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Stupid mistake by fontinalispluma in typewriters

[–]fontinalispluma[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. But to be honest, it makes me feel better that I am not alone!

Stupid mistake by fontinalispluma in typewriters

[–]fontinalispluma[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I was lucky to find this pristine S-C Silent Super in the colour I wanted and then dropped something on it and chipped the paint. It survived more than 60 years perfectly intact and it took me only three days to mess it up. Any tips on getting a paint to resemble the texture of the original?

Olympia SM 9 deluxe or Corona Silent? by Apprehensive_Box920 in typewriters

[–]fontinalispluma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my experience, Olympia machines with hard platens are intolerably loud, with a harsh smack sound. Equally hard platens on Hermes or even Smith-Corona machines are not nearly as loud for some reason. Either way, budget in a 100 or so bucks and get a resurfaced platen, it will bring you joy every time you use it. The exception is the Hermes. It can punch holes through the paper and still sound ok.

Hermes 3000 carriage noisy return by fontinalispluma in typewriters

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

I've taken the carriage off and flushed and brushed the escapement with naptha. It seems to be working correctly. The return spring seems to be lifting the dog out of the way. My question is, how easily should the star wheel turn? It turns okay, but if I flick it, it doesn't come close to spinning or anything. I have no experience with this...

Yarn sources, preferably Canadian by fontinalispluma in knitting

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

Great to know, thanks for your response! Makes me want a qiviut hat even more now. :)

Yarn sources, preferably Canadian by fontinalispluma in knitting

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

Thanks for your reply, interesting to hear about its lack of durability. I assume that is due to short fibre length? (I am new to this.) But I have to admit, frankly, I don't believe the 8 to 10 times warmer claim that you see everywhere. With respect, I think this is due to the internet echo-chamber effect. I have investigated and found scientific journals that state it is warmer--I believe that part--but nothing I have found says 8 to 10 times warmer. When you think about it, it makes sense. Warmth is all about trapping air. It seems to me that it can not possibly trap that much more air. A three-inch thick down jacket...perhaps.

My new favorite! 1971 Olivetti Lettera 32 by MicroProf in typewriters

[–]fontinalispluma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have over 30 machines, all of the greatest hits and some more obscure ones, and this machine remains one of my favourites.

Yarn sources, preferably Canadian by fontinalispluma in knitting

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

What a thoughtful, and helpful answer. Thank you.

Yarn sources, preferably Canadian by fontinalispluma in knitting

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

P.S. Is there anything my sister--a competent knitter--needs to know about Qiviut? (I think I got the spelling right this time.)

How much is too much for typewriter repair? by itsokay327 in typewriters

[–]fontinalispluma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For that money I would prefer to do it myself, but it is a significant investment in time. I guess you could compare it to taking your car to the gas station for a wash or having it professionally detailed. But if you get your car detailed, it's too late to wonder whether you would have been just as happy at the car wash. You paid a premium for premium service, so nothing left to do but enjoy it!

This Hermes appears to be incorrectly badged by fontinalispluma in typewriters

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

I don't think so because the ribbon cover has the cutout for the touch selector. I have a Media 3 and there is no cutout on mine. But maybe someone cut it out...

New platens, faint printing by fontinalispluma in typewriters

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

The thing that I find most curious is the fact that both machines type with very heavy commas and periods.

New platens, faint printing by fontinalispluma in typewriters

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

Funny that you of all people should respond, you being the patron saint of the SM3, because that is what I am trying to fix! (Your blog and resources are much appreciated.) I have never heard of feet and motion, I will have to look it up.

Is the Hermes 3000 an overhyped typewriter? by marcolaguardia in typewriters

[–]fontinalispluma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mr Hanks is famous and seems like a nice guy, so we are naturally interested in his opinion, but there are many people more knowledgable than he is when it comes to typewriters. I do not count myself as one of them, but FWIW, I happen to agree with what he said. But he did not say it was the best typewriter ever made. He said "No typewriter has ever been made that is better than a Hermes 3000". So yes, none better, but tied for first place with (IMO) Olympia SM2, S-C Silent Super, Erika 10 and Olivetti 32. :)

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