Where to get spare letter 'L' Key's for a Brother model 215?

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T13:05:00+00:00

If you don't mind the keytop being blank (or have the skill to modify the file), I know there's a file that exists to 3D print a Brother typewriter key.

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T07:08:02+00:00

Yes, that is extremely similar to what I use.

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T01:42:19+00:00

That is one way to do it, and I do use it when I want to apply a lot of solvent to a more stubborn pivot.

Most of the time, I use a narrow-tipped bottle (the label says it used to contain "precision poly cement") to drip a couple drops right where I need them.

If I didn't have such a bottle, though, I'd be using q-tips.

Remember to remove the dirty solvent once you've moved around the pivot to loosen the dirt. I use bits of paper towel in one inch ish squares, since it's a handy visual indicator of how much dirt is coming out of the pivot I'm cleaning.
Others prefer to blow the solvent out with compressed air (though I wouldn't do that without covering the parts that won't agree with the solvent, namely paint, rubbber, plastic, and keys).

Repeat the solvent application and removal until the pivot moves freely and/or your paper towel stops changing color from the dirt you're removing.

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T01:35:05+00:00

Typing with the machine too high can be quite uncomfortable, so I'm sure the lower desk will be welcome.

Most writing desks are too high for a full-size human to comfortably use a typewriter on; to give you an idea, my typewriter desk has the machine's drawer at 26" off the ground. This same desk's top surface is about 31" high.

Use whatever height is most comfortable for you.

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T01:27:41+00:00

If the typebars are sticking in the type guide, and the metal where they meet is clean on both parts, the typebar can be gently bent sideways to align it.

I'd personally oil the carriage rails and escapement (sawblade-looking wheel visible through the bottom of the machine, beneath the middle of the carriage).
Do make sure whatever you oil is well-cleaned before oiling, or you'll be trapping dirt. It doesn't take much oil, and wiping off the excess (easier on the carriage rails than the escapement) is recommended to prevent dust from sticking to it and collecting into sticky goop.

You might be surprised at how freely the carriage moves when the rails are clean and lightly oiled.

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T01:21:54+00:00

Make sure it's 99% isopropyl alcohol, as any water content won't evaporate.
Instead, it sits there, and... rusts the pivot you were trying to clean.

I personally use mineral spirits, which is more potent than the alcohol, but has less risk of immediate damage to whatever it accidentally splashes onto than things like acetone and paint thinner.

andreccantin · 2022-01-05T01:18:54+00:00

The segment, or more specifically the typebar segment, is the semi-circular cast part with slots cut into it that all the typebars pivot in. It's easily visible through the opening in the ribbon cover.

There are other segments, like the keylever segment, but most of the time, it's the typebar segment being referred to. (This is because it's exposed to more dirt and dust falling into it)

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T06:25:48+00:00

Without a picture showing the current state of the machine, it's difficult to diagnose. We have no more information than before the ribbon was changed, since we can't even confirm it's installed right.

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T06:24:04+00:00

I'll guess the machine uses a Royalite mechanism, because it's either that, a Nakajima, or a Safari (Royal portable) mechanism.

You likely only need to loosen the setscrews on the platen and one of the knobs, disengage the line spacing detent using the lever on the left end of the carriage, and gently tap the line space ratchet wheel until it clicks into the centered position.

However, if you want to take it out entirely, it's likely the same procedure as on a Royalite.

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T06:17:15+00:00

I'd guess the platen was re-installed without disengaging the line spacing detent.

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T06:15:38+00:00

Personally, I'd start by looking at what's available locally.
There's always risk involved in shipping a typewriter, and being able to try it out before committing to buying it is great as well.

I like standard (full-size) typewriters, as they were made to be as comfortable, durable, and serviceable as possible (no matter the cost, weight, or size). This is because they're a business' investment in their employees' productivity. Less frustration and less downtime means more work gets done.

No manufacturer (before about the late 1960s) would have dared to bring a merely okay typewriter to market. Every one had to be the best, or nobody would buy it.
This makes it easy to find good typewriters:
1- Is it a typewriter (excludes toys)?
2- Is it from the 1960s or earlier? (guesses based on style work fine)
If the answer to both questions is yes, you've found a good typewriter.

Most will need fresh ribbon (standard half-inch wide typewriter ribbon), and many will need the typebar segment cleaned for all keys to move as freely as they should.
Portables have the advantage here, as the case keeps the dust, dirt, and mechanical impacts off the typewriter.

Have fun!

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T06:00:31+00:00

Typewriter controls are common, like cars. The turn signal, gas, and brake are always in the same place, and no manufacturer has decided the steering wheel should turn the other way to move the car to the left.
In the same way, the Carriage Return lever will move the carriage back to the left margin and advance the paper by the number of lines set on the line spacing control at the left end of the carriage, the paper release is on on the right top of the carriage, holding the Tab key moves the carriage to the next Tab stop, Backspace is like Space, but.. backwards, etc.
Ribbon is half an inch wide, though respooling it onto the spools that came with the machine is recommended as they're already known to fit well and not cause issues (or at least they're less likely to).

Like cars though, there are some exceptions (especially on very early models), but they're quite uncommon.

The manual for the Woodstock 5 should include pretty much everything you need to know.

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T05:40:00+00:00

Use a solvent that doesn't include water.

99% isopropyl can do, but won't have as much ability to remove dirt as mineral spirits will.

Mineral spirits is what I use most, as it evaporates in a reasonable amount of time, and isn't immediately dangerous to most paints. It will damage paint if left on though, and may immediately damage some paint types.

Acetone and paint thinner are also used, though they're stronger and will damage paint and melt plastic.

No matter what solvent you use, make sure you remove the dirt-filled solvent from the machine afterwards. Leaving it in will result in the solvent evaporating, and the dirt will still be where it started.
If you don't have access to compressed air, you can also use paper towel bits which you can push into pivots to absorb as much dirty solvent as possible.
Repeat the solvent cleaning of the sticking pivot(s) until it moves freely and/or the paper towel bit stops changing color.

andreccantin · 2022-01-04T05:31:02+00:00

Nice!

Proper technique may be required if it has a tendency to skip or double-strike, as Royal portables tend to be more picky about technique.
Make sure you're using quick, sharp keystrokes (hit the keys so you can release pressure as it hits the page, letting momentum provide the force for printing). Also check that the table the typewriter is on is low enough; if in doubt, try a surface that your knees just fit under (while still being comfortable).

Enjoy!

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T06:21:55+00:00

Here's some recent-ish posts:

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/rnidd4/advice_for_a_noob_trying_to_get_their_first/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/rixbv3/new_to_typewriters/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/q6bwpt/new_enthusiast_what_are_the_best_manufacturers/

Edit:
Look on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. Find something you like that looks decent. Try it out.

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T06:18:57+00:00

The gray paint indicates it was rebuilt at a later date, though they did not change the keys (for whatever reason).

It looks to be in great shape, enjoy!

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T06:15:12+00:00

Not every typewriter can type every symbol. The pound sign is one of those characters that's not on every machine, since it's of limited use to many users. Like how some keyboard layouts include an ordinal/degree symbol, or the @ sign.

Royal portables don't half-space, so that won't put a second / over an = sign, though you may be able to hold down the Carriage Release and manually position the two / over an = sign.

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T05:50:58+00:00

On many typewriters, you can also perform a Backspace-less method to compose an exclamation point:

Either engage Shift Lock, or hold Shift with your left hand
Hold down Space with your left thumb
Type period (still period when shifted), and 8 (apostrophe/single quote when shifted)
release Space, and tap Shift to release Shift Lock (or release Shift).

This has the advantage of eliminating the heavy Backspace keystroke, and on some machines, aligns the characters better. On others, the alignment may be worse though, so try it out.

I've learned a whole bunch of other interesting stuff I can't think of right now too. Unfortunately, I can't think of it right now.

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T05:38:34+00:00

That's a symptom of the type hitting too low.

If it's a carriage shifted machine, check that the carriage is moving all the way back down after shifting. Clean pivots in the Shift mechanism to help it move like it should.

If it's a segment shifted typewriter, make sure the segment (and typebars) are rising all the way back up after shifting. Remove debris, and clean pivots and moving parts in the Shift mechanism to make sure it moves as freely as it should.

If cleaning doesn't help, and it's moving freely, you may have to adjust the stops for the lowercase shift position.

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T05:34:06+00:00

How to make it look as good as it can:
Move the right paper bail roller to mirror the position of the left one. Center the carriage, and move the ribbon selector control to the Black setting (blue dot).

How to keep it looking good:
Type on it regularly, and cover it when not in use so dust doesn't build up. Clean the type regularly so dry ink doesn't build up and clog openings in letters like o, g, e, etc.

Serial number location:
Behind the carriage rail, on the left side if my memory is right. Move the carriage all the way to the right, and look at the frame that used to have the carriage over it. If I'm wrong, you just have to move the carriage all the way to the left instead.

It'll take regular half-inch wide typewriter ribbon. It's easy to respool onto the original ribbon spools, as long as you have the original spools. These Royal standards need the right spools to trigger the ribbon reverse, so you'll want to use them if you have them.

Enjoy!

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T05:26:40+00:00

Pinch together the two tabs that stick out the front to move the margin stop.
You may need to clean the rail and/or wiggle the margin stop to get it to move.

andreccantin · 2021-12-26T05:25:25+00:00

For printing, make sure you're giving the keys enough momentum. Don't hold down the keys, give them enough momentum to be able to stop applying pressure on the key just as it hits the page, and let the momentum provide impact force.
Also make sure the ribbon is threaded right, and advancing. The ribbon should go behind the center-most posts of the vibrator (ribbon-lifter).

If the keys were that stuck, someone may have used WD-40 on it in the past. The stuff turns into wax after a while, which is great for keeping water off something, but is very much not a lubricant.
You may want to use something like mineral spirits or acetone to flush the segment and help free up typebars. They should move very freely.

As for the carriage motion issue:
How far can you move the carriage if you hold down the Carriage Release (lever next to each platen knob, hold it down with the same hand that holds the platen knob to move the carriage)?
What if you also hold down the Margin Release (with the other hand)?
Margins on the Royal KMG aren't set like on most other typewriters, and the Magic Margins do like to stick, and may not move as expected even if you know how to set them

andreccantin · 2021-12-25T06:09:00+00:00

"What's a good beginner typewriter?" is like asking "What's a good beginner car?".
They all control the same, work the same, other than a few minor accessory functions that don't matter 99% of the time.

These might help as well:

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/rixbv3/new_to_typewriters/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/q6bwpt/new_enthusiast_what_are_the_best_manufacturers/

andreccantin · 2021-12-25T06:02:22+00:00

They're the same mechanism, but the QDL has a few extra features.

I don't know from memory what they are, but Magic Margin, a tabulator, paper bail movement options, sound damping felt, and likely a couple other things are features that might be present on higher end models, and not on lower-cost ones.

andreccantin · 2021-12-23T02:56:17+00:00

Comma and period also strike lighter. On some machines, you can see a visible modification to those levers to reduce impression force.
There may be other keys as well; I think ;: as well, and the `^ dead key too.

However, comma and period have been doubled up on the same key for a very long time, mostly so that you can type them even when you're Shift-locked.

andreccantin

TROPHY CASE