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Interesting Info

The Works: Have you ever wondered how a manual typewriter works on the inside? I have made two drawings of the mechanism in a portable typewriter from keypress to typebar-strike. The first picture is a diagram of the popular Smith-Corona Silent's typebar, and the second is from a less common Webster XL-500.

First Electric: Yes, the first electric typewriter was actually manufactured in the 18th century! George Blickensderfer produced the first electric typewriter in 1902, but practical electric typewriters were not manufactured until about 1925. In 1961, International Business Machines (IBM) introduced the Selectric electric typewriter. From about 1960 to 1980, the standard typewriter industry in the United States withered away. The IBM Selectric II debuted in 1984, but IBM stopped making electric models in favor of the electronic Wheelwriter in the early 1990s. By this time personal computers were becoming more popular.

Standard v. Portable Typewriters: If you don't know exactly what the differences are between portables and standard typewriters, then go to this great page by Will Davis. It is part of his "Portable Typewriter Reference Site."

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning the Type: The best way to clean the type bars on a standard typewriter is simply to use isopropyl alchohol. Dip an old toothbrush into the alchohol and scrub the type. It will evaporate by itself, so not drying is needed. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area.

Cleaning off Ink Stains: First, you should try cleaning with very warm water and a soft cloth. this may work if your typewriter has a smooth finish. If that does not work, try these tips.

Crinkle paint: Soft Scrub and a toothbrush work well. On smooth/ glossy paint, I've found Seventh Generation's all-purpose household cleaner to be the best at cutting through old ink, grease, grime, tobacco residue, etc. -Alan Seaver

Glossy paint: on anything metal made after WWII can be cleaned the same way you would clean metal auto surfaces. The deep-surface paints are trickier and anything that will remove a stain may also change the color there as compared to the rest of the surface. Usually Lysol (ethanol) is OK on paint, but can damage old decals; and there are some 1930s Royal portables with a specific warning pasted in the case lid against "alcohol". I always try Endust first - I've never known that to damage anything. -Ned Brooks

Cleaning the Platen: You can also clean the platen (roller) with isopropyl alchohol. Use an old toothbrush to apply it. Just be sure to keep rotating the platen and drying with a soft cloth so the platen is evenly dried.

Collecting Tips

Finding the Best Deals: If you are going to find the best typewriter deals, check where no one else would think to look. Sometimes a typewriter is hidden back somewhere because when it was obvious, no one bought it. Since it was not selling, the typewriter got placed in an out-of-the-way spot.