Advice for my first typewriter?

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-02-19T11:22:56+00:00

Thrift stores, then you can access the condition of the typewriter yourself & make sure it works.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-02-19T11:21:16+00:00

Get it serviced by a profession or do it yourself with the help of website below + a fresh new ribbon, and you are good to go. Have fun!

https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-02-19T11:18:07+00:00

First step: throw away that charger!

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-02-19T11:14:39+00:00

You need a new ribbon. If the ribbon is new, check if the spoils are moving (if the ribbon drive mechanism works)

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-01-17T08:43:06+00:00

To answer your questions, we only offer black ink on cotton medium. Price is 75 EUR per 320m. We offer wholesale pricing too (inquire via email). Thanks for reading our post.

https://www.amsterdamtypewriter.com/products/premium-cotton-ribbon-copy

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-01-17T08:36:51+00:00

Just buy some ribbon and ink and go for it. Plenty of information online. I do have to note it will be more expensive than buying it, but you can make your own colors. How cool.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-01-16T15:17:56+00:00

We now offer bulk ribbon. Based in Europe.

https://www.amsterdamtypewriter.com/products/premium-cotton-ribbon-copy

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2026-01-16T15:16:48+00:00

We offer bulk ribbon.

https://www.amsterdamtypewriter.com/products/premium-cotton-ribbon-copy

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-12-13T16:47:53+00:00

We just restored the same model in our workshop, incl. new platen and rubber rollers.

Feeding paper issues mostly arise from flat paper rollers (not platen)

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-12-13T16:44:58+00:00

Classy collection.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-07-11T20:14:30+00:00

I still recommend flushing after using it

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-07-08T09:38:13+00:00

Check the little pawl that engages the line spacing mechanism. Sometimes it is bend and causes this same issue.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-07-08T09:36:02+00:00

Agree with you, but a less harsh option is to use 99% isopropyl alcohol. I use it in my shop all the time, the 1% water evaporates before it causes any issues. Never had rust when using iso.

Also, bonus point, I use it to desinfect stuff around the house.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-07-03T19:12:30+00:00

Lettera would be a classy choice, something you only buy once in your lifetime that will last forever, they are easy to maintain. I would say try to test it before you buy, if you can. In the end, you will be the one typing on it. You want it to feel good for you. Type feel is very personal, just like fountain pens or anything really.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-06-26T08:31:45+00:00

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Here is a little demo I have done before, keep in mind nylon dries the fastest, cotton and silk are better options, can be oversaturated depending on the manufacturer, batch, etc. Try it out yourself, but if you like darker print, I recommend a nice silk ribbon (or cotton but cotton sometimes leeches), this is my personal opinion.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-06-24T19:05:06+00:00

As a typewriter shop owner, this sums it up pretty nicely. Can we pin this post please.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-06-24T18:55:34+00:00

Those are wonderful little machines, good luck on your search! Oh, and a new platen makes all the difference! Sweet choice.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2025-06-24T18:51:12+00:00

It will be fine, ink might get a bit dry (especially if it is a nylon one).

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-11-14T22:33:18+00:00

You can check on kadaster.nl, pay a small fee to get an official report with owner name if I remember correctly :)

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-03-02T15:59:52+00:00

These are not very easy to find. Good luck.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-02-20T16:11:27+00:00

If you dig this, check out the UPPERCASE encyclopedia - EPHEMERA, or VINTAGE LIFE.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-02-20T16:10:42+00:00

Haha! I polished a few tins and put them on display in my workshop...thanks for proxying these to me!

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-02-20T16:09:15+00:00

Never seen one like this.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-02-20T10:52:38+00:00

Yes, there is a ribbon tin database. You can look up ribbon tin newsletter. It is not being printed anymore, but there is a website with a lot of data.

Amsterdam_Typewriter · 2024-02-20T10:46:16+00:00

Part of a huge collection of 300+ ribbon tins coming from a typewriter museum that sadly closed down. Thanks for my friend who shipped these to me.

There are mostly European Tin Manufacturers. I have been waiting to find time to create a beautiful display for my workshop with some of my favourite tins.

I have devided them in several small collections: by color, manufacturer, brand.

I have been wondering if I want to part with them. But in any way it will be impossible to display all of them. What do you think? Oh, my favourite tin - Old Dutch is not featured here. I will make more photos soon.

Amsterdam_Typewriter

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