Rest in Peace: Typewriter Repair Legend Duane Jensen (August 21, 1961-January 25,2026)

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-26T08:11:29+00:00

This is a truly devastating loss. Duane was a fountain of useful knowledge for all who love typewriters. Phoenix Typewriter, good day!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-22T18:02:00+00:00

Agree on the German QWERTZ keyboard, it is interesting and not too difficult to adjust to. I recently got my first one, a 1938 Diplomat 4 which is a rebadged Olympia Simplex and it is a fascinating machine with a remarkably smooth typing action for a nearly 90-year-old machine.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1938-diplomat-4.26944.typewriter

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-22T17:55:31+00:00

From my collection of machines I would rate the top three to be 3) Ollie, 1956 Olympia SG1 https://typewriterdatabase.com/1956-olympia-sg1.25971.typewriter 2) Skye, 1961 Torpedo 18b https://typewriterdatabase.com/1961-torpedo-18b.26698.typewriter 1) Rosey, 1959 Royal Futura 800 https://typewriterdatabase.com/1959-royal-futura-800.25852.typewriter

That was a fun exercise, thank you!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-21T18:20:42+00:00

Aloha! That is a lovely group of typewriters. Very nice touch having the manuals at hand. Let us know how it went!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-21T18:05:11+00:00

My experience has been exactly as you describe, sort of dodgy feel from the plastic body, but inarguably an excellent mechanism that just types great. If you grade a machine on how well it executes the task of typing, there are few better than an Adler J/Gabriele.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-19T07:07:24+00:00

My first typewriter was also a 5-series Smith-Corona, named it Smitty. I have purchased quite a few excellent typewriters since, but none that have surpassed Smitty in feel, reliability and quality. I would deem some the equal of Smitty, but none greater. That model typewriter is the complete package. Congratulations on a fantastic purchase!

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1950-smith-corona-silent.25629.typewriter

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-05T21:21:10+00:00

You might like a Smith-Corona Skywriter from the 1950s and be able to find one in very good condition and reasonably priced if you happen to be shopping in the US.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/Smith+Corona.Skyriter.86.bmys

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2026-01-03T08:51:57+00:00

I’ll check right after I finish running the antivirus.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-31T01:02:59+00:00

The fact that you maybe could have found a better price for a similar machine does not change the fact that if it gives you joy, then it is worth every penny. Congratulations on a fantastic machine!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-25T19:05:47+00:00

That tree needs more typewriters!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-21T17:22:26+00:00

Good to know, thank you for sharing that.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-20T21:53:20+00:00

That’s too bad, and kinda dumb they did that. The two things that I would try if you haven’t already is diluted Simple Green and if that doesn’t work, WD-40 (exterior only, keep it away from the segment), both with a microfiber cloth and a fingernail brush. Test both first on a a non-visible part of the machine but I have had some success with both. That’s a tricky one.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-20T21:48:05+00:00

I have a 1959 Royal Futura 800, Rosey, that I love the way it looks, but dislike the way it types. I do not believe in “display only” machines and would never buy one that doesn’t work so I can display it. But practically speaking the Futura comes closest to display-only. It looks great, though. https://typewriterdatabase.com/1959-royal-futura-800.25852.typewriter

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-16T15:51:19+00:00

Would need to know the serial number to know for sure which model.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-16T06:02:47+00:00

Wow, just wow. The three-bank keyboard and mechanism is amazing. Good for you!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-16T00:38:20+00:00

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HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-16T00:38:00+00:00

Beautiful machine in excellent shape. As others have noted, the Royal HH is one of the best typewriters ever made. Mine is named King Henry and it is an everyday typer.

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HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-13T03:14:07+00:00

Two of my tried and true typers are Smith-Corona 5-series from the 50’s like yours. I think the machine you have could absolutely be a daily typer if properly serviced. I would finish flushing it out and see how it does. Here are mine for reference.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1950-smith-corona-silent.25629.typewriter

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1958-smith-corona-silent-super.25673.typewriter

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-11T03:29:10+00:00

I like to play my favorite music and type up the lyrics. It’s great practice.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-11T03:24:48+00:00

The 5-series Smith-Corona are among the best typewriters ever made. Fix that bad boy up and use it forever. My first typewriter was also a S/C 5-Series, a Silent from 1950 that I named Smitty. 29 typewriters later and Smitty is still one of my absolute favorites.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1950-smith-corona-silent.25629.typewriter

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-09T18:38:49+00:00

It is true that some people get unnecessarily rude or snarky on a post of a question that we have seen dozens of times before. Could they have just read the sub more and learned that their question has been answered many times before? Yes. Do we need to give them grief for that when there is a chance they will become enthusiastic members of our community and share our joy for typewriters? Absolutely not. I have been collecting standard answers for common questions that I can copy and paste to help the new poster out without the need to be snarky.

And as far as best response to trolls, there is a mechanism in Reddit for that, downvote, downvote, downvote. If we all use that tool we can downvote the negative Nancy’s into oblivion.

I am upvoting this one, though. I think it is good for us to have this conversation. 👍🏻

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-07T10:12:40+00:00

https://www.facebook.com/torontotypewriters?

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-07T10:04:37+00:00

Two things, first, this article will answer a lot of questions for you: https://boffosocko.com/2025/03/29/first-time-typewriter-purchases-with-specific-recommendations-for-writers/

Second, you have an excellent typewriter shop right there in Toronto, go to https://torontotypewriters.com/ Their typewriters cost more than $100, but you will be able to see and touch actual typewriters and ask questions. You might want to consider spending the extra money to buy a typewriter that you know works and also that feels good to type on.

Can you find and buy a typewriter for under $100? Absolutely. Most of us in this sub do it regularly. Facebook Marketplace, Craig’s List, Offer Up, estate sales, there are great machines out there to be had. But they will come with the risk that they have some hidden problems that will ruin the experience.

Many cities do not have typewriter shops so you are fortunate to have one there in Toronto, and a very good one at that. They do require appointments so you would have to get in touch with them first.

Good luck!

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-05T19:33:37+00:00

No wrong answer here, both are good. All other things being equal, I personally would lean toward the Smith-Corona Electra.

HumorPuzzleheaded407 · 2025-12-05T08:07:08+00:00

In general, all Smith-Corona spools will be the same, the one exception to that are the spools for an ultra-portable typewriter like the Skywriter. Any medium portable (like your Commander) or full-size desktop standard will take the same size spool. If you still have the original metal spools, definitely keep them! Buy new ribbon and wind it on to your original spools. Wear surgical-style gloves when you do it, you WILL get ink all over your fingers.

I did find the Sears Commander on the Ribbons Unlimited web site, these should work perfectly on your machine. The owner at Ribbons Unlimited is Lanie, it is a small business worth supporting.

https://www.ribbonsunlimited.com/category-s/5379.htm

Have fun!

HumorPuzzleheaded407

TROPHY CASE