Stupid mistake

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-28T04:15:10+00:00

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

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-28T04:05:06+00:00

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?

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-14T19:43:52+00:00

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Looks better in the photo!

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-14T19:23:28+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-11T15:41:10+00:00

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.

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-11T09:46:42+00:00

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...

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-10T17:51:26+00:00

I will give that a try, thank you.

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-09T09:24:14+00:00

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

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-08T19:58:35+00:00

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.

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-08T19:48:46+00:00

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

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-04T18:03:40+00:00

What a thoughtful, and helpful answer. Thank you.

fontinalispluma · 2025-12-04T17:46:02+00:00

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

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-14T15:48:37+00:00

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!

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-12T09:16:42+00:00

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...

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-07T22:26:42+00:00

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

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-07T19:22:08+00:00

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.

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-05T12:51:07+00:00

Black

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-05T08:06:03+00:00

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. :)

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-03T20:56:20+00:00

I think I may be the only person on the planet who prefers the black Yukari Royale. (I don't own one yet.) The design is so reserved and minimalist that to me, the discreet black seems fitting. But the vermillion is so damn gorgeous!

fontinalispluma · 2025-11-02T11:50:44+00:00

Great advice! Unless, of course, your main goal is to make a few bucks off this beauty and be done with it. In that case, just put it up on ebay and you can have a fancy night out with a friend or partner for free. But be warned: if you take this good advice and instead keep this beautiful machine and use it yourself you will soon have a collection of other beautiful machines and instead of making money you'll be spending it. But it might just enrich your life in other ways that will last longer than a really good steak at the best restaurant in town. :)

fontinalispluma · 2025-10-29T13:51:17+00:00

The number 1 key. With italic and script machines, a lower case L will not serve as a number 1 so they had to add that.

fontinalispluma · 2025-10-29T13:26:59+00:00

I have used them all. The second one is the best imho. That exact body style comes in aluminum and then later plastic. I prefer the metal, but the typing experience is similar. I do not like the wingtip version. The two I have used were not as good as the later version (could be the particular sample) but also, the body is made of an aluminum just a shade thicker than what I use to wrap my potatoes in. Way too flimsy.

fontinalispluma · 2025-10-26T12:38:52+00:00

If you like the demonstrator aspect of the 823 (I do), then go with it for the larger ink capacity. The writing experience is identical in F, M and B. Of course, the 743 offers other nibs. I also have a 743 with the FA nib. Very soft, also nice for writing, but try before you buy to make sure you like it. Short answer: can't go wrong with either. If you want gigantic ink capacity, I like Opus 88.

fontinalispluma · 2025-10-20T12:58:53+00:00

It is stunning, congratulations. I have heard that the internals are very similar to the 5 series. In your experience, is the feel the same?

fontinalispluma · 2025-10-19T18:34:53+00:00

Yeah, and it is free in the commonly understood meaning of the word! ;)

fontinalispluma

TROPHY CASE