please advise me where to find one. Thanks again.
Amazing stuff
The aluminum part under the platen does not need to be removed to remove the upper half of the case.
The most common part failure is the return spring that that has a plastic piece that breaks. It's the double spring contraption on the far right with the pulley with the string around it.
There's a special cycle tool needed to replace the rotate tape that threads into the operational shaft that the cam is on.
ruclips.net/video/ojWvWvbrLWg/видео.html
If you are planning on an 'instructional' video, "teaching" then please do the hard yards. Download the IBM service manuals and learn the proper names of the components and the theory behind them.
groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/golfballtypewritershop/files
thanks for the invite. have you contributed before to this genre? I created this because of the lack of proper videos.
would break cleaner be an appropriate agent to clean the mechanism?
Does anyone know where he got the diagrams that he showed in the video? I’m trying to repair one of these and I am looking for some kind of repair manual.
What kind of lubricant do you use for these? I've seen gun oil for manuals, idk if these need something different. I have a 1 right now and a II on it's way, and both need work, but the 1 is typing, the typeball just isn't twisting to hit with different characters and the carriage, (is that what it's called with these? ) The mechanism with the ball and ribbon that's supposed to move, is stationary as well.
I was hoping they'd have a carriage lock type thing like the old manuals, that was always an easy fix, not gonna be so easy here. haha. Gonna take apart and clean everything up, start there. This video has been super helpful.
If you want a Selectric get a refurbished one from a trusted former IBM tech.
Watching this ... as well as another similar video but limited to showing the operations of the golf ball, I'm curious as to how these machines are actually manufactured (or put together, more accurately). I find it hard to think/believe that people put together the thousands of these completed machines by hand ... is that how they were taken from individual parts and melded into a finished typewriter. If that's the case, I'm amazed.
On another hand though ... watching this being broken down makes me wonder how building this machine from the individual parts is accomplished by machines that construct the final products. I kind of feel like I should be more blown away by the assembly process itself, and not so much (so to speak) by the finished product.
Is there anyone here that can talk about that a bit?
Locking pawl = Escapement or Dog Escapement engages into the "Rack" get your terms right. I've replaced a thousand rotate tapes over the past 40 years. Tilt tapes don't break as often. The reason your carrier wouldn't stay to the left is because the switch pitch lever was between the 10 pitch and the 12 pitch setting, make sure the lever is either all the way back or all the way forward, easy fix, see it all the time.
Your comment is pretentious, abrasive and self-defeating. When you present information in this manner, it is rarely well received. 40 Years of study in any field should undoubtedly put you in a position in which, should you choose to do so, you could genuinely benefit and bolster the rapidly diminishing vintage typewriter community instead of the self-serving regurgitation of unsubstantiated facts, loosely held up by a vein framework of cries for attention. Do you have an instructional video, made with an honest effort to help laypeople with a understandable introductory course into a very specialized field? No? Then shut the fuck up, sit down and watch the video that we all came here to see. It's only 17 minutes long and then you can get back to what I'm sure is a sad existence filled with far more typewriters than meaningful person-to-person relationships.
Hey Guys I could use your help. I own a Selectric III 670X. The carriage doesn't move to the right when I press space bar or type a letter. However it does tab, backspace and return fine. Any idea what is wrong and where I should be looking to solve this issue ? Thanks in advance !
could anyone help me troubleshoot my selectric III hyperfast repeating key issue? Do I have a serious problem or is it something simple that I am missing?
Hi, i strongly suggest you visit the Yahoo group below. They are extremely helpful: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/golfballtypewritershop/info
I am looking for Selectric III balls. Where is a good place to look? (Selectric II balls do not fit a Selectric III.)
This is a great video, thank you. No one seems to talk about what products they use to clean and oil the typewriter. I don’t know what kind of grease and oil to buy. Also, how do you get the gummed up oil out of the tiny spaces? Thanks, again for a great video.
Good question. I use mineral spirit or varsol to clean the oil and use 5w30 synthetic oil to lubricate parts. A little oil goes a long way.
@@pacmanpaquette THANKS!
What type of oil do you use to lubricate the moving parts? Thank you!
I have used sewing machine oil on my typewriters because it is specifically designed to not gunk up or leave any residue. I have heard that some people use valve oil (the kind used for brass instruments such as trumpets), but in my experience that might gunk up over time if exposed to any type of particulate.
I'll be getting one in short order. Since this thing does plug into a wall socket, I'd like to know if there are there any exposed electrical contacts involving non-transformed power on the Selectric?
Hi, thanks for the comment. It is a great machine if only to play and learn on. To answer your question, the power from the wall goes to the power switch then into the motor on the back of the machine. The wires are insulated so there is little danger. Thats it, the only thing powering the machine is a spinning motor.
Thanks! I bought my Selectric 1 from a retired secretary recently, and as you said, it was very gummed up. The back label said it was last serviced in 1971, and I was surprised that it even turned on and typed a few characters before some problems became evident. Ultimately, I had it taken away by a servicing company, since I couldn't do much about it. Recently, they phoned me saying that it probably was serviced regularly during the '80s, but the company that did it simply failed to fill out the label underneath. It's a truly neat machine and a mechanical wonder.
Awesome video man, I have a selectric 3 too, having an issue. The space bar and letter keys do not increment the carriage. The tab, backspace and return keys do move the carriage as designed however. Any ideas ?
Hi, thanks! You want to look at the clutch springs as described in my video at around 7:10. I think the left one is for carriage return, enter key ETC. The right one is for the letters. Check that there is a tension spring and that the clutch spring is there, free of lubricant etc. If its oily, you can use some mineral spirits or other de-greasers. I would check both clutches to be safe. Also lift it up and check all the pivot points to make sure its clean and lubed.
Hey mate! I finally got around to ungreasing the springs at first it did nothing but after 15mins everything seems to be working as intended. Thanks so much for pin pointed the problem. I never thought that a typewriter could be so complex, Ive just downloaded a whole 10 part slide series on the IBMs and will have to sink my teeth in shortly. Anyway thanks again !
Great video - I've wondered how that mechanism works for decades.
Oh, and actually, you actually need to use the word "actually" a lot less actually. :-)
LOL..... I actually lost count of the use of the word “actually“ at 35 times.
i know i was like oh so it actually does that cool.
Just a trivial detail, it won't be from 1976, IBM did not release the Selectric III until 1980. You can fairly closely date your unit from the Serial number, and it might also have the installation/service history on the label underneath. Check out the "golfballtypewritershop" groups on Yahoo & Facebook, Good effort on the video, cheers.
What is it if the space bar moves the carriage like three spaces when you hit the space bar? Thank you
There are 2 clutches, if they are dirty or oily, it will stick. I don’t remember which is which but one is for space, the other is for return. Clean those.
Hello Adnre,
i hope you are reading my comment.
I got one IBM Selectric lll a few days ago.
But somehow I broke my metaltape, that turns the golfball.
So I basically I have the same problem as you had, but I have no Idea, where I can get an new tape and how to put it in.... Can you please help me?
Hi Badulai, You can purchase rotate or tilt tapes mostly on ebay these days. You will need to make sure you get the correct one in the correct length depending of the carriage width of your Selectric. Usually, Selectric 2's are 15in. Hope this helps.
@@pacmanpaquette that definitely helps. In Germany I can not find those, but maybe I am lucky and I can get a not working mashine with that tape
Thanks!
I am about to attempt to salvage a couple of Selectrics and your videos is one of those I have watched numerous times in preparation. It looks to me like you have access to an IBM Service Manual. Might I ask where you got it? is it available on-line?
Yes, it is available here. There are also lots of other manuals and other good information: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/golfballtypewritershop/info
Hey Andre, thanks. I joined that forum a couple of days ago, where would I find downloadable manuals on the site?
I’m having trouble actually unclipping the cover.
ruclips.net/video/b2tjEIFeLBk/видео.html
Can it be converted into a fully manual typewriter without the need for an electric motor? That is, to work without electricity, but while maintaining the same mechanism.
Yes and no. The mechanism won’t work without the main shaft turning. There is a way to manually turn the shaft but you need to have the mechanism pulled out of the case for that to work. See my other video about how to hand cycle.
@@pacmanpaquette For example: the electric motor can be replaced by a spring motor that works by storing the potential energy in the spring and then releasing it in the form of a movement. Strong, precise and airtight, so we don't need electricity We'll take the machine with us wherever we go! What's your opinion?
It's call the Carrier Asm, not carriage. Carriages are on typebar machines.
The proper name of the "type ball" is the Element.
Fui técnico dess e modelo de maquina aqui em São Paulo Brasil nos anos 80/90... saudade.. gostava muito de fazer reparos nelas.. abraço
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s Ivančićem kod Mimice.
actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually actually
My wife’s type writer won’t return
These machines are such pieces of garbage, especially the ink ribbons. I just recently purchased an IBM Selectric II, and it's *such* a frustrating experience getting the ink ribbon to sit still without jumping out of line. Stick to a regular electric typewriter, like a Smith-Corona Coronet or Super 12 (and the like).