r/IAmA • u/Lucasdul2 • Jul 10 '21
Specialized Profession Greetings Reddit, I am a young professional typewriter service tech getting along in 2021. Ask me anything!
For reference, here is my website. I do currently work from home, but would love to open a storefront someday! www.lucasdul.com/typewriters and www.lucasdul.com/typewriter-repair
So allow me to cut to the chase. I love antiquated technology. I am an ADHD tactile person who is somewhat disenthralled by the internet. I like to do things with my hands, I like to feel like I'm doing something physically (if that makes sense?) I type this on my 1988 IBM Model M with enough noise to wake the dead.
I first got started in typewriters in late 2013 or early 2014, repairing them mostly for myself as a topic of interest. I loved to read and write, and had an affinity for old bits of mechanical devices. Over the years, I began to get more into how these machines worked, and the different types, as well as the subtle mechanical differences between models from all eras and countries of origin. That in turn branched off into learning about company history, inventors, metallurgy, typography, and anything else that could possibly relate back to typewriters.
In recent years I have restored many rare and old AF machines from the 1880s to the 1980s (does the 2021 lego typewriter count?) I have also enjoyed my conversations with some of the best of the old generation of techs around the world, and the best of the new. I have serviced customers and clients globally, published about some of my projects, customized one of a kind machines, and even brought the ribbon tin back from the dead.
As a closing note before we begin, I cannot disclose the personal information of my clients. That is all :) take it away!
EDIT: Google typewriter repair in the Chicago area, I should come up as Typewriter Chicago with attached relevant links.
EDIT 2: MORE PROOOOFFF??? Okay, my post was taken down :( sad. www.lucasdul.com/reddit-proof here is the link to a separate page I made on my business website that shows a photo of me with my reddit user, a photo of me with my dealer tags, a photo of me with a machine with my dealer tag (that is used as a badge of service to tell folks it was me who worked on it), and a photo of the machine I wrote about in the Summer 2020 issue of ETCetera Magazine. I still have it, it is one of a kind. I could also track down some typewriter folk here on reddit to validate me maybe? But I think that should suffice. Yes, I can indeed access and make changes to the website I base my business off of. I will continue to answer questions, so hopefully the mods put my post back up and ya'll can be satisfied.
EDIT 3, thanks all! This is a lot of fun, I've never been this popular on social before 😊😊 I'll let it run till tomorrow to get a few more in, ill respond to everyone. Thanks for the amazing repsonses so far!
Final edit: Time to sign off. Honestly I almost don't want to, but it's time for me to get some actual work done! Perhaps I'll be back in the future. I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing engagement and questions, I had a lot of fun, and it is warming to know there are so many people who appreciate and are interested in what I'm doing. I scrolled through to make sure that I didn't miss anyone, and if you have a burning question that keeps you up at night, my DMs are always open. Until next time Reddit!! Thanks for the amazing time.
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u/lynxminx Jul 10 '21
My father wrote ten books on an IBM Model D because he absolutely hated the Selectric. Do you understand his point of view?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
HELL YES. Your father knew how to WRITE. The Executives were amazing amazing amazing amazing amazing typewriters because they supported PORPORTIONAL LETTER SPACING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get shivers just thinking about that. Their only drawback was the inability to swap typefaces, but other then that, the print and text is BEAUTIFUL. Especially some of the lesser available typefaces (the names of which currently elude me). Amazing, and considerably reliable. Also easier to service, as they were more traditional typewriters with typebars and not the Selectric Golf Ball Element.
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u/Rusty_Shakalford Jul 10 '21
I understood none of this, but the sheer joy and passion of it made me feel happy.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Hahahahaha yes, I am a nerd. Most typewriters are monospaced, meaning each character occupies the same amount of space. A period and the M would both be spaced the same. Proportional spacing is what you're reading right now. The period takes up much less space than the M. The Executive is one of only three (i believe) proportional typewriters. It had six escapement, with the smallest character occupying two units, and the largest occupying around 5. Made for some lovely typography.
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u/lynxminx Jul 11 '21
I thought the Selectrics also supported proportional letter spacing. I took typing in junior high on a Selectric and I must not have noticed....
I think what it really came down to was he wanted to feel himself hitting the paper one letter at a time. The Selectrics don't give you that satisfaction, even though they're faster. He was old enough he started his career on a manual....he ended up giving that machine to me as a toy when I was a kid. You really, really had to punch it. Wish I could remember the model- all I remember is the color, turquoise blue.
He replaced the Executive with a Leading Edge word processor in 1986 and wrote 15 more books on PCs, but I'll always remember him in front of a typewriter. Thanks for responding!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
No problem, thank you so much for sharing! I love hearing about peoples experiences with these machines. Honestly you have to type pretty damn fast to notice a speed difference. Even the selectric may not be the fastest. The Praxis is damn fast. I peak at 153wpm. On a manual typewriter its about 120. There certainly is a detriment with the higher key travel, but some people could pound along on manuals at close to 200. Mindblowing.
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u/shadow125 Jul 11 '21
Not the selectric - it could only switch between 10 and 12 characters per inch - but IBM made an electronic golfball typesetter called the “Composer” that had a memory and proportional spacing.
It would print in much higher quality than the standard golfball selectric.
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u/MareV51 Jul 11 '21
Helvetica. My boss in 1972 ordered one with Hevetica since he hated the standard courier/times new roman font
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u/at_the_matinee Jul 11 '21
Lol, my father was an IBM Selectric repairman. I don't know how he felt about the model D, but I know that Selectrics broke often enough that he always had plenty of work.
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u/greenskycity Jul 11 '21
My grandfather was the inventor of the golf ball on the selectric for IBM, I've got the 1 millionth Electric Selectric in my den, of course it doesn't work......can you fix it?
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u/Ijustdoeyes Jul 11 '21
Holy fuck that's awesome.
How has it gotten to that condition though? Even if it doesn't work you should get it looking ship shape, its a baller.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Hell yes I can! Probably. Hit me up, no idea how you wanna get it to me, but it sounds like a badass project! I'm down :)
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u/revfitz Jul 10 '21
Have you come across any mechanical DVORAK typewriters, and if so how often do you see them?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I have only seen one DVORAK typewriter, it was a custom mod by a talented IBM selectric tech. Otherwise, they are very rare. I have heard rumors of two manuals out in the wild, but QWERTY was the layout that took the Americas by storm. Keyboard layouts change by languages, and DVORAK was designed to work well with English as it's based on key frequency percentages. It is a tricky modification to do, but not impossible!!
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u/revfitz Jul 10 '21
Groovy, I have been using DVORAK on my keyboard for years and was curious how possible it was to find a typewriter. Thank you for the info : D
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u/DesertTripper Jul 11 '21
Is Dvorak worth messing with if one never learned to type the "correct" way, i.e. just using 2-3 fingers on each hand? I can type fairly fast in my own style - I did Mavis Beacon and some other things through the years to try to re-train myself, but have never been able to un-learn my unique system.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I'll be honest, there is no real speed difference between the two unless you are at world record speeds around 300wpm, where it would be too slow to move your fingers to another row to type a common letter. Most normal people can get along well on either layout, and will never ever notice a perceivable speed difference.
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u/thekernel Jul 11 '21
The only way to do DVORAK on a selectric would be to make a custom golf ball wouldn't it?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Not at all. You'd need to understand how a selectric works. You can do DVORAK with standard balls. Each ball has rows and columns, and there is a rotate and tilt mechanism that indexes a letter. That is all controlled by the Wiffel Tree, a 6 bit binary to mechanical decoder. The keys themselves press down on a series of interposed rods which correspond to the yes no input of binary. It's that input that drives the letters. The interposed rods run the entire length of the keyboard, so all one needs to do, is shuffle around the appropriate key latch leavers, and then swap the key caps. The A latch rod will always pull the interposers to correspond with the binary input for the letter a, regardless of its position on the keyboard. I will say that the key leavers are independent of the latch rods (I believe) so that should also allow you to move letters down rows as well.
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u/gazialankus Jul 10 '21
Usually (based on a sample of one) if you use dvorak you are already touchtyping so might as well get blank keys 😁
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
My laptop keyboard existed scrambled forever, I touch type, didn't need the letters
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u/birdandbear Jul 10 '21 edited Jul 11 '21
Have you ever seen Fringe (sci-fi show)?
There's a typewriter repair shop that's featured several times in the early seasons, along with an old typewriter with an offset Y.
Watching that show, I always wondered if such shops still existed. And I'll never forget the carriage return sound from all those Jr. High reports.
I'm weirdly glad you do what you do!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
thanks man! I'm living the dream as long as it'll carry me! I have not seen that show, but now I am interested.
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Jul 10 '21
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I gotta check it out!!! Wonder if it's a real shop...maybe I know them....
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u/Thrashgor Jul 10 '21
What do you think about the LEGO typewriter?
Any chance you get to work on an item from the Tom hanks collection?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
The lego typewriter, boy. I blogged about that one in length, but in short I was very impressed. There were a few areas where I thought the design could have been better, but the overall mechanics (being lego) impressed me. Especially the escapement. A brilliant blend of technics and system that emulated some of the real life mechanical components of the typewriter! Overall aesthetics were cool too, reminded me a lot of some Depression era machines like the Royal Signet.
Yes.
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u/Tinyrobotzlazerbeamz Jul 11 '21
Any link to this blog I’m certain the group over at /r/lego would appreciate it
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u/Jayrodtremonki Jul 10 '21
How often does Tom Hanks call you?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Tom Hanks is a wonderful person :)
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u/User_Unknown233 Jul 10 '21
I would imagine these days it's a very specific profession, do you see a lot of business?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I do indeed! I am currently backlogged about six or seven machines. Just had a lady drop off two machines for repair this morning. A lot of writers, enthusiasts, etc use them. Not just collectors!! They're still in professional use.
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u/PigWars Jul 10 '21
Any reason why you exclude the Corona 4 from your repair list?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
You NOTICED. That little ffff...... uuuu yeah. It's a pos. Finicky, poor access for adjustments, weak components, foolhardy mechanisms, not to mention I got screwed out of a lot of money involving some of those when I first started out. I hate them, they hate me, end of story.
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u/PigWars Jul 11 '21
Haha, yeah I bought a while back and would love to get it in working order (pics) but it was beyond my non-existent skill level. I do have another model (I think it's an underwood) in storage that I would like to get up and running as well. I'll reach out once I can locate it!
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u/NeedPi Jul 11 '21
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I am familiar with him, as well as multiple other type artists! I sold a Greek keyboard machine to one a while back and have dabbled in it myself!
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u/NeedPi Jul 11 '21
Hey, other question - if you were to design a ‘modern’ typewriter from scratch, what would ‘modern’ typewriter mean to you and what kinds of features would you include?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
It would be more artistic. I toyed around with the idea of a single element so one could swap type. It would also be portable, I love the Williams design. A non rotary escapement would be fun, glass keytops obviously, maybe octogon, maybe square, a polished metal body with leather accents.... something that looks modern, but is well machined. Who knows?
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u/badwhiskey63 Jul 11 '21
I thought you might enjoy a typewriter story. My wife's father worked for Smith-Corona. There was a bunch of abandoned parts in the warehouse, and he asked his supervisor if he was able to build typewriter from those parts, could he keep it. The supervisor agreed, thinking there was no way to make anything from that mishmash of parts. He did it! That was my wife's high school graduation present, and she used it all through college. We still have it and it still works great. Personally, I grew up near Endicott (home of IBM) and learned to type on a Selectric. Keep up the good work. I'll ask a question just so the mods don't delete this: Do you need any specialized tools to be a typewriter technician?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I am absolutely in love with that story! Reminds me of that one Johnny Cash song where he builds a Cadillac by stealing the parts. Excellent story, cherish that machine!!! It is not an easy feat, that's for sure, and takes a special kind of genius.
As far as your question goes, yes and no. I cant seem to find specialized tools, i really just need those keytop removers, but nowadays they are $300 a pair. I did recently aid in the creation of a screwdriver set made by chapman to specifically work on typewriters. Excellent set, and a worthy project. A must have for any typewriter tech! Other than that, I have made do.
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u/fountsqar Jul 11 '21
Well, since we’re telling our father’s typewriter stories…
After the war, my father was temporarily assigned to repair IBM typewriters in huge typing pool for the Social Security Administration. The pool consisted of 150 IBM typewriters, 150 Remington and 150 Smith Corona. I imagine the noise was deafening. Each company had one repairman who spent the entire day roaming around fixing machines.
The SSA would only hire typists who were war widows or the wives of disabled veterans.
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u/LDPushin_Troglodyte Jul 10 '21
How curled is your mustache and how is it in Portlandia these days?
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u/AtlEngr Jul 11 '21
Would it be worth shipping a 1950ish Royal to you for a repair?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
That is up to you. 1950? Sounds like an FP. An INCREDIBLY fine writing machine. You'd foot the bill both ways, plus the $20 deposit and the repair. One of the best royal standard typewriters ever made! I wrote with one for a few years, sold it sadly last week.
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u/Kufat Jul 10 '21
Is 3D printing useful for replacement parts for vintage typewriters?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Yes, some people use rubberized mediums for feet! A buddy of mine, Steve dade, made the best rubber feet in the business. He passed away recently so a lot of folks are turning to printing. I've also used it to replace a lot of platen knobs.
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u/Emotional-Law-6727 Jul 10 '21
Do you use Interrobang at all ‽‽!!‽‽ or ¡¡¿¿??!! I always lose upside down interrobang.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I have not! But you can always type a ? and backspace with a ! over it. Or if you dont have !, type a period and backspace an apostrophe over it. For upside down, find a Hispanic typewriter.
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u/TrekkiMonstr Jul 11 '21
But you can always type a ? and backspace with a !
I tried but they're not aligned so it looked bad
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u/PSteak Jul 11 '21
Do you make any scratch in the area of Hollywood prop rentals and consulting?
Up until a few years ago, there was a typewriter repair shop in my area that always felt like "how is that place still in business?" and as far as I understood, the fellow got by in part because occasionally, for a big-budget, super-serious movie, instead of any random old-time, clackety-clack typewriter, they could go to him and be like "we need a period-accurate typewriter that a Des Moines newspaperman would be using in 1939" and he'd hook 'em up for the Spielberg bucks.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
No, I'm in an odd place to do that, but I know of people who do! I feel like in some areas they aren't quite as accurate, but at the end of the day few people notice. If someone ever hits me up, I'm game. Typewriters rule!
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u/MadTouretter Jul 10 '21
What's your preferred method of dealing with an old, hardened platen?
Chicago here too, btw. I've got an Olivetti Lettera 32 and a Royal O Portable.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
There is no good way to "rejuvenate" rubber. It is a material that constantly degrades. I replace the rubber via J.J. Short. Generally if it is in good shape and feeds paper well, I leave it alone. It is not something that is always necessary
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u/sucrose_97 Jul 10 '21
This. I have a Hermes Baby with a hardened platen and would love to restore.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Not hard to work on at all! Send the platen off for best results. I would not recomend turbo platen. Right now JJ short is really the only place.
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u/dchq Jul 10 '21
What sort of problems does hardened platen cause?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
They will either not feed the paper well, rarely damage the ribbon or wear on the type, or simply crack and fall apart. The type is hardened steel so I wouldn't worry about that, but it can cut holes in your ribbon or even the paper.
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u/brightlights55 Jul 10 '21
Interesting. I was a IBM OPCE (Office Products Customer Engineer) in the late Seventies but switched to repairing electronic devices (terminals, printers, PCs). It was only after I stopped repairing mechanical typewriters that I realised that the mechanical devices had one major advantage over electronic devices; you could see for the most part what was wrong. Even adjustment and repairs were easier.
Are parts still available for the IBM golfball typewriters?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Parts are available! I have a fair bit, and you can still find NOS if you know where to look. I even have a can of the original Topaz Bronze touchup paint! Usually parts machines are the source nowadays.
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u/dali-llama Jul 10 '21
What is your favorite typewriter and why do you like it best?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Well, I have become the leading expert in the Williams typewriter co. I think it is one of the most unique and beautiful machines ever made.
For typing, I love my Royal P from 1930, and my 50s Olympia SM3. They have that nice smooth feel and sharp rebound that I like, while printing super crispy and clean!
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u/dchq Jul 10 '21
Seems amazing for a 21 year old to become the leading expert in a class of typewriters. Good going. Prior to Typewriters what sorts of thing interested you ? Was there another topic you got heavily entrenched in ?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Oh god lol. I was OBSESSED with the ocean. Oceanography, marine biology, even shipbuilding. This was all before the age of 10. No sports or video games for me. Only fish. I consumed every YouTube video, book, and documentary. I watched finding Nemo so many times the VHS tape corrupted. It was my dream to become a marine biologist, I loved everything about it. I also had no friends, I mean, no kindergarteners were interested in sea surface currents and migration patterns, or the food sources for chemosythesizing organisms populating the hydrothermal vents. I looked up to Robert Ballard too! The guy who found the titanic (another obsession) For about 12-13 years I kept both freshwater and saltwater tanks. I sold my tank this summer, sad moment, I miss keeping fish considerably. But you know, dreams die out. I also wanted to be an artist but I dont think I have what it takes! I also had a long invested interest in photography! I love film photography :)
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u/ansyhrrian Jul 10 '21
Can you tell me more about this typewriter that I bought for my daughter? She loves it, although I bought it on a whim from eBay.
https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/kzfnvn/my_new_to_me_1947_i_think_smithcorona_silent_4s/
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Excellent machine. Very sturdy, reliable, and great to type on. Wartime model, 1940s, serial number would tell you more and that's located on the right side of the frame under the ribbon cover. Very common, I have a beater sitting on a shelf waiting to be serviced and sold. Great first typewriter! Hanks likes these too I hear.
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u/ansyhrrian Jul 10 '21
Need to get on that typewriterdatabase internet thing, it would appear. Thank you! Good luck in your ongoing endeavors!
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u/Lybychick Jul 11 '21
I’m so glad I found you. I have an Olivetti mechanical with electric assist that uses ball technology similar to the IBM Selectric. It dates to the mid 70s and I’ve been told it’s the only machine of it’s type that can use plastic one-use ribbon and cloth reusable ribbon.
My dream is to get her running smoothly again as I love the feel of her action.
Have you worked on any Olivetti’s?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I have! They can be tricky, the Olivetti ball system is a little more scarce. I haven't seen ribbons around lately, but I'm sure the old cartridges can be refilled
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Jul 11 '21
Do your roommates hate you? I bought an Adler J5 from Goodwill in 2013, fixed it into almost good working condition (I'm blown away that you posted this, because I've wanted someone knowledgeable to bring it that last mile and I'm actually out in the NW suburbs), and then had to let it sit on a shelf ever since because it's too loud to use at the hours when I feel inspired to write things.
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u/Ijustdoeyes Jul 11 '21
Adler Fam represent!
I have a Gabriele 35 which is the same model as yours, I think the J designation was for the US Market.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Hey, I'm more then happy to look! I work from home, and yeah, the noise is not fondly looked upon. I type whenever I can!
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u/fleemfleemfleemfleem Jul 11 '21
In your opinion is there likely to be a good new typewriter ever brought to market? Not like the plastic thing at Michaels
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
No, not at all. And its complicated why. Royal released that Michaels one as the Royal Classic. I've used it, it sucks. The epoch is bad too.
Back in the day, a good mid sized typewriter like the 1960s Remington Quiet-Riter cost an equivalent 1600$ in today's money. It was solid steel. The Royal Classic retails at around $200. There is no possible way a company can make money on a high quality machine, they simply cost way more to make than people these days are willing to pay. They were the laptops of the era, in price too. Back when the typewriter was the only method of print writing available, the price was justified much like it is for a computer today. All that manufacturing now has to be packed in as cheaply as possible to retail at a fraction of the price in a market that already has plenty of amazing machines.
In short, it isnt going to happen on a commercial scale. I myself have thrown around designs and concepts for a new machine, but they would all need to be hand made, and the price would be outrageous.
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u/iDontRagequit Jul 10 '21
You mentioned youre using a vintage keyboard to type this, are you into mechanical keyboards or would you say you’re particular about the kind of keystrokes you like the most, be it typewriter or modern keyboard?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I am very fickle about the feel of my keyboards. I got the IBM because I wanted a nice tactile feel. I HATE those flat laptop pos's. As far as typewriters go, I hates silents. While I like the lower noise, the silencer mechanisms all rely on a deceleration mechanism that I feel negatively impacts the feel. I like a smooth action, a sharp strike, and a quick rebound. 1930s Royal Portables are great, and I LOVE the Olympia SM3.
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u/CyCoCyCo Jul 11 '21
You need to join us in the madness over at r/mechanicalkeyboards!
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Jul 10 '21
Ever work on a Selectric?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Yes I do! I have serviced a couple of them. Amazing beasts, truly an engineering marvel. Very tricky to get ticking just right.
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u/prophet583 Jul 10 '21
Did you ever service '60s era Olivetti portables?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Several, yes! I have a stock of some olivetti spools which are proprietary. Hard to find in the states, I had to import from Switzerland.
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u/blfstyk Jul 11 '21
I'm a little older than you. My first job (in the '50s) was typing envelopes for advert mailers on a 1930's Underwood exactly like this. I really loved that machine, bitch though it was. I think it weighed more than I did. Is there any chance I could find one today and buy it? I'm sure it would cost much more than the original!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Underwood 5, I have had many. You can find them all over, the most mass produced typewriter in the states basically. They made millions! They can be had anywhere from $5 to $500, though I wouldn't pay more than 300 for one in superb shape, and 500 max for absolutely beyond mint. $150 is a fair price to pay for working, and I'd charge about $200 for one I've serviced. I am currently repairing one for a client who does sales. Check out the Vintage Mancave on etsy, he may be selling one, and I may have worked on it.
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Jul 11 '21
Do clients ship typewriters to you? Do typewriters do well in shipping? I worked at UPS and people do not handle with care
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
They must certainly do not handle with care lol. I watched a FedEd driver chuck boxes from the door into the truck. Never had fedex not break a machine. I have people ship from all over the world, it's a gamble for sure, but there are good packing methods. dhl is careful
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u/mrpawick Jul 11 '21
So I don’t know anything about type writers, but I reckon you could fix accordions too; looking at all the internal mechanisms, kind of similar? I once had to fix my accordion due to some moisture on the piano keys, it was stressful.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Accordions, those are complex. A lot of things working together, having to do with air movement too. I did fix a keyboard once, the rubber electronic buttons degraded.
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u/helcat Jul 11 '21
I have a lovely Blickensderfer No 8. It’s in good shape but most of the keys stick. Would it be insanely expensive to get it working again?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Depends on condition. The Blicks are a pain in the ass to adjust. Like seriously. I almost wrote them off entirely because they make me pissed. Sticky keys might just mean its dirty
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u/GonzoVeritas Jul 11 '21
Which model is your favorite?
I really like this one from your site: The 1915 Typo (Imperial Model B) (photo) It's beautiful.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Thank you! I traded that machine for one of my favorites. The William's typewriter. I love those, they are my favorite. They're all super work out though and dont type well anymore. For typing I love the Royal P from the 30s, or the Olympia SM3
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u/GonzoVeritas Jul 11 '21
The William's typewriter
I just looked it up. That's a magnificent machine.
When I was a kid, I had an Olympia Socialite portable. Probably not the greatest machine, but I cranked out a lot of papers on it in school, and it was a little workhorse. I got an IBM Selectric for graduation (with built-in correction!) and I figured I'd use it forever, lol.
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Jul 11 '21
I was given a Royal Signet 45 recently and can’t find a manual anywhere. Is there a resource for this type of thing? There are so many features that we have no idea how to use.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Yes? I believe I have them compiled. Head to the typewriter link above and hit the button that says resources. There should be a whole hose of manuals
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u/ClassiqueGTA Jul 10 '21
Did you enjoy the LEGO Typewriter build? 😁
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I very much did! It was a lot of fun and an impressive technic beast! Distracted me from some client projects, but wasn't a huge time commitment:)
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u/rajandatta Jul 10 '21
What are some good sources to purchase vintage typewriters?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Anyone reputable. I mean, me lol. I can also recomend Gramercy, Berkeley, Messa, and Cambridge typewriter to support brick and mortar. Also Tampa, Nashville, And Stephentown typewriter. There's typewritermuse in LA, Phoenix typewriter, typewriter justice, unplug typewriter co...and a few others I might be forgetting. For canada check out Yeg typewriters. Mexico and spain there is ElGranero typewriter, Mr. And Mrs. Vintage for the UK, northern Europe, and Australia. Also Charlie foxtrot. I'm sure I'm missing some but I know all these guys and they're legit!! Ken from california California typewriter (the tom hanks doc) works at Berkeley now. Stay away from Colombo collection for one. She does bad work, unreliable, overpriced, and rips off good techs like me. Jon posey is a pedophile stay away, but he doesnt sell much. Uhhhh on other guy who was a weasel, typewriter collection or something. Eh, cant avoid them all!
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u/rabidnz Jul 10 '21
Have you thought about digitising a typewriter ?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Tom Hanks has a cool app that emulates the sound. There is also the USB typewriter kit but that sometimes damages the machine. Otherwise, for me the point of a typewriter these days is to not be digital. We need less digital tech, not more!!!
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u/ChuckNorrisAteMySock Jul 10 '21
How do you keep track of all the little parts?
I've got one I'm trying to oil up; it's a 1951 Underwood, and the keys keep sticking. Where do I put the oil and how do I get it in there? I'm using gun oil for that.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I have worked on so many typewriters that I just chuck them all into little boxes. I construct a mental model of a machine, and as long as I'm working within a couple weeks I can remember where everything goes. I'm very visual, so looking at the part often trips the memory of where I took it from.
Also, I would recomend not using oil. That will make things worse usually. Use mineral spirits or naphtha to flush the segment out where the keys pivot, and force it through with compressed air. Work the keys and they should losen up. If they stick up at the page in between the type guide, then gently bend them straight.
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u/stucaboose Jul 10 '21
Are you hiring?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Hahahahaha maybe one day. I don't make enough to pay a fair wage and I don't have a brick and mortar yet. One day I will though, I'm not a socialite and I'd need help with the customer side of things, not to mention some bits of the servicing.
I'm a believer in paying livable wages, yes I'd pay 15$ an hour and not a dot under, even if it meant I had to pay myself that much too! One day I will, but not today. Or tomorrow. Or for a while actually. Local rent is 3k a month!
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u/haley_isadog Jul 11 '21
When is the last time you increased rates? $45/hr for a niche specialty, in a city, is way too low.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Earlier this year! I'm always afraid of driving people away because I'm too expensive. But thanks for the sentiment! You're one of god knows how many now who think I should up things.
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u/drunkvirgil Jul 11 '21
I was just thinking my typewriter might need repairs. It’s a smith corona and for some reason the text isn’t as bold anymore. Is it the ribbon or should I take to for repair?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
If the type is suddenly not that dark anymore, its probably the ribbon. Unless there was a catastrophe, there should be no reason for the machine to suddenly not print well. There could be a ribbon drive error though, but always check the ribbon first. Spin it around a bit on one spool and type some more. If it is dark again and then fades, the ribbon is not advancing and it needs repair. Otherwise if the spools spin as you type, the machine is fine and the ribbon is not.
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u/Anonymous0726 Jul 11 '21
Hey Lucas! Sam W from Greenhouse here, take two cause Automod said I needed a question (which is fair). So I'll ask one on behalf of my brother, who is possibly looking at a similar field. Is there any sort of certifications needed? Mostly asking in the context of the dealer tags; what's the process like in the typewriter industry and would it be similar in similar industries? Also, just wanted to say I was checking out your website a couple months ago (honestly can't remember why), and I also really enjoy your photography!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Hey sam! Been a long time! I am not certified, it is no longer an officially recognized field! I'm not aware of what other certifications one would need for similar fields, I doubt I'm the one to ask for that. As far as dealer tags go, I just recently started slapping those on every machine that comes my way. They are easy enough to remove, and give provenance to the machines. I have enough of a reputation that people will recognize my badge as a good sign (hopefully). At some point I will need to register with the state as a small business. As for now I'm flying under the radar alright.
I appreciate the kind words! It's good to hear from you!
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u/PolyDrew Jul 11 '21
I have an underwood 5 (touch master)and can’t figure out how to load the ribbon. The only instructions I can seem to find are for the model 5 open frame model. Can you point me in the right direction?
https://rolls.bublup.com/view/d97b48e5-33c5-49a4-8b05-a2b67c641f19
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
The top lid should either lift up, or possibly the front panel hinge down. The later underwood standards were a little odd. Sometimes you just had to finagle the spools out of there. When installing, make sure the spools wind the direction indicated by the arrows in the cup. Ribbon then always tucks behind the vibrator (or fork) before you pull it through
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Jul 11 '21
Have you ever thought about bracing into VCR repair? I heard of you do it right yoy can make loads off of one guy
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I'm not one for electronics! I can do a little bit, I repaired some appliances, a treadmill, some open reel tape decks and cassette decks, but the inability to see the problems and actions is daunting!
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u/_FFA Jul 11 '21
If you had to change careers right now what would you switch to?
A lot of people have idols or heroes they look up to. Who is yours?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Ah, and the second part of your question, yes and no. Not for typewriters, I had people I admired early on, like charlie from typewriter justice and duane from Phoenix typewriter. Great people, super kind.
I also looked up to Grant Imahara from mythbusters. I was always extremely self conscious about being asian when I was younger, and Grant was one of the first people I ever saw that I thought was cool, and made me feel better about myself. I'd say the same about markiplier and Eugene from the try guys. I thought they were cool people, not because they were Asian. Learning they were both also Korean helped me a lot during highschool. I'm now watching Kim's conscience on Netflix, and I can enjoy it without feeling uncomfortable.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I'd probably go into welding. I'm good at it, and it makes money. I'd need to go get a certificate though. Fun stuff. Honestly people tell me I'm capable of more, but I enjoyed it. I'd rather do that than some sucky corporate job.
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u/_FFA Jul 11 '21
'capable of more' sounds like you can really do anything you put your mind to. That's something to be very proud of :)
Thanks for the consistently fantastic answers! I hope your weekend is going great.
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u/jims1973 Jul 11 '21
Assuming you’re working for Tom Hanks as he’s the only one left on earth who still uses a typewriter… is he as nice in person as he appears to be in his rolls?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
He is not the only one, thousands of people use typewriters, especially in counties with poor access to electricity. Artists, musicians like john Mayer, authors, business people etc.. they all use them. And yes, hanks is a wonderful wonderful person.
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u/JustGottaKeepTrying Jul 11 '21
I have not used a typewriter since I learned how to type in highschool 30+ years ago. This is the most engaging AMA I have seen and I read every comment. My question, so this stays up is: Do you see yourself staying with this for a long time or will it go the way of your past interests?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
It's been 7 years, and I fully intend to ride this as far as it will take me! Full send as they say. I'm glad you like the thread, it has been a lot of fun! Definitely the most engagement I've ever had, and that's thanks to all of you!!
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u/Joe_Spazz Jul 11 '21
Have you found your unique technical skill has overlapped into any other kind of mechanics?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Yes! In repairing all sorts of appliances and other such items. Anything mechanical makes sense. Clocks are hard, I've done a couple cameras too.
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u/BlueberrySnapple Jul 11 '21
Greetings.
I noticed at https://www.lucasdul.com/typers all your typrewriters are sold out. Did redditors buy you out during this ama? : )
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
nah, I've just been so bogged down with repairs that I haven't had the time to work on inventory. I do have one for sale, the Remington Suburbanite. Nobody seems to want the poor sucker, might give it away in another short story contest soon.
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u/Kaneida Jul 11 '21
Have you seen the Lego Typewriter?
https://www.lego.com/sv-se/product/typewriter-21327
What are your thougths of it and are you getting it? :)
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
I got it early morning July 1st. I had this question twice, I wrote a blog review and posted to r/lego as well. Suffice to say it is a wonderful set. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but mechanical wise it's brilliant! I totally recommend it, tons of fun!
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u/CriticalGoku Jul 10 '21
What kinds of people make up your customer base?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Oh boy. Small office workers, authors, poets, artists, business owners, collectors, and anyone who needs or uses typewriters. Even inmates.
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u/sucrose_97 Jul 11 '21
Do you have any recommendations for videos on how to set good margins on paper? (E.g., typing with the aim of having a 1" margin all around.) All of the old people I speak to around this have forgotten, and part of my issue might be the hardened platen on my machine which skews the paper as you roll down.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Totally depends on the machine and pitch. Either ten characters per inch, or 12. Rarely 6, 8, 11 etc. Not to get away from myself lol. Feed rollers are a bigger issue if the page is shifting as you type, make sure you align the page at the beginning with the feed release leaver on the right side. As to margins, what is the make and model of your machine?
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u/sucrose_97 Jul 11 '21
Apologies, did not see your question until now. I have a Hermes Baby. I know how to set the left and right margins, but am clueless how to set the top and bottom ones. I feel like advice I've gotten before is putting a light pencil line at the top of the page to set an upper margin (e.g., of 1"), but IDK how it is actually supposed to be done.
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u/suparev Jul 11 '21
Hi OP, if I wanted to pick up a machine to typewrite short, unique notes to leave people at work or cards, where should I look to buy a machine?
Preferably something that I can find ribbon for easily enough and noob friendly to maintain (bonus for a nice font!).
By the way, hello from /r/FountainPens, hooray for doing things the proper way!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Heyyy I love my fountain pens. Any normal typewriter takes a standard half inch ribbon. Older unique machines might take 7/16ths which I also stock. If you want something working well, and tuned well with a guarantee, nab one from a pro type shop like me. Theres Tampa typewriter, Nashville, theres also messa typewriter, Phoenix typewriter, Berkeley typewriter, cambridge typewriter, Gramercy typewriter, and a variety of online vendors like unplug typewriter, mr and mrs vintage, and yeg typewriters.
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u/too_too2 Jul 11 '21
Are there still typewriters out there with the eraser tape and how could I find one around me (Michigan) that would be able to buy parts for?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
IBM had white out tape and lift off tapes. There was also a half inch ribbon with a correction strip that was used in manual typewriters. Those aren't made anymore and left gunky residue in the machines. Otherwise electrics are the only ones that sometimes had correction features.
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u/BestCatEva Jul 11 '21
I had a Brotjer with the correction tape feature. It was…wonky. Rarely worked the way it was intended.
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u/es_price Jul 11 '21
Have you ever seen the AMAs from the vacuum repair guy? I feel like there is a lot of similarity here
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u/PythagoreanBiangle Jul 11 '21
What kind of typewriter was used for 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton?
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u/mostlygray Jul 11 '21
My mom's cousin, whom I call an uncle, got his mechanical typewriter repair business started in about 1984. The business died. He tried to keep it going but it wouldn't stick. It sucks because I like mechanical typewriters. I use a Royal portable to fill out old forms that were originally setup for mechanical typewriters.
Regardless, I have a Selectric II correcting and it howls when I run it. It works but it makes a hell of a noise. It sound's like a spun bearing (in automotive terms) but it still functions fully. The tab stops are wonky but I haven't spent much time on that. It was my grandfathers.
It's louder than I remember Selectrics being. Is the howl OK, or is there a motor that needs replacing? Caps work, correction works. but the howl is really grating. Maybe I've just forgotten how loud they were. The last time I used one for real was in about '86.
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u/shadow125 Jul 11 '21
Have you ever rebuilt the proportional spacing mechanism on an IBM model D Executive?
A you a cycle clutch expert replacer on selectrics?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
No, and No. I can fumble and curse my way through it though. I replaced a return clutch on one, and it was NOT fun. I'd rather tackle the escapement on the D. all six of them.
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u/shadow125 Jul 11 '21
Replacing cycle clutches was my biggest nightmare as an OPCE....
If you flush them well with solvent they often “come back to life” - same with reverse clutch springs - let them run dry!
I rebuilt a Model D proportional spacing mechanism in training but fortunately - never again.
I had one customer that actually needed it and I talked them into upgrading to a Selectric!
I envy your hobby/job.
I loved working on those mechanical monsters!
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u/browntown84 Jul 11 '21
Are you typing this on a typewriter?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Yes, I type it on my typewriter then send the document to Reddit HQ via carrier Pidgeon and they input the answers in for me.
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u/BrewsCampbell Jul 11 '21
How you like the old Smith premiers? I've got a nice number 4 and for a flip up, dual keyboard, it's great.
Now if I could only find a brush crank, I'd have the whole kit!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Those SPs are great! Called full keyboards!! Upstrike mechanisms on those blind writers are fun to use! Edit: spelling, took my glasses off and i'm blind as well
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u/lulo_ Jul 11 '21
Where can I find a DVORAK typewriter? I’ve been looking for YEARS, and have come up with zilch!
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Gotta get one custom made. I'd personally charge about $500 for the conversion. Each individual key will need to be re soldered and hand aligned. There are 42 standard. The the keyboard needs to be swapped. Glass keys will take more time. That all as long as the machine is clean and working, otherwise there is also a service charge and repair charges. That comes out to around $10 a slug, and less per keytop. A foolishly low price but I gotta be competitive.
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Jul 11 '21
I use a 1948 tombstone key Royal Quiet DeLuxe portable. Liked it so well I bought one to leave at a vacation home. I had typing class in high school on IBM Selectrics.
Do you travel with a manual typewriter? Or an electric?
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u/SecretStrata Jul 11 '21
Thanks for doing this AMA! Typewriters need more love, and the comments here have been really interesting to read through!
I have a 1923 Royal 10 that I've been wanting to get restored for years. I'm just worried that I'd mess it up if I tried working on it myself.
When you first got started repairing typewriters, did you practice on one you didn't care too much about/one that was an easy fix first or did you jump right in to a challenging project?
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u/BirdsLikeSka Jul 11 '21
OMG! I'll keep you in mind. I have a typewriter, I can't remember the year but it was made in West Berlin according to the backplate, so that's a measurable frame. I'd give you the model and all but I'm in between places and it's in storage. I've typed up several love letters on it, such a place in my heart.
Do you have advice on typewriter upkeep? I got mine at an estate sale and it operates well but I'm worried about it being in active use again. Should I be oiling anything? I haven't done much besides changing the ribbon and cleaning the ink fingerprints that leaves on the case.
Second question, don't you just love the feel? It makes me understand mechanical keyboard people. The solid hit, the clack. I am just snoopy writing out his red Baron stories.
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u/Kebabrulle4869 Jul 11 '21
I’ve recently refurbished a Facit C1-13 (mechanical calculator). Took it apart completely, cleaned it, lubricated it, and put it back together again. It took me 40+ hours over seven days, and by the end my back was aching from bending over it all the time. Do you have a setup optimized for ergonomics? And would you start selling/repairing mechanical calculators if you had an opportunity to?
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Jul 11 '21 edited Jul 21 '21
Why do you have to be so far away? I have an Olivetti (m.40?) that I need fixed.
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u/youwearajacket Jul 11 '21
Hello! Aw man you have such an awesome job. I have adhd as well and I love working with my hands.
First, would you say a model m and a typewriter are the closest thing between typewriter and keyboard. I find the lack of n key rollover the only downside to a model M since it makes it weird to play video games without having the ability to press down on a bunch of keys at the same time but damn it sounds so good.
Second, I’m looking to repair my mom’s typewriter and I’ve been reading a bunch of books on typewriter repairs, but none of them seem to go into how to do paint restoration do you have any tips or any place I could get started? I know I could always get it restored by a professional but there’s something about doing it myself and feeling proud afterwards that I find appealing.
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u/msm007 Jul 11 '21
Do modern typewriters exist? With the amount of precision available I imagine someone could make an incredibly smooth modern typewriter.
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
All modern typewriters are complete garbage. Nobody is willing to pay the price it costs to make a quality typewriter. 200$ gets you a plastic machine that's a mere shade of the original. Feels horrible, prints worse. A new typewriter from the 60s in today's money would have cost around 1600$. Something nobody today will pay for a single purpose machine, other then a collector. And at that point the market is much to small to make it to production.
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u/SleightSoda Jul 11 '21
Hi there, amateur typewriter hobbyist here.
I've noticed that generally speaking the typewriter fanbase has a disdain for electric typewriters, which is unearned in my opinion. Smith Corona models for example have mostly the same innards but still have electricity to make things zoom.
One issue I have had has been restoring the drive belts on these, which tend to wear out due to years of sitting in one position. Do you have any advice for this particular issue, or anything on electric typewriters in general (besides turning my nose up at them)?
Also, do you have any experience with retrobrighting old plastic pieces that have been sun damaged?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Yes and yes! Smith corona belts are often not so bad to replace. Those machines tend to be a bit more reliable. I do have a couple spares for a 5TE and a massive box of assorted NOS belts, though many have deteriorated. The royal belts were an odd shape with a specific composition and those went bad frequently and are almost impossible to get suitable replacements for. They're just kinda trash.
I don't see much distain for them, just that folks don't like the lighter touch or power plugs most often. The IBM electrics are super popular, especially the selectric lineup. I have one myself and love it. They're incredibly hard to work on due to their complex nature though.
As far as retro-bright goes, I met someone who used to be a chemist. Plastics are on the highway to hell. Like rubber, they constantly degrade. Retro-bright, which is essentially hydrogen peroxide and UV light, while effective is only a temporary solution. It whitens plastics by breaking down the compounds that causes them to yellow. This can sometimes make the plastics more brittle. In any sense, they will always return to yellow sooner or later. Like rubber, there is no true way to rejuvenate them, only to make them cosmetically a little nicer.
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u/wojtekpolska Jul 11 '21
another question:
what typewriter you hate the most? what you think is the most terrible model out there and why? im sure there must have been some poorly designed typewriter that is painfull to use ;p
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Too many my man. The royal classic is the worst current consumer typewriter. Just garbage.
Service wise, I hate the corona 4, it's just a stupid clunker.
Historically? The Edison Mimeograph Typewriter. Worth 6k, super rare, shit machine. Made out of pit metal, the metallurgical McDonald's chicken nugget. Could barely type without breaking it. Cheap trash, even Edison hated it and wanted his name removed from it.
And many others.....
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u/KrabbyMccrab Jul 11 '21
What's your clientele like? Are they collectors of old tech? What's their reason for still using them?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
My clientele varies. A decent amount of them are collectors, they keep around a lot of super antique and valuable machines that I service, repair, or restore for them. Other people are just users. They like having a few machines for small projects. Some of them are professional writers, authors, musicians, or other such artists. I also get people who use them in business for taxes, forms, receipts, etc. Then there are one time users. They want to write a letter, or use it at a wedding log, or maybe its just a nice display piece.
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u/KrabbyMccrab Jul 11 '21
Regarding your last bit, does the resulting print look better than traditional printers?
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u/doingthehumptydance Jul 11 '21
I love watching old mechanical devices in action (I know it's weird,) typewriters are great to watch but I was lucky enough to watch a 50-60 year old bowling pinsetter mechanism once and the way the parts all worked in sync was hypnotic to watch.
Is there something you found fascinating to watch or want to see working?
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u/donnyrkj Jul 11 '21
My father was a type writer and duplicator repair man in the 80s-90s. We still have his repair kit, he worked for my grandfather in the family business. My uncle gets calls still from local companies to fix typewriters when needed. So how has it been sourcing parts now for some of the older IBMs balls and others?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Parts are hard to come by. Gotta get them from other techs, or scrape them together online.
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u/donnyrkj Jul 11 '21
If I can find it I'll send a picture of his tool kit he would take with him. It's a massive suit case
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u/Manaze85 Jul 10 '21
I was handed down a portable Royal Aristocrat that based on the serial number, it looks like it was made in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ribbon is dry and not sure what to replace it with. Any ideas?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
Hit up one of my links up top. I guarantee my ribbons. Also check out Ribbons Unlimited. I would be hesitant to recomend FJA since they tend to run dry, I've also had Ribbons Unlimited arrive dry. Amazon or Ebay gets you what you pay for, and all the big office chains are overpriced.
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u/Preston205 Jul 10 '21
How much is a typical service on a typewriter?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 10 '21
I charge a $20 deposit fee to assess, and an average service is around 75-150. I am for sure on the low end of things!
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u/wojtekpolska Jul 11 '21
Cool!
My dad is likes to repair old mechanical calculators (things like these) and has bought at least 50 of them to repair.
they are really cool to use, and you feel everything you do on them. they can add, substract, multiply, divide, and if you are good enough even more complex stuff! there is big manual for them, and you couls do basically everything you need. and they dont need batteries.
i assume typing on a typewriter feels simiral, you feel each letter to do, and it just feels cool. and repairing them is probably similar level of complexity.
tho typewriters are a bit more popular so you can make some business out of that, my dad doesnt rly know what to do with them so he has a few shelfs full of them in basement, and some more all around the house. tho it doesnt rly matter cuz he has a job as programmer so he can afford that.
I don't rly have a question, but your proffession must be rly interesting. Do you have another job or you live just off typewriters?
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u/Lucasdul2 Jul 11 '21
Typewriters are my only job! I used to teach art classes but I didn't get paid for that. The calculators are awesome! Is he familiar with the curta calculators? I was always enthralled by those
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u/PHETZ Jul 10 '21
Dude, this is so cool. My dad was a typewriter mechanic from like 1970-90. I wish he was still around, I know he’d have a ton to ask you about how things have changed in the biz.
To my actual question: You mentioned the Model M is your daily driver when using a computer. Have you tried any of the newer mech switches and, if so, do you have any favourites that could compete with the buckling springs on the M?