Newfangled Material For Your Repairs

I know I've been quiet lately. I've suffered a bit of misfortune in the health department and I'm down to one useful arm for a while.

As I'm not able to type very well, I've been looking into repair techniques. I've been thinking about crafting replacement feet for the Royal Administrator. I know molding/curing rubber can be very involved, so I've been searching for a substitute material. Today I was reading a motorcycle website who did an intriguing review of a moldable, easy-curing rubber called Sugru. 

This stuff looks to be dead useful for typewriter fixes and improvements. I'm really excited to get my hands on some. I've ordered some black and white and I'm going to try blending to a gray color and molding new feet for the Administrator. I'll be sure to document the process.

Out of curiosity - does anyone out there have a foot from a Royal Diana or Administrator (I'm pretty sure they're the same) I could borrow to make a mold?  I can promise I would not damage the foot and I would return it within a few days. Please email me if you can help.

The "Before" Shots

The same day I picked up the Hermes from the shop, I bought this sporty Smith-Corona Silent. I've wanted one of the racing-stripe emblazoned Smiths for a while. This one was too good to pass up.

The case is in wonderful shape:

Sadly, the machine was really dirty and one of the key linkages was detached.

Dust bunnies!

The thing that sealed the deal (besides the price) - the original manual in the original envelope.

 Tigger had to complete his inspection before I started work.

An evenings work and I have it typing. I still have repairs to make, though.

1. The carriage return ratchet only allows the platen to spin "forward"
2. The line spacing selector only selects single-space (Probably related to the first problem)
3. The bell doesn't ring

Other than that, it seems to be working fine. I know it's not splitting atoms, but the sense of accomplishment I feel after getting this thing typing is pretty satisfying. The yellow-labeled keys are even growing on me. I want to get it really ship-shape before I take "after" pictures.

1940s US Navy Typewriter Maintenance Manual

I'm probably late to the party with this, but I figure it never hurts to share.

I was looking for an online version of the Royal HH user's manual when I stumbled across this US Navy Typewriter Maintenance document. It's full of illustrated instructions on adjusting and repairing 40s era standards.

Thank you, HNSA! I wish I could order a print version...

Tucson Typewriter Safari

 

As a footnote, I should say we didn't do nearly as much thrifting as we had originally planned. The stench from old smokey was making its way into the passenger compartment and we decided to head home after only two stops. There may be untold riches lying in wait for the next Typospherian to venture Tucson way.

And It Was Well Packed...

I loath you FedEx. I despise you with the passion of a million blazing suns.

Steampunk Warriors Unite!

From the Olympia SM3