Typewriters

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A productive evening (infosec.pub)

submitted 2 weeks ago by emmanuelwald@deacon.social to c/typewriters@lemmy.cafe

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A productive evening

My Adler Contessa de Luxe now works! It has a lovely font. I cleaned it, changed (respooled) the ribbon, and made a few little adjustments. It still has two problems: one of the sticky keys is still sticky (the others aren't anymore), and the bell doesn't work most of the time. But I'm happy, it's the first machine I actually repaired.

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[–] quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

I use the same oil I use for sewing machines, it is very thin, low viscosity. I apply it using syringe with the bevelled tip of the hypodermic needle cut off.

I put oil everywhere there's metal moving against metal, it doesn't need much, just a thin coat. Too much oil can collect more dust or even drip inside the case.

[–] BackYardIncendiary@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I cleaned my typewriter with Varsol, but I've been reluctant to oil anything. I note that you're very careful to minimize the amount of oil. Do you find that you get any oily "gunk" buildup over time?

[–] quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I don't know, at least not yet. I've only been doing this for two years, maybe they didn't have time to gunk up.

I use the oil I buy to lubricate sewing machines. Not only I oil everything that is metal against metal, I rub some of it on every spot it I consider it needs protection from rust.

I stopped worrying about too much oil when I read on a typewriter repair course from I don't know what decade that after drying in an oven to put it in an oil bath to lubricate and protect metal surfaces. I won't go to those extremes but made me realise that if I put too much oil worst thing it could happen is that the typewriter will need a new cleaning next year.

[–] BackYardIncendiary@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 2 weeks ago

Thanks. I agree with the "worst thing" comment. I can always clean the machine again!