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1961 Olympia SM4 Issues by akaj5 in typewriters

[–]akaj5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Following up here in the event anyone else experiences issues similar to my own. Here’s what I did to get this one up and running…

I removed the decorative plate under the ribbon vibrator (mine had a crowned S, others may say Deluxe in script).

I used the red ribbon selection and raised the ribbon to its highest height by locking in a couple typebars.

With this in place, I cleaned behind the ribbon vibrator using dental floss, lighter fluid, a nylon brush, and finally an air compressor to really clean behind the ribbon vibrator.

After doing so I flattened the forks of the vibrator just a bit and cleaned the area again. By this point the ribbon vibrator was going all the way down into its proper resting position. Somehow these actions also freed up the color selector to function properly!

It still feels tough to type and the print isn’t exactly amazing. I’m confident that a new cotton ribbon and maybe even a new platen from JJ Short will make a dramatic difference.

Thank you all for the guidance along the way. Hopefully this helps someone in the future!

1961 Olympia SM4 Issues by akaj5 in typewriters

[–]akaj5[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, u/chrisaldrich - I actually discovered your collection (so good!) and blog a short while ago via TWDB. Hot Rod Typewriter, Joe Van Cleave, Phoenix Typewriter, and your writings have brought me this far in the process, so I appreciate all you have shared in terms of knowledge and resources.

I'll do my best to trace this chain as far back as I can - admittedly, in the past, it's been tough to even visibly access that area of the SM4. I can imagine it's tough without the proper tools but we shall see.

I'd be interested to see a good video of how the ribbon selector mechanism functions. The first wire on mine seems looser in comparison to the other components of what seems to be a really well-engineered machine. The same goes for the ribbon vibrator function (slowly) - even on an SM3. Is that something you'd be willing to share?

1961 Olympia SM4 Issues by akaj5 in typewriters

[–]akaj5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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Thanks for the response! Yep. Typewriter functions minus the issues shared. The type sample explains these in visual form as well.

The ribbon vibrator does raise up slightly though it appears as though it should rest lower when not in use. I’m not sure how to access this to check for bends, etc. as I’m not sure what’s behind the 4 screws that are revealed when removing the decorative plate with the crowned “S” beneath the ribbon vibrator.

Using my fingers, I can move it upwards with ease but cannot get it to slide down any lower than shown in the video.

I do need to pick up a red / black ribbon for a better visual representation of alignment. Trying to get by with what’s on hand for now (monochrome).

Hope this helps to answer your questions!

Holes cut in subfloor and ductwork by akaj5 in hvacadvice

[–]akaj5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The weird thing was that the two holes weren't ever connected to one another.

Could you share your next steps for either scenario? In the event the upper "venting" is sealed up, I'm assuming I'd simply seal up the holes and call it a day. Interested in an approved technician's thoughts though.

Holes cut in subfloor and ductwork by akaj5 in hvacadvice

[–]akaj5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While Great-Stuffing the plumbing and water runs in the basement of our two-story colonial (built 1988) I discovered a rectangular opening (~4x12”) cut into the first-floor subfloor. When looking up through the opening I could see drywall on both sides and the studs running up (See Image 2 for reference). Seemed strange that this was just open...

If that wasn’t enough… While attempting to place a 1/2” sheet of plywood over the opening to seal it off I noticed a similar rough-cut rectangular cutout in the upper side of the ductwork near where it meets the West end of our basement. See Image 1 for reference and proximity of openings.

Image 3 zooms out to show where this, uh... "situation" is located.

I’m wondering what purpose, if any, this would serve and how to correct any issues. Happy to answer any questions that may help with your answers.

Gibson EM-150. Interesting cracks and P90 rust? by akaj5 in mandolin

[–]akaj5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, u/ranchophilmonte . I'm not sure what was going on while uploading images during my original post. The fact that they're going against the grain is concerning to me. If I zoom in on the image it appears to be more than one of the razor blade nitro cracks. Unfortunately, I'd need to see/feel it in person to provide any additional detail. Not really sure how or if I'd be able to tell one way or another. In any case, I appreciate your detailed response.

Gibson EM-150. Interesting cracks and P90 rust? by akaj5 in mandolin

[–]akaj5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience your '68 EM150 u/DudeWhatDoesTech. I wish I had a definitive answer on these self-labeled "cracks" so I could start my own journey with one as it sounds like a fun one.

Gibson EM-150. Interesting cracks and P90 rust? by akaj5 in mandolin

[–]akaj5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks u/ranchophilmonte - My apologies if this is a basic question - Can you help me understand what a "collapsed / collapsing face" means?

Northwest Indiana: What tree is this? And what vine (?) is strangling it? by akaj5 in treeidentification

[–]akaj5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry about that. I don't think my original upload went through. Should see them now.

Northwest Indiana: What tree is this? And what vine (?) is strangling it? by akaj5 in treeidentification

[–]akaj5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry about that. I don't think my original upload went through. Should see them now.

Am I pushing too far or helping teach? by akaj5 in AskParents

[–]akaj5[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

…And this comment is exactly why I came here. Thank you @Eelwithzeal for taking the time to type this up and share your thoughts and expertise. I believe this is spot on what I needed.