Typewriter Wiki - User contributions [en]

IBM Selectric

2023-05-23T02:58:51Z

St3ph3n: /* Common Issues */

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__

[[File:IBM Selectric I.jpg|thumb|An IBM Selectric with a 15" carrier length.]]

=History and Basic Info=
The IBM Selectric typewriter was introduced on the 31st of July, 1961. This typewriter is equipped with a golfball sized type element instead of a type basket so that typefaces can be easily interchanged. The series started with the IBM Selectric (It's original designation does not include a I, but for consistency's sake, people usually call it the "IBM Selectric I" or just "Selectric I") , which evolved into the IBM Selectric II, and finally the IBM Selectric III. Selectrics came in a few sizes; (from smallest to largest) the Personal, 12",13" and 15".

==The Typeball==
The IBM Selectric's typeball gives it some major advantages over a traditional typewriter. Typeballs can be swapped out quickly allowing for multiple typefaces on one machine, the selecting mechanism is much faster than a traditional typewriter, and some machines are even equipped with IBM's "Dual Pitch" option which allows the machine to type in both 10 cpi (Pica) and 12 cpi (elite).

The typeballs for all Selectrics are not all interchangeable. The Selectric I and II require typeballs that are labeled in white. The Selectric III can only use typeballs labeled in yellow. The difference between these typeballs is the number of characters available on the typeball itself.

=Common Issues=

[[File:IBM SELECTRIC HUB.jpg|thumb|This is a newly extracted hub from a 13" IBM Selectric correcting II. Note the cracks in the hub. This will have to be repaired]]
[[File:Selectric_II_Filthy_Power_Switch.jpeg|thumb|The inside of a Selectric II power switch before cleaning. Note the thick black gunk on the contacts, preventing a reliable electrical connection.]]

Due to their reliance on lubrication and complexity, IBM Selectrics will often not work when you first get your hands on it. Some times they won't even turn on. There are (usually) about 3 different issues that are universal to every machine.

*The first major issue is grease and oil. Selectric repairmen often greased and oiled every little nook and cranny on these machines to keep them running smoothly. Unfortunately, after sitting for 30-40 years, this grease will dry out, harden, and/or become extremely gummy. This, as you can imagine, is not good for the machine. You will want to bring it into a shop to have it done professionally, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can do it yourself with the help from some repair and adjustment manuals and some youtube videos.

*The second major issues is the central drive hub. These were made out of plastic hubs with metal cores. Usually there is nothing wrong with the metal core. The issue is the plastic hub. These are somewhat fragile, and after many years of use and/or sitting, they crack. A cracked hub will only hold together for so long and will eventually crack fatally. Duane from Pheonix Typewriter has a very good repair to this issue, linked [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5b7G0RoKXk here]

*The third major issue is the drive belt. These will often shed teeth after sitting and disintegrating for many years on startup. Sometimes these belts are ok, but often they need replacing.

* Another common issue has to do with the torque limiter extension spring getting stretched and needing replacement. If your carrier doesn't return after pressing the "return" button, this is the likely cause. The spring is a part of the return clutch assembly and torque limiter, located on the operational shaft, beneath the right dust cover. The part can be ordered off of eBay and the assembly can be cleaned and lubricated, and the spring easily replaced, with assistance of this video: linked [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq-ij7i9pNg here]. NOTE: cleaning/spring replacement can be accomplished without moving the shaft as in the video.

*If your Selectric is making a light chirping noise it is likely the motor pulley bushing. These are small plastic pieces that wear out, disintegrate or simply fall out over time. They can be ordered off of eBay and replaced as shown in this video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypR4l_FxIJ8 here].

*If your Selectric (any generation) is slow to power on, or doesn't power on at all, there is a strong possibility that the internal power switch simply needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Duane from Phoenix Typewriter has a video explaining how to do this [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhs7bBB_sss here].

=Resources=
* [https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibmtypewrishootingTheIBMSelectricTypewriter_48581416 IBM Selectric Troubleshooting Guide]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI30C3g8s-4 Phoenix Typewriter Selectric Hub install/repair]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc5W8Gs_Nhw Phoenix Typewriter Belt Replacement]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhs7bBB_sss Phoenix Typewriter switch rebuild]
*
*
*
*

File:Selectric II Filthy Power Switch.jpeg

2023-05-23T02:56:02Z

St3ph3n: The inside of a Selectric II power switch before cleaning. Old grease was making it harder and harder to make an electrical connection when the machine was turned on, until it eventually stopped working altogether.

== Summary ==
The inside of a Selectric II power switch before cleaning. Old grease was making it harder and harder to make an electrical connection when the machine was turned on, until it eventually stopped working altogether.

IBM Selectric

2023-05-23T02:47:58Z

St3ph3n: /* Common Issues */

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__

[[File:IBM Selectric I.jpg|thumb|An IBM Selectric with a 15" carrier length.]]

=History and Basic Info=
The IBM Selectric typewriter was introduced on the 31st of July, 1961. This typewriter is equipped with a golfball sized type element instead of a type basket so that typefaces can be easily interchanged. The series started with the IBM Selectric (It's original designation does not include a I, but for consistency's sake, people usually call it the "IBM Selectric I" or just "Selectric I") , which evolved into the IBM Selectric II, and finally the IBM Selectric III. Selectrics came in a few sizes; (from smallest to largest) the Personal, 12",13" and 15".

==The Typeball==
The IBM Selectric's typeball gives it some major advantages over a traditional typewriter. Typeballs can be swapped out quickly allowing for multiple typefaces on one machine, the selecting mechanism is much faster than a traditional typewriter, and some machines are even equipped with IBM's "Dual Pitch" option which allows the machine to type in both 10 cpi (Pica) and 12 cpi (elite).

The typeballs for all Selectrics are not all interchangeable. The Selectric I and II require typeballs that are labeled in white. The Selectric III can only use typeballs labeled in yellow. The difference between these typeballs is the number of characters available on the typeball itself.

=Common Issues=

[[File:IBM SELECTRIC HUB.jpg|thumb|This is a newly extracted hub from a 13" IBM Selectric correcting II. Note the cracks in the hub. This will have to be repaired]]

Due to their reliance on lubrication and complexity, IBM Selectrics will often not work when you first get your hands on it. Some times they won't even turn on. There are (usually) about 3 different issues that are universal to every machine.

*The first major issue is grease and oil. Selectric repairmen often greased and oiled every little nook and cranny on these machines to keep them running smoothly. Unfortunately, after sitting for 30-40 years, this grease will dry out, harden, and/or become extremely gummy. This, as you can imagine, is not good for the machine. You will want to bring it into a shop to have it done professionally, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can do it yourself with the help from some repair and adjustment manuals and some youtube videos.

*The second major issues is the central drive hub. These were made out of plastic hubs with metal cores. Usually there is nothing wrong with the metal core. The issue is the plastic hub. These are somewhat fragile, and after many years of use and/or sitting, they crack. A cracked hub will only hold together for so long and will eventually crack fatally. Duane from Pheonix Typewriter has a very good repair to this issue, linked [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5b7G0RoKXk here]

*The third major issue is the drive belt. These will often shed teeth after sitting and disintegrating for many years on startup. Sometimes these belts are ok, but often they need replacing.

* Another common issue has to do with the torque limiter extension spring getting stretched and needing replacement. If your carrier doesn't return after pressing the "return" button, this is the likely cause. The spring is a part of the return clutch assembly and torque limiter, located on the operational shaft, beneath the right dust cover. The part can be ordered off of eBay and the assembly can be cleaned and lubricated, and the spring easily replaced, with assistance of this video: linked [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq-ij7i9pNg here]. NOTE: cleaning/spring replacement can be accomplished without moving the shaft as in the video.

*If your Selectric is making a light chirping noise it is likely the motor pulley bushing. These are small plastic pieces that wear out, disintegrate or simply fall out over time. They can be ordered off of eBay and replaced as shown in this video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypR4l_FxIJ8 here].

*If your Selectric (any generation) is slow to power on, or doesn't power on at all, there is a strong possibility that the internal power switch simply needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Duane from Phoenix Typewriter has a video explaining how to do this [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhs7bBB_sss here].

=Resources=
* [https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_ibmtypewrishootingTheIBMSelectricTypewriter_48581416 IBM Selectric Troubleshooting Guide]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI30C3g8s-4 Phoenix Typewriter Selectric Hub install/repair]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc5W8Gs_Nhw Phoenix Typewriter Belt Replacement]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhs7bBB_sss Phoenix Typewriter switch rebuild]
*
*
*
*

Brother JP-1 and Similar

2022-03-01T19:53:50Z

St3ph3n:

Brother portable typewriters are some of the most ubiquitous machines one will find. Be it secondhand shops, Facebook Market, or eBay, or... frankly any other buying platform, one is bound to run into these lightweight -- yet surprisingly punchy -- machines at some point in time. Their simplicity, reliability, rarity -- or lack thereof -- and ease of repair make them good choices for first typewriters.

These machines were often sold under other brand names, including but not limited to the following:

* Webster
* Montgomery Ward
* Sears
* KMart

Under Brother’s own branding they were sold as a variety of model names also, such as the Valiant, De Luxe, Charger, and Echelon.

All of them were manufactured in Nagoya, Japan. They can have varying feature sets. Some have tabulators, some have power space, some have neither of these features.

Brother JP-1 and Similar

2022-03-01T19:53:07Z

St3ph3n: Added some info about rebrands and feature variations

Brother portable typewriters are some of the most ubiquitous machines one will find. Be it secondhand shops, Facebook Market, or eBay, or... frankly any other buying platform, one is bound to run into these lightweight -- yet surprisingly punchy -- machines at some point in time. Their simplicity, reliability, rarity -- or lack thereof -- and ease of repair make them good choices for first typewriters.

These machines were often sold under other brand names, including but not limited to the following:

Webster
Montgomery Ward
Sears
KMart

Under Brother’s own branding they were sold as a variety of model names also, such as the Valiant, De Luxe, Charger, and Echelon.

All of them were manufactured in Nagoya, Japan. They can have varying feature sets. Some have tabulators, some have power space, some have neither of these features.

Hermes 3000

2022-02-22T23:34:29Z

St3ph3n: added more info about the paper rest getting stuck

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__
=History and Basic Info=
[[File:1stGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|First generation]]
[[File:3rdGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Third generation]]

The Hermes 3000 is a line of typewriters made by Paillard S.A. from 1958 through approximately 1979, although information is sparse about the latter years. Produced in three distinct generations, the earlier ones have become quite desirable (and expensive) thanks to the seal of approval from Tom Hanks.

The first generation, produced from 1958 through 1965/66 has a distinct 'curvy' look, and a metal shell. These were made in Switzerland.
The second generation, produced from 1966 through 1970 are more squared off, but still retained a metal shell and were still made in Switzerland.
The third generation, produced from 1970 until the end of production in the late seventies are very boxy and have a plastic shell. These retained all of the features of the earlier models but were a cost-reduced version, and production was shifted to France.

=Common Issues=
The flip-out paper rest on the back of the carriage can get stuck in the closed position, due to deteriorated self-adhesive foam pads that just turn into glue over time. Then, when someone attempts to flip the paper rest fingers out while one is stuck, one of them will tend to get bent, as they are linked together. The paper rest can be gently pried away from the back of the carriage and then the residue can be removed using a sharp edge. 91% isopropyl alcohol seems to do a good job of dissolving it too. It is recommended to do this with the rear panel removed from the carriage, so as to not drop any solvents or bits of foam into the typewriter.

The platen knobs on the first and second generation Hermes 3000 machines are notoriously fragile, and are often cracked or broken. Replica replacements are available from a number of sources online, although quality may vary.

The rear panel of the carriage, to which the paper rest is attached may be loose due to missing screws. It is secured to the machine by a pair of '''M3x0.5''' pitch screws, '''5mm in length''' with slotted pan heads. Screws matching this spec are quite readily available in most hardware stores, although you may have to settle for Phillips vs slotted, or flat head vs pan. In that case, it would be recommended to use a washer so that the conical flat head doesn't damage the hole on the back of the carriage end caps.

=Manual=
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000.pdf First generation manual]
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000-1970s.pdf Third generation manual]

Hermes 3000

2022-02-22T23:29:37Z

St3ph3n: Fixed

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__
=History and Basic Info=
[[File:1stGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|First generation]]
[[File:3rdGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Third generation]]

The Hermes 3000 is a line of typewriters made by Paillard S.A. from 1958 through approximately 1979, although information is sparse about the latter years. Produced in three distinct generations, the earlier ones have become quite desirable (and expensive) thanks to the seal of approval from Tom Hanks.

The first generation, produced from 1958 through 1965/66 has a distinct 'curvy' look, and a metal shell. These were made in Switzerland.
The second generation, produced from 1966 through 1970 are more squared off, but still retained a metal shell and were still made in Switzerland.
The third generation, produced from 1970 until the end of production in the late seventies are very boxy and have a plastic shell. It retained all of the features of the earlier models but was a cost-reduced version, and production was shifted to France.

=Common Issues=
The flip-out paper rest on the back of the carriage can get stuck in the closed position, due to deteriorated self-adhesive foam pads that just turn into glue over time. Then, when someone attempts to flip the paper rest fingers out while one is stuck, one of them will tend to get bent, as they are linked together.

The platen knobs on the first and second generation Hermes 3000 machines are notoriously fragile, and are often cracked or broken. Replica replacements are available from a number of sources online, although quality may vary.

The rear panel of the carriage, to which the paper rest is attached may be loose due to missing screws. It is secured to the machine by a pair of M3x0.5 pitch screws, 5mm in length with slotted pan heads. Screws matching this spec are quite readily available in most hardware stores, although you may have to settle for philips vs slotted, or flat head vs pan. In that case, it would be recommended to use a washer so that the conical flat head doesn't damage the hole on the back of the carriage end caps.

=Manual=
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000.pdf First generation manual]
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000-1970s.pdf Third generation manual]

Hermes 3000

2022-02-22T23:29:17Z

St3ph3n: borked one of my pictures, oops

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__
=History and Basic Info=
[[File:1stGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|First generation]]

The Hermes 3000 is a line of typewriters made by Paillard S.A. from 1958 through approximately 1979, although information is sparse about the latter years. Produced in three distinct generations, the earlier ones have become quite desirable (and expensive) thanks to the seal of approval from Tom Hanks.

The first generation, produced from 1958 through 1965/66 has a distinct 'curvy' look, and a metal shell. These were made in Switzerland.
The second generation, produced from 1966 through 1970 are more squared off, but still retained a metal shell and were still made in Switzerland.
The third generation, produced from 1970 until the end of production in the late seventies are very boxy and have a plastic shell. It retained all of the features of the earlier models but was a cost-reduced version, and production was shifted to France.

=Common Issues=
The flip-out paper rest on the back of the carriage can get stuck in the closed position, due to deteriorated self-adhesive foam pads that just turn into glue over time. Then, when someone attempts to flip the paper rest fingers out while one is stuck, one of them will tend to get bent, as they are linked together.

The platen knobs on the first and second generation Hermes 3000 machines are notoriously fragile, and are often cracked or broken. Replica replacements are available from a number of sources online, although quality may vary.

The rear panel of the carriage, to which the paper rest is attached may be loose due to missing screws. It is secured to the machine by a pair of M3x0.5 pitch screws, 5mm in length with slotted pan heads. Screws matching this spec are quite readily available in most hardware stores, although you may have to settle for philips vs slotted, or flat head vs pan. In that case, it would be recommended to use a washer so that the conical flat head doesn't damage the hole on the back of the carriage end caps.

=Manual=
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000.pdf First generation manual]
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000-1970s.pdf Third generation manual]

File:3rdGenHermes3000.jpg

2022-02-22T23:28:04Z

St3ph3n: 1971 Hermes 3000 with international QWERTY layout and white keys. Own work.

== Summary ==
1971 Hermes 3000 with international QWERTY layout and white keys. Own work.

Hermes 3000

2022-02-22T23:26:44Z

St3ph3n: added some pictures

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__
=History and Basic Info=
[[File:1stGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|First generation]]
[[File:3rdGenHermes3000.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Third generation]]
The Hermes 3000 is a line of typewriters made by Paillard S.A. from 1958 through approximately 1979, although information is sparse about the latter years. Produced in three distinct generations, the earlier ones have become quite desirable (and expensive) thanks to the seal of approval from Tom Hanks.

The first generation, produced from 1958 through 1965/66 has a distinct 'curvy' look, and a metal shell. These were made in Switzerland.
The second generation, produced from 1966 through 1970 are more squared off, but still retained a metal shell and were still made in Switzerland.
The third generation, produced from 1970 until the end of production in the late seventies are very boxy and have a plastic shell. It retained all of the features of the earlier models but was a cost-reduced version, and production was shifted to France.

=Common Issues=
The flip-out paper rest on the back of the carriage can get stuck in the closed position, due to deteriorated self-adhesive foam pads that just turn into glue over time. Then, when someone attempts to flip the paper rest fingers out while one is stuck, one of them will tend to get bent, as they are linked together.

The platen knobs on the first and second generation Hermes 3000 machines are notoriously fragile, and are often cracked or broken. Replica replacements are available from a number of sources online, although quality may vary.

The rear panel of the carriage, to which the paper rest is attached may be loose due to missing screws. It is secured to the machine by a pair of M3x0.5 pitch screws, 5mm in length with slotted pan heads. Screws matching this spec are quite readily available in most hardware stores, although you may have to settle for philips vs slotted, or flat head vs pan. In that case, it would be recommended to use a washer so that the conical flat head doesn't damage the hole on the back of the carriage end caps.

=Manual=
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000.pdf First generation manual]
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000-1970s.pdf Third generation manual]

File:1stGenHermes3000.jpg

2022-02-22T23:21:58Z

St3ph3n: 1965 Hermes 3000, seafoam with green keys. Own work.

== Summary ==
1965 Hermes 3000, seafoam with green keys. Own work.

Hermes 3000

2022-02-22T23:20:07Z

St3ph3n: Created the Hermes 3000 page, because I am a Hermes simp

[[Category:Typewriter]]
__TOC__
=History and Basic Info=
The Hermes 3000 is a line of typewriters made by Paillard S.A. from 1958 through approximately 1979, although information is sparse about the latter years. Produced in three distinct generations, the earlier ones have become quite desirable (and expensive) thanks to the seal of approval from Tom Hanks.

The first generation, produced from 1958 through 1965/66 has a distinct 'curvy' look, and a metal shell. These were made in Switzerland.
The second generation, produced from 1966 through 1970 are more squared off, but still retained a metal shell and were still made in Switzerland.
The third generation, produced from 1970 until the end of production in the late seventies are very boxy and have a plastic shell. It retained all of the features of the earlier models but was a cost-reduced version, and production was shifted to France.

=Common Issues=
The flip-out paper rest on the back of the carriage can get stuck in the closed position, due to deteriorated self-adhesive foam pads that just turn into glue over time. Then, when someone attempts to flip the paper rest fingers out while one is stuck, one of them will tend to get bent, as they are linked together.

The platen knobs on the first and second generation Hermes 3000 machines are notoriously fragile, and are often cracked or broken. Replica replacements are available from a number of sources online, although quality may vary.

The rear panel of the carriage, to which the paper rest is attached may be loose due to missing screws. It is secured to the machine by a pair of M3x0.5 pitch screws, 5mm in length with slotted pan heads. Screws matching this spec are quite readily available in most hardware stores, although you may have to settle for philips vs slotted, or flat head vs pan. In that case, it would be recommended to use a washer so that the conical flat head doesn't damage the hole on the back of the carriage end caps.

=Manual=
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000.pdf First generation manual]
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Hermes3000-1970s.pdf Third generation manual]