So far, I have found two amazing typewrites at a local Goodwill in Phoenix Arizona, both for only $7.00. One of them is a Smith-Corona Silent-Super (from the 1950s) and an Underwood-Olivetti Lettera 22 (also from the 50s). Both in perfect working condition!
The Smith-Corona Silent Super-great machine all around. But that Olivetti Lettra-good machine and all, but YECCCHH!! Gotta touch that’s about as soggy as a pound of wet liver.
Here from the "what to do when you get a new typewriter" video and love this one too! Looking forward to doing some exploring online and IRL later this month when I have some time off! Thank you Sarah! 😊❤👍
Packing typewriters, or any heavy yet delicate object, all centers around immobilizing the object within the packaging. Set the margins to the middle so the carriage can't move (or secure it with plastic wrap or something.) Wrap the thing at least two or three times in bubble wrap or sheet foam. Put it in a box with at least three inches between the typewriter and any surface of the box. Pack it in semi-rigid foam or peanuts (no pillows or crumpled paper. It won't hold up.). The idea is that the typewriter should be in the middle of the box and there should be enough padding that it takes some coordination to hold the box closed while you seal it. Then double tape every seam (top and bottom) to make sure the box doesn't bust open. If it is a particularly valuable machine, double box it. (A typewriter with a hard case fits this description already.) Put that box in a box that is an inch or two larger and pad accordingly. Do these things and you'll have no problems. After having a couple of objects damaged by people who didn't understand how to pack this sort of thing, I've taken to advising sellers of that fact and very politely and in an easy, friendly manner suggesting that I'd be really happy to see something like what I just described. I have had FAR better luck since and haven't gotten any push back from sellers. In fact, just the opposite. Most have been grateful for the advise since it helps them give future buyers a better experience. Just make sure it is a suggestion and not something you simply demand and people are usually going to be receptive.
Re: thrift stores not having typewriters - you probably live in a city where there Goodwills participate in the ShopGoodWill program and put their best stuff up on the auction site. This is becoming more common and it causes a city to go from being a Mecca for typewriter hunting to a desert in a matter of weeks. That brings up another source to find typewriters - the shopgoodwill.com auction site. Same caveats as Ebay, though, more expensive, greater risk of shipping damage, etc. Best plan though is the one we all eventually settle on: become the "person who's happy to take that heavy hunk of iron off your hands" and have them gifted to you from people looking to make space and loathe to throw away a perfectly good writing machine. (:
A couple months ago I found just what I was looking for at an antique shop in Roseville, CA; I've been very keen on acquiring an old 1910's Underwood No. 1-5, and I found one! It was only $18, needed a new ribbon, the bell doesn't work at the end of the line, but I'm trying to learn how to fix that. I don't know *exactly* what kind of Underwood it is though...? In the store it had a price tag on it that just said: "1917 Underwood." , and I mean, it looks very much like an Underwood No. 1-5 , but it doesn't have the classic brass letters above the platton, it just says it in silver. And the front doesn't have any of the Underwood painting on it that identifies what it is, it just says Underwood in silver there, too. If anyone knows anything I'd love it if you'd let me know. But other than that it has been amazing! I love the 1910's era and most of the machines that came from it, I love that typewriter. :D
Hey there- I'm only seeing this now- why does youtube hide things from me!?!?! If you send me a photo, I might be able to help you figure out what model it is! Here's my email- justmytypewriter@gmail.com sorry for the late response!
Great video! Unfortunately, where I live I have never seen a typewriter selling for less than $50. I have found machines in yard sales but these have often been in awful states of disrepair and neglect. Wherever it is that your finding machines under $30 must be a great region for collecting!
I'd like to offer a counter view. If someone is interested in serious writing projects, they could spend considerably more for a fantastic typewriter. Whats a few hundred bucks when you spread that out across decades of use?
It is possible to also have a typewriter you get for 25$ and repair or clean on your own to also last that long. I agree with your point, though, if someone only wants one and wants to use it in that function. A high cost can be such a barrier to entry which is why I think it's important to show that there are other ways to get a working typewriter. Thank you for your feedback!
In my mind, I see two factors: 1. A typewriter doesn’t have to be necessarily all that expensive-unless you are entirely mechanically disinclined. I’ve known typists who were. They were my best repeat customers. Bear in mind, though, if you do find something for a reasonable cost-be prepared to have a repair or two effected on it-probably by a shop, so allow for a repair bill. 2. If you are even somewhat mechanical, a lot of things could be missed by the seller and you could get a machine fairly cheap on just what you know. Hooo boy! The stories I could tell on some really good deals I’d made as a youngster!! And then there was the 1953 Underwood upright I dug out of a dumpster, shoved a couple of junkers into it, and used it to type my senior year’s research paper (it got an A-both times!!). Years later I painted it hammertone bronze and sold it for $60.00. I got another one-a 1959 Underwood Touch Master II and I’m keepin’ that one-it’s my mother’s last typewriter before she passed away.
I'm really enjoying your videos, so thank you! I got lucky at Goodwill once: In fact, they were going to throw out the typewriter I paid $14.99 for. One cashier insisted someone would buy it, and then I showed up. She told me her coworkers were going to throw it in the dumpster. It's totally operational, just very dirty. I'm curious what your thoughts are on another I have: An old Underwood with most keys totally frozen in place. Right now my plan is to completely disassemble. Any thoughts are appreciated, if you've seen this issue before! :) Thanks again for sharing your experiences.
Hey! I definitely suggest try brushing the keys with mineral spirits (so the metal bars inside where the key bars connect to the typewriter). Then try moving the bars up and down just to work the mineral spirits in there. Then try hitting the bottom of the typebars (like when you turn the typewriter over and see the bars) with some mineral spirits as well. Just make sure you dry all the residue off, but it's amazing how quickly that can free up keys because it just gets rid of dust and gunk. You might have to hit it a few times with mineral spirits and work it in there over time, but it's a really less invasive and quick way to loosen up keys. I also definitely suggest looking into Phoenix Typewriter on youtube- they have tons of really helpful repair videos.
@@JustMyTypewriter Thank you for your thoughts! Sadly, I've done all those things. Hehe. I guess at this point, I will just have to take it apart. I've examined it really closely, but I don't see any visible issues. All I can think is it must be something I can't see. P.S. Love that you're dad's a mechanic. I went to school for automotive technology, myself, so it's fun working on a different type of machine! :)
I’ve had years of real experience with Underwood typewriters, and yes, they DO freeeeeze but solid. I myself use charcoal starter fluid or diesel and automatic transmission fluid. Put the machine in a well-ventilated area and wet it down with tranny fluid, let soak for a day or two. Exercise everything that looks like it once moved while using charcoal starter fluid to loosen it up while you’re exercising the joints. You can also use the diesel for this too. Once you get everything loosey goosey wipe out excess and put in some more tranny fluid and exercise everything. You do NOT have to dismantle the machine-there are at least 2000-plus parts to keep up with. And if there are still issues to deal with-which it being an Underwood upright there will be (good machines but they don’t do long morrows in storage very well), you can at least cut down in the repair bill some if the machine is even somewhat mechanically functional.
This Novice definitely learned a lot from this video, thank you!
happy to have helped!
So far, I have found two amazing typewrites at a local Goodwill in Phoenix Arizona, both for only $7.00. One of them is a Smith-Corona Silent-Super (from the 1950s) and an Underwood-Olivetti Lettera 22 (also from the 50s). Both in perfect working condition!
That's great! I never find them here, but many people have great success at Goodwill
The Smith-Corona Silent Super-great machine all around. But that Olivetti Lettra-good machine and all, but YECCCHH!! Gotta touch that’s about as soggy as a pound of wet liver.
Look at that focus henny! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
That's your fault.
Here from the "what to do when you get a new typewriter" video and love this one too! Looking forward to doing some exploring online and IRL later this month when I have some time off!
Thank you Sarah!
😊❤👍
I love that Underwood!
Definitely a big fan of underwood machines!
Packing typewriters, or any heavy yet delicate object, all centers around immobilizing the object within the packaging. Set the margins to the middle so the carriage can't move (or secure it with plastic wrap or something.) Wrap the thing at least two or three times in bubble wrap or sheet foam. Put it in a box with at least three inches between the typewriter and any surface of the box. Pack it in semi-rigid foam or peanuts (no pillows or crumpled paper. It won't hold up.). The idea is that the typewriter should be in the middle of the box and there should be enough padding that it takes some coordination to hold the box closed while you seal it. Then double tape every seam (top and bottom) to make sure the box doesn't bust open. If it is a particularly valuable machine, double box it. (A typewriter with a hard case fits this description already.) Put that box in a box that is an inch or two larger and pad accordingly. Do these things and you'll have no problems.
After having a couple of objects damaged by people who didn't understand how to pack this sort of thing, I've taken to advising sellers of that fact and very politely and in an easy, friendly manner suggesting that I'd be really happy to see something like what I just described. I have had FAR better luck since and haven't gotten any push back from sellers. In fact, just the opposite. Most have been grateful for the advise since it helps them give future buyers a better experience. Just make sure it is a suggestion and not something you simply demand and people are usually going to be receptive.
Re: thrift stores not having typewriters - you probably live in a city where there Goodwills participate in the ShopGoodWill program and put their best stuff up on the auction site. This is becoming more common and it causes a city to go from being a Mecca for typewriter hunting to a desert in a matter of weeks. That brings up another source to find typewriters - the shopgoodwill.com auction site. Same caveats as Ebay, though, more expensive, greater risk of shipping damage, etc.
Best plan though is the one we all eventually settle on: become the "person who's happy to take that heavy hunk of iron off your hands" and have them gifted to you from people looking to make space and loathe to throw away a perfectly good writing machine. (:
I've tried looking at the ShopGoodWill auctions, but I agree- I like being able to see the typewriters in person !
A couple months ago I found just what I was looking for at an antique shop in Roseville, CA; I've been very keen on acquiring an old 1910's Underwood No. 1-5, and I found one! It was only $18, needed a new ribbon, the bell doesn't work at the end of the line, but I'm trying to learn how to fix that. I don't know *exactly* what kind of Underwood it is though...? In the store it had a price tag on it that just said: "1917 Underwood." , and I mean, it looks very much like an Underwood No. 1-5 , but it doesn't have the classic brass letters above the platton, it just says it in silver. And the front doesn't have any of the Underwood painting on it that identifies what it is, it just says Underwood in silver there, too. If anyone knows anything I'd love it if you'd let me know. But other than that it has been amazing! I love the 1910's era and most of the machines that came from it, I love that typewriter. :D
Hey there- I'm only seeing this now- why does youtube hide things from me!?!?! If you send me a photo, I might be able to help you figure out what model it is! Here's my email- justmytypewriter@gmail.com
sorry for the late response!
Great video! Unfortunately, where I live I have never seen a typewriter selling for less than $50. I have found machines in yard sales but these have often been in awful states of disrepair and neglect. Wherever it is that your finding machines under $30 must be a great region for collecting!
I'd like to offer a counter view. If someone is interested in serious writing projects, they could spend considerably more for a fantastic typewriter. Whats a few hundred bucks when you spread that out across decades of use?
It is possible to also have a typewriter you get for 25$ and repair or clean on your own to also last that long. I agree with your point, though, if someone only wants one and wants to use it in that function. A high cost can be such a barrier to entry which is why I think it's important to show that there are other ways to get a working typewriter. Thank you for your feedback!
In my mind, I see two factors: 1. A typewriter doesn’t have to be necessarily all that expensive-unless you are entirely mechanically disinclined. I’ve known typists who were. They were my best repeat customers. Bear in mind, though, if you do find something for a reasonable cost-be prepared to have a repair or two effected on it-probably by a shop, so allow for a repair bill. 2. If you are even somewhat mechanical, a lot of things could be missed by the seller and you could get a machine fairly cheap on just what you know. Hooo boy! The stories I could tell on some really good deals I’d made as a youngster!! And then there was the 1953 Underwood upright I dug out of a dumpster, shoved a couple of junkers into it, and used it to type my senior year’s research paper (it got an A-both times!!). Years later I painted it hammertone bronze and sold it for $60.00. I got another one-a 1959 Underwood Touch Master II and I’m keepin’ that one-it’s my mother’s last typewriter before she passed away.
I'm really enjoying your videos, so thank you! I got lucky at Goodwill once: In fact, they were going to throw out the typewriter I paid $14.99 for. One cashier insisted someone would buy it, and then I showed up. She told me her coworkers were going to throw it in the dumpster. It's totally operational, just very dirty. I'm curious what your thoughts are on another I have: An old Underwood with most keys totally frozen in place. Right now my plan is to completely disassemble. Any thoughts are appreciated, if you've seen this issue before! :) Thanks again for sharing your experiences.
Hey! I definitely suggest try brushing the keys with mineral spirits (so the metal bars inside where the key bars connect to the typewriter). Then try moving the bars up and down just to work the mineral spirits in there. Then try hitting the bottom of the typebars (like when you turn the typewriter over and see the bars) with some mineral spirits as well. Just make sure you dry all the residue off, but it's amazing how quickly that can free up keys because it just gets rid of dust and gunk. You might have to hit it a few times with mineral spirits and work it in there over time, but it's a really less invasive and quick way to loosen up keys. I also definitely suggest looking into Phoenix Typewriter on youtube- they have tons of really helpful repair videos.
@@JustMyTypewriter Thank you for your thoughts! Sadly, I've done all those things. Hehe. I guess at this point, I will just have to take it apart. I've examined it really closely, but I don't see any visible issues. All I can think is it must be something I can't see. P.S. Love that you're dad's a mechanic. I went to school for automotive technology, myself, so it's fun working on a different type of machine! :)
I’ve had years of real experience with Underwood typewriters, and yes, they DO freeeeeze but solid. I myself use charcoal starter fluid or diesel and automatic transmission fluid. Put the machine in a well-ventilated area and wet it down with tranny fluid, let soak for a day or two. Exercise everything that looks like it once moved while using charcoal starter fluid to loosen it up while you’re exercising the joints. You can also use the diesel for this too. Once you get everything loosey goosey wipe out excess and put in some more tranny fluid and exercise everything. You do NOT have to dismantle the machine-there are at least 2000-plus parts to keep up with. And if there are still issues to deal with-which it being an Underwood upright there will be (good machines but they don’t do long morrows in storage very well), you can at least cut down in the repair bill some if the machine is even somewhat mechanically functional.
I have a Remington typewriter for sale. Who do I contact?
Try some resale groups on facebook- antique typewriter classifieds or antique typewriter marketplace. If that doesn't work, there's always ebay
Do you have a ultra portable yet?
Not yet! Forever on the hunt
I have a “brand new” 1974 Brother portable that was sold as new in a Dirt Cheap discount store.
Q: What do you think of this now (in 2024)? What's changed, what's stayed the same, on this advice? ??
Might be worth making a newer version!