Be careful that you don't blast springs off with a strong air gun. Also, when tipping a machine over, don't put too much pressure on the return lever, which might bend - towels, rags or other padding may help.
Thank you. I cleaned a Brother from 1987 that was full of junk. Those screws on the bottle are a very odd small size of philips. Mark at Vale said I fid a good job with the cans of air and Q tips to the slugs. Bought a Rand from Vale before he closed. Turned it upside down to remove a hairpin that I dropped in the basket. Out fell a zipper pull shaped thing. Mark took another look at it (in the shell of his old shop) and laughed. It was a zipper pull. From inside a cleaned and serviced machine. Someone somewhere must have "lost their pants" on this thing.
Thanks! This is just what I need. A couple of months ago I bought a Royal Model H. At first, I thought it was a Model 10, but it has a full square front that somewhat hides the basket and there are covers over the ribbon spools. It also has the black glass side panels and decimal tabs. These are all features I prefer over the Model 10. The typewriter ALMOST works. The type bars get right up to the paper and sometimes even strike it, but they don't fall back into the basket. Also, the carriage is reluctant to move. The carriage band mechanism seems fine, it clearly needs a good cleaning. I've just been reluctant to tackle that. Instead, I bought a Royal KMM (looking for a KMG like I grew up with). On this one, the round glas-topped keys are so dark as to be nearly illegible, but I used the Model H keyboard as a guide. That's OK, I got it/them mostly to revive my touch typing skills that I originally acquired on manual typewriters. Other than the dark keys the only problem is that it's missing six screws: two that hold the front face and the four that mount the cover. I have to use it without the cover, so it basically looks like a Model 10! But I really have to clean the Model H. I do like that these typewriters all have all the same features, except for the decimal tabs on the Model H. I need to clean it to find out more about how that works. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for this new tip; I never even heard of an “air duster” until now! I, too, live in an apartment and just don’t have the option for an air compressor. So I’ll be ordering an air duster from Amazon today. (Now if I could just get myself to write as often as I clean.😔)
You can also go green (no chemicals and no electricity) by using a maual air pump instead of a compressor. I use the kind meant for blowing up balloons (leftover from an ancient birthday party), but a biccycle pump or ball pump, or even a fireplace bellows all do the same thing!
yes! Just make sure to properly clean it out afterwards (rubbing alcohol can also stain plastics, so still avoid getting it on the plastic portions of your typewriter)
Be careful that you don't blast springs off with a strong air gun. Also, when tipping a machine over, don't put too much pressure on the return lever, which might bend - towels, rags or other padding may help.
Thank you. I cleaned a Brother from 1987 that was full of junk. Those screws on the bottle are a very odd small size of philips. Mark at Vale said I fid a good job with the cans of air and Q tips to the slugs.
Bought a Rand from Vale before he closed. Turned it upside down to remove a hairpin that I dropped in the basket. Out fell a zipper pull shaped thing. Mark took another look at it (in the shell of his old shop) and laughed. It was a zipper pull. From inside a cleaned and serviced machine. Someone somewhere must have "lost their pants" on this thing.
😂 Thats Funny!
For a split second I thought you were holding a magic 8 ball 😅. Great tips, well done video 👏
Thanks! This is just what I need.
A couple of months ago I bought a Royal Model H. At first, I thought it was a Model 10, but it has a full square front that somewhat hides the basket and there are covers over the ribbon spools. It also has the black glass side panels and decimal tabs. These are all features I prefer over the Model 10.
The typewriter ALMOST works. The type bars get right up to the paper and sometimes even strike it, but they don't fall back into the basket. Also, the carriage is reluctant to move. The carriage band mechanism seems fine, it clearly needs a good cleaning. I've just been reluctant to tackle that.
Instead, I bought a Royal KMM (looking for a KMG like I grew up with). On this one, the round glas-topped keys are so dark as to be nearly illegible, but I used the Model H keyboard as a guide. That's OK, I got it/them mostly to revive my touch typing skills that I originally acquired on manual typewriters.
Other than the dark keys the only problem is that it's missing six screws: two that hold the front face and the four that mount the cover. I have to use it without the cover, so it basically looks like a Model 10!
But I really have to clean the Model H. I do like that these typewriters all have all the same features, except for the decimal tabs on the Model H. I need to clean it to find out more about how that works.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Been intimidated to get around to cleaning my Smith-Corona Classic 12 for ages. This has thankfully inspired me to get around to doing it!
Great video, thank you. I love your mug!
Thanks for this new tip; I never even heard of an “air duster” until now! I, too, live in an apartment and just don’t have the option for an air compressor. So I’ll be ordering an air duster from Amazon today. (Now if I could just get myself to write as often as I clean.😔)
You can also go green (no chemicals and no electricity) by using a maual air pump instead of a compressor. I use the kind meant for blowing up balloons (leftover from an ancient birthday party), but a biccycle pump or ball pump, or even a fireplace bellows all do the same thing!
That's a great idea- I'll have to try that!
Thanks, good advice. I have an old Underwood that needs attention. Canned air isn't strong enough. I love mineral spirits for a lot of cleaning jobs.
Any tips on cleaning and touch up painting a 1920’s typewriter?
I have a few color matching videos on the channel here- my tip is nail polish for small touch ups!
Is dry ice cleaning safe to be undertaken by a car detailer?
Hello, this is outside of my area of knowledge! I would recommend asking a professional
Im afraid of using mineral spirit because it can damage plastics. Can I clean the inside metal with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) ?
yes! Just make sure to properly clean it out afterwards (rubbing alcohol can also stain plastics, so still avoid getting it on the plastic portions of your typewriter)
How can I lubricate my typewriter? Which product can I use? WD40?
Oil for gun parts seems to work best! Sewing machine oil is also a good option
Thanks. I acquired my first typewriter, an 82 lettera
Hi there: Do you know where I can find a Barbie typewriter? I can't find them anywhere.
All of mine have been through international eBay!