Posted 8 years ago
nlmkm
(2 items)
I found this typewriter was in my parent's attic (in southern Indiana) after they passed. I would love to know more about it. I've looked up a few resources on line and the bottom line is that I just love this sort of thing!! I have considered getting it restored and/or in working condition, but have yet to take the time to seek out someone who would/could do this. I did see a video of a man who stocked various ribbons, etc. It's a very heavy piece and shipping it seems extravagant.
That is quite a nice typewriter you have. As I'm sure your aware, it is a Woodstock, I would guess from the mid 1920s, making it about 90 years old. In my opinion it looks to be in pretty nice shape, the paint especially. I learned about working on typewriters when I bought my first one, a lot like yours, from the 1920s. A lot of times, all a typewriter needs to get in good regular working order again is a good cleaning and oiling, new ribbon. With my 1926 Underwood, that is all it needed, and that's were I learned- its been very reliable. Of course, that said, they can be a bit tricky to work on as well sometimes. As for ribbons, there's lots of them for sale at reasonable prices online (eBay). I tend to buy a brand new ribbon, and to keep the old time look, remove it from the plastic spools, and wrap it on the original metal ones in the machine. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your feedback regarding my Woodstock typewriter!! I like your idea about spooling a new ribbon on the original spools...good idea!! From your post, it sounds like you did your own cleaning and oiling? Did you have take anything apart? Any suggestions/pointers you might have, I will definitely consider!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS, SweetViolet!!
Hi, I did do my own work on the typewriter. Depending on the condition, it can often be quite easy to get a typewriter going again, a nice rainy day project. When it comes to cleaning, I generally use only damp paper towels, and sometimes Lysol wipes for the harder grime and dust. Avoid harsher cleaners though, because the paint on these earlier machines can be chemically reactive with them, and may rub away and be damaged. For oiling, I use general purpose sewing machine oil. Although a lot of folks sometimes don't like to do this, I use WD-40 in harder to reach areas that might need a bit less lubrication, and I have yet to have problems doing so. In my case, I did not have to take anything apart- with most of the typewriters from about the 1920s and older, the mechanical components are not enclosed and can be easy accessed with out removing access panels, which is nice! Unless something is broken, a lot of times there is no need for any deeper work or knowledge. When I worked on my Underwood, I had never even looked twice at a typewriter before then, and now that machine still works great. One final note, it depends on your intentions for the typewriter, decor, or for actual use- I find them to surprisingly useful even in these technological days for index cards and what not. Typewriters are like automobiles in that, even if they are working perfectly when put in storage, more than likely it will need a tune up after 10 or 20 yrs of sitting- or potentially 50 years in the case of your typewriter! Google is a great source for additional advice and knowledge for most anything regarding typewriter repair in the home. Good luck again, and Happy Holidays!
THANK YOU!! I like you're approach better than the ones I viewed on YouTube...I have the items you listed (and don't have to try to find other products!). You are right, a rainy day project for sure :) I'll let you know if/when I decide to tackle it!! Have a great day!