Author: downtechinglondon

If you need advice on a second hand typewriter, the best place to start is the original manual. You may get lucky and be able to obtain it with the machine. If not you can often find a copy on websites such as www.machinesoflovinggrace.com or Google “Richard Polt Typewriter”. Our thanks go to the many enthusiasts who produced the manuals collections for our use.

If you can’t find the actual manual, instructions of a similar machine will most likely get you up a running. Many levers and switches are common and in similar places across models.

Searching on YouTube for your particular typewriter model can sometimes find great videos showing you how to use your machine including interesting tips.

If you purchased your machine from an expert restorer, their knowledge should always be on-hand and is another reason to purchase from a trusted source.

Typewriters are mechanical marvels and it is astonishing that they break down relatively rarely. You should handle your machine with some respect however.

Be careful how you store it – they prefer room temperature and normal orientation.

Keep the dust down and cover up – dust clogging of the moving mechanical parts can eventually lead to problems.

Most manufacturers did not encourage owners to oil their machines – non-experts can cause problems that didn’t exist.

Some typists suggest always using two sheets of paper when typing to protect and prolong letter hammers and the roller. We think this varies with machine and is often not required.

Lastly, some typists also suggest releasing clamp settings on your machine when storing.
We welcome feedback on this and other care issues.

When it comes to repairs there are websites containing service manuals and tips to encourage you to repair your own machine. If you are very confident, then well maybe but specialist tools, parts and above all knowledge are hard to match!

Once again, if you purchased your machine from an expert restorer, they should always be on-hand to repair your machine. It may take a while due to capacity but it is again a good reason to purchase from a trusted source.

The most elegant way to correct letters is by using Correction Paper such as TIPP-EX.

These papers come in different colours so that you can match with the colour of the typing paper you are using. If, for example you have typed an incorrect x, you can backspace, hold a correction paper slip over the x and retype x. This will result in only the x disappearing, with only the x part coloured the paper colour. You can then type the correct letter where the x had been and the correction will be detected only by a keen eye.

Three other correction techniques are suggested;

1. When mistakes are made, merely type xxxxx over them and carry on. Quick and assertive, it says to your reader that you are using a genuine typewriter and that you make mistakes!
2. For some mistakes, backspacing and typing the correct letter over the incorrect one can work. E.g. o-b, c-o, j-g, n-h, h-b work well.
3. For the purist, don’t make any mistakes! I.e. if you make a mistake discard the sheet no matter how much work has gone into it. This will require high levels of concentration and care when typing but the reward of a 100% perfect typed sheet can be immense.

Copies

We should allow ourselves to scan or photocopy typed sheets.
If however you wish to take the purist route or current copy facilities are just not available, carbon papers can be used.

This is the meat in a sandwich of two sheets in your typewriter roller. Make sure the carbon paper is the correct way around with the matt carbon side towards the second sheet. Type on your top sheet and a second copy will be produced on your second sheet. Depending on the gauge of your typewriter, you may be able to construct an original and two copies by placing a further carbon paper and then sheet behind the first set.

There are specialists in the UK who sell reconditioned vintage and retro models. In addition, they usually provide servicing, repairs and ribbons.
To-date, I have only purchased (Imperial Good Companion 1938 and Olympia Traveller) from George Blackman, who were, knowledgeable, prompt and delightful to deal with.

Review feedback on others listed is welcomed.

Charlie Foxtrot Wiltshire	Very attractive website by Philip & Jules Chapman. Mainly online, but they do attend Antique & Vintage Markets, showing a range of typewriters and accessories.	website
Everest Typewriter Centre Wiltshire	Looks like a lovely old-school office equipment shop. With over 30 years experience, this is a rare typewriter destination within the outer London area.	website
George Blackman Bexhill-on-Sea	His shop maybe on the south coast, but his mail order service is excellent. George recently promoted typewriters on the BBC (The One Show) and he is building a typewriter legacy by passing on his skills to Gavin Eldridge.	website
London Typewriters West London	Alex is a keen Typewriter collector who also sells machines. Mail Order, with excellent reviews, his machines can be picked up if required.	website
The Typewriter Man Luton (online)	He appears extremely knowledgeable about Typewriters, no doubt being in the industry of many years. Now part-time, the Typewriter Man could be one of the very few to solve some machine problems. A Typewriter lifesaver! The site contains a Typewriter of the month feature, including a library of previous models reviewed. An excellent information resource.	website