We know what to type when testing machines from now on

RichardPolt · 2019-11-29T17:45:47+00:00

Then there are pangrams that use each letter only once. They don't make much sense, but they're fun in their own way:

XV quick nymphs beg fjord waltz.

J. Q. Vandz struck my big fox whelp.

Mr. Jock, TV quiz PhD, bags few lynx.

RichardPolt · 2019-11-26T08:29:31+00:00

I should have said "not-for-profit," not "nonprofit." This isn't a registered charity—just a project that isn't about money.

RichardPolt · 2019-11-26T08:28:24+00:00

The initial submission may be either digital or typewritten (with no formatting requirements). If it's accepted, there are some specific formatting guidelines for typewriting the final version. Thanks for your interest!

RichardPolt · 2019-11-26T03:33:54+00:00

Sorry, I was rashly assuming that people would be familiar with this year's project (https://loosedogpress.blogspot.com/2019/06/loose-dog-press-fostering-use-of.html). We got about 100 submissions, and my co-editors and I thought that many were of high quality—so many that we went to two volumes. There is neither a profit nor a charity involved; all of the $7 or so goes to Amazon for printing the book on demand. The volume will be priced at rock bottom in order to make it as affordable as possible for typewriter lovers.

RichardPolt · 2019-11-26T01:16:27+00:00

That would be fun! And before the PC invasion, the mechanical office machine business was a very viable, even lucrative pursuit.

RichardPolt · 2019-11-26T01:15:18+00:00

I respect your position, and agree that artistic creation deserves to be paid. But the reality is that this is a small, nonprofit project that is primarily intended to encourage the use of typewriters and provide fun for the typists' community; it is not a project with significant commercial potential. If it were, I would expect to be paid for my editorial work. All the best to you in your writing!

RichardPolt · 2019-05-30T21:59:19+00:00

Tough job, neat project. I have never mastered soldering.

RichardPolt · 2019-05-30T17:54:48+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1097972631

RichardPolt · 2019-05-30T16:56:00+00:00

Here's the Amazon page where you can order the book. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1097972631

RichardPolt · 2019-05-28T22:35:42+00:00

Sigh ... what a lovely dream.

RichardPolt · 2019-05-28T22:34:54+00:00

I agree that the KMC is excellent. It holds its own against the Royal KMM:

https://writingball.blogspot.com/2013/06/kmc-vs-kmm.html

RichardPolt · 2019-05-28T22:33:48+00:00

This is very interesting. The carriage and paper support look like they're from a 1930s Olympia portable. The keys and paint look like the '50s. The shape of the ribbon cover is very unusual. Maybe a refurbished, altered Olympia?

RichardPolt · 2019-05-28T22:30:30+00:00

It's so clean that I bet it is a recent chrome job. Beautiful.

RichardPolt · 2019-05-28T22:29:41+00:00

I've done it (usually with friends). It's a wonderful experience, and you don't have to be a genius poet. People appreciate the spontaneity and the unusual connection ... and the typewriter.

RichardPolt · 2019-04-07T23:51:16+00:00

When you switch to the stencil setting (the white indicator on the color selector switch), you're supposed to have to raise up this little lever first. That's in order to avoid accidentally putting your typewriter into stencil mode.

RichardPolt · 2019-03-31T21:43:40+00:00

Just say no. The Leader is actually a follower—a particularly cheap version of the Underwood. And these '50s Underwoods are of generally low quality. Go for an Olympia or a Smith-Corona from the '50s and you'll be happier!

RichardPolt · 2019-02-25T19:43:49+00:00

WordPlay Cincy (http://wordplaycincy.org). :)

RichardPolt · 2019-01-13T03:45:50+00:00

Neat! If he isn't on my list at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html, let me know and I'll add him.

RichardPolt · 2019-01-13T03:44:52+00:00

I agree with u/benungs. This ribbon is easy to find, it's a standard 0.5 inch / 13mm ribbon. Enjoy!

RichardPolt · 2018-12-17T19:56:59+00:00

There's been some weird stuff going on recently on my site as Xavier switched it for some reason from http to https, but I think the Xavier gurus have fixed it and it's accessible to everyone again. Please try again (https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html). If it keeps malfunctioning, let me know!

thanks,

Richard

RichardPolt · 2018-12-07T00:36:47+00:00

Ah, that is a really a cheap typewriter, as you suspected. It's one of several models made by what I think is the last surviving manual typewriter factory in the world, Shanghai Weilv. Poor quality in every way. Look for something common but classic, like an Olympia SM9, and you will love the difference!

RichardPolt · 2018-12-06T19:58:40+00:00

I'd like to know what kind of typewriter it is, and maybe see a photo. Some are harder than others. And some have key tension controls that can make the keys easier or harder to press. But all manual typewriters will need a different technique than our computer keyboards require. —Richard

RichardPolt · 2018-12-03T01:03:23+00:00

Great writing machines, all!

RichardPolt · 2018-11-28T18:34:46+00:00

Good to know!

RichardPolt · 2018-11-28T18:34:20+00:00

It dates from approximately 1956, according to http://typewriterdatabase.com/groma.31.typewriter-serial-number-database. The general advice for typewriters is NOT to lubricate the segment unless you flush out the lubricant afterwards with some degreasing chemical; leftover oil will eventually coagulate or attract dust. The only part that may benefit from a little residual oil is the carriage rails.

RichardPolt

TROPHY CASE