Thank you! Just got a Royal Academy typewriter with a broken belt. Your video saved me loads of time sizing a proper replacement belt. Greatly appreciated!👍
Great fix idea on the wrecked Phillips head screws. Sometimes an ugly fix is the best fix. I have stripped plenty of screw heads and wish I had thought of doing that hahah
Seeing your crossover with James Grime pop up in my subscription feed was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had in a while. I always thought how that Barbie typewriter would be TH-cam gold for a mathematician.
The Royal Aristocrat is by far my most handsome looking and to be honest, my most favorite electric typewriter.. The print is consistent and crisp and the cover-up correction ribbon is absolutely amazing. I also have a Royal Academy electric, but it's not as "classy" looking as the Aristocrat. When you have typed alot on manual typewriters, and then you start typing on an electric typewriter, it's such a beautiful difference in type quality. Fantastic video, by the way!
This video helped me so much! Thank you for sharing your experience with the Royal Aristocrat. I found one at my local antique store and it was working great...until I pressed the power return button. Then nothing worked. I watched this video and suspected it might be the drive belt. I bought it, the O-rings you linked to in the description, and a week later (how long it took to ship), it's working brilliantly! Thank you again!
That's a common issue with post WWII Japanese manufactured goods. Those are likely JIS or Japanese Industrial Standard, not Philips. They're close but a Philips driver will round out the heads as you saw there. However, going the other way a JIS driver can turn a Philips screw no problem. They're pretty easy to get nowadays via Amazon or eBay. IMO Vessel is a good brand of JIS driver to purchase. Those are in everything from Japan and Asia at large: vintage cameras, cars, stereo gear, etc. You'll be rounding out screws left and right otherwise! Sorry for the comments kind of catching up on your content.
Wow, you so rock! That was probably the best typewriter repair video I've seen so far, not only for its wealth of info but for how you present it. I'm so psyched to try this on the Royal 'Academy' that I just picked up today - at the dump! - as it sounds like a bad drive belt. Will find out before too long - THANK YOU! Woo hoo! And an update: bingo, pulled apart the 'Academy' and the drive belt was in many pieces, sticky and gummy and the drive wheels are going to need cleaning, too! I'm going to check and order O-rings to replace it with; even though it's got teeth on the inside, can't imagine that's going to affect its use as the drive wheels don't have teeth. Huzzah!
What a great video. And a cute dog ❤️A couple of days ago i came home with an Olivetti Praxis 48 - after some cleaning -in near mint exterior condition. The seller promised a fully functional machine, ...unfortunatley i met a seller far from keeping his promise. It started all well with a surprisingly relaxing "white noice" sounding engine. But than when typing - the typebars didn't move at all! Tried every trick in the book. Nada! So there i am - returning my "precious" 48, or trying to solve the bewitched typebars. I will for sure look into the rubber belt solution 🌞 Hopefully...
I think it's possible that the screw was not a Phillips head, but instead a JIS head. Electronics and electrical components from Japan frequently used them. They look very much like Philips but can be damaged by using a Philips head screwdriver on them.
Thanks for this! I jusr bought a royal academy typewriter at an estate sale (for $15!!) and the only repair I couldn't figure out was the belt! It had basically corroded into dust. Now all I have to do is get new ink since the ink it came with has been drying up since the 80's 😂
For the long term life of the typewriter, the better solution is an actual mini V belt of the correct length. It is more expensive but it will not put as much strain on the bearings on the motor and the pulley shafts. A more affordable round belt is the PVU type that can be cut to a length and welded to itself. It has a rough surface that helps grip the pulley better without having to put as much tension.
Not all electrics use a belt that has teeth like the V belt. This one, for example, originally came with a smooth surface belt and no teeth on the pully which is why I used a smooth surface o-ring.
@@JustMyTypewriter absolutely yes, but I am not saying to use a toothed V belt, just a smooth, toothless (Save Your Dragon :-)) mini V belt. My SC Electra 120 used a smooth mini V belt originally. It can be replaced with a new smooth mini V belt or the green rough surface PVU or the gasket O ring, in decreasing order of preference. For the story, my SCM Coronamatic 2500 uses a flat belt with teeth for which finding a replacement is more complicated. Daniel
@@21cormorants I measured the V belts on my Electra 120. They are 1/8" wide. The front is 310 mm long and the rear one is 320 mm long. Round PU belts of 3 mm diameter will fit. For the length, The length needs to be slightly less than that of the V belt in order to grip properly. You try fitting one and cut a little bit if it slips. Trial and error until you are satisfied.
Question: Did the first electric typewriter you fixed with the O ring turn on when the belt was broken? Did the motor hum? I just bought my dream typewriter (Smith Corona Electra 12) and the seller swore it was tested and working. What I received was actually the typewriter in the photo, but it definitely does not turn on. Note to viewers: If they can’t send you a 15 second video of it actually typing, run away.
What a sad typewriter experience. And the Electra 12 (had to cheat and look it up) looked great! Did you ever find a solution to the problem or was the seller problem nr. 2... I'm in the same boat just now - came home 2 days ago with a very artistic Olivetti Praxis 48, a quite unique design - no car so had to carry to and from the subway - and the rest of the day wondering why it didn't work.... The seller was cool and funny but a charlatan in disguise, the older gentleman who had supposedly worked at Olivetti (Norway) told me everything was fine, a bit naive I didn't test it... I have tho complained to him but no answer back.. hopefully if... I may be able to fix it. Hope your story ended good. 🌞
What size O-ring did you order from Amazon for the Olympia M-R12? I have an Olympia X-L12 that turns on but the keys don't strike. I'm assuming it is the drive belt.
I have an aristocrat, same issue, thanks for the legwork on the o ring g size! But... How the heck did you get the top cover off!?I took off the screws but can't get it past the carriage!
Mechanically there is not that much difference between an electric and manual typewriter. The difference is the addition of an electric motor. Any repairs beyond replacing the drive belt are pretty much the same as a manual.
my electric Olympia XL12 when i bought it had a bad belt, the seller didnt know what he was doing and took a few days to get a new o ring when i said i would buy it and do it myself, because i knew where to to get the correct ones already. after i got it, it was working but my 0 key doesnt always register when i press it so i gotta open it up and do some digging. im curious how they work with a spinning mechanism anywas so ot should be an adventure. and now i have a new dslr camera so i can upgrade the quality of my pictures for the database and do some close up shots
I'm in the process of bringing an SC Electra 220 back to life. The belts are still there, but I think they are slipping when I turn it on and need to be replaced. I'm also finding the other issue you have; my pet (cat) constantly wants to play with me while I'm trying to work on the typewriter. ,':/
@@wonderwomanguy I also have the cat problem- you might need to adjust the gears the belts are on or they’re just too stretched at that’s why they slip
Thank you! Just got a Royal Academy typewriter with a broken belt. Your video saved me loads of time sizing a proper replacement belt. Greatly appreciated!👍
Great fix idea on the wrecked Phillips head screws. Sometimes an ugly fix is the best fix. I have stripped plenty of screw heads and wish I had thought of doing that hahah
Seeing your crossover with James Grime pop up in my subscription feed was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had in a while. I always thought how that Barbie typewriter would be TH-cam gold for a mathematician.
The Royal Aristocrat is by far my most handsome looking and to be honest, my most favorite electric typewriter.. The print is consistent and crisp and the cover-up correction ribbon is absolutely amazing. I also have a Royal Academy electric, but it's not as "classy" looking as the Aristocrat. When you have typed alot on manual typewriters, and then you start typing on an electric typewriter, it's such a beautiful difference in type quality. Fantastic video, by the way!
This video helped me so much! Thank you for sharing your experience with the Royal Aristocrat. I found one at my local antique store and it was working great...until I pressed the power return button. Then nothing worked. I watched this video and suspected it might be the drive belt. I bought it, the O-rings you linked to in the description, and a week later (how long it took to ship), it's working brilliantly! Thank you again!
I'm exactly like you. I can replace drive belts,but that's all at this point that I know how to do. Another fine and fun video 📸
That's a common issue with post WWII Japanese manufactured goods. Those are likely JIS or Japanese Industrial Standard, not Philips. They're close but a Philips driver will round out the heads as you saw there. However, going the other way a JIS driver can turn a Philips screw no problem. They're pretty easy to get nowadays via Amazon or eBay. IMO Vessel is a good brand of JIS driver to purchase. Those are in everything from Japan and Asia at large: vintage cameras, cars, stereo gear, etc. You'll be rounding out screws left and right otherwise!
Sorry for the comments kind of catching up on your content.
Wow, you so rock! That was probably the best typewriter repair video I've seen so far, not only for its wealth of info but for how you present it. I'm so psyched to try this on the Royal 'Academy' that I just picked up today - at the dump! - as it sounds like a bad drive belt. Will find out before too long - THANK YOU! Woo hoo!
And an update: bingo, pulled apart the 'Academy' and the drive belt was in many pieces, sticky and gummy and the drive wheels are going to need cleaning, too! I'm going to check and order O-rings to replace it with; even though it's got teeth on the inside, can't imagine that's going to affect its use as the drive wheels don't have teeth. Huzzah!
GOOD LUCK! I'm glad this was helpful to you!
What a great video. And a cute dog ❤️A couple of days ago i came home with an Olivetti Praxis 48 - after some cleaning -in near mint exterior condition. The seller promised a fully functional machine, ...unfortunatley i met a seller far from keeping his promise. It started all well with a surprisingly relaxing "white noice" sounding engine. But than when typing - the typebars didn't move at all! Tried every trick in the book. Nada! So there i am - returning my "precious" 48, or trying to solve the bewitched typebars. I will for sure look into the rubber belt solution 🌞 Hopefully...
I think it's possible that the screw was not a Phillips head, but instead a JIS head. Electronics and electrical components from Japan frequently used them. They look very much like Philips but can be damaged by using a Philips head screwdriver on them.
Thanks for this! I jusr bought a royal academy typewriter at an estate sale (for $15!!) and the only repair I couldn't figure out was the belt! It had basically corroded into dust. Now all I have to do is get new ink since the ink it came with has been drying up since the 80's 😂
For the long term life of the typewriter, the better solution is an actual mini V belt of the correct length. It is more expensive but it will not put as much strain on the bearings on the motor and the pulley shafts.
A more affordable round belt is the PVU type that can be cut to a length and welded to itself. It has a rough surface that helps grip the pulley better without having to put as much tension.
Not all electrics use a belt that has teeth like the V belt. This one, for example, originally came with a smooth surface belt and no teeth on the pully which is why I used a smooth surface o-ring.
@@JustMyTypewriter absolutely yes, but I am not saying to use a toothed V belt, just a smooth, toothless (Save Your Dragon :-)) mini V belt.
My SC Electra 120 used a smooth mini V belt originally. It can be replaced with a new smooth mini V belt or the green rough surface PVU or the gasket O ring, in decreasing order of preference.
For the story, my SCM Coronamatic 2500 uses a flat belt with teeth for which finding a replacement is more complicated.
Daniel
@@21cormorants I measured the V belts on my Electra 120. They are 1/8" wide. The front is 310 mm long and the rear one is 320 mm long. Round PU belts of 3 mm diameter will fit. For the length, The length needs to be slightly less than that of the V belt in order to grip properly. You try fitting one and cut a little bit if it slips. Trial and error until you are satisfied.
Question: Did the first electric typewriter you fixed with the O ring turn on when the belt was broken? Did the motor hum? I just bought my dream typewriter (Smith Corona Electra 12) and the seller swore it was tested and working. What I received was actually the typewriter in the photo, but it definitely does not turn on.
Note to viewers: If they can’t send you a 15 second video of it actually typing, run away.
Yes the motor would turn on and sound like it was humming, but nothing would work. That is why I replaced the drive belt
What a sad typewriter experience. And the Electra 12 (had to cheat and look it up) looked great! Did you ever find a solution to the problem or was the seller problem nr. 2... I'm in the same boat just now - came home 2 days ago with a very artistic Olivetti Praxis 48, a quite unique design - no car so had to carry to and from the subway - and the rest of the day wondering why it didn't work.... The seller was cool and funny but a charlatan in disguise, the older gentleman who had supposedly worked at Olivetti (Norway) told me everything was fine, a bit naive I didn't test it... I have tho complained to him but no answer back.. hopefully if... I may be able to fix it. Hope your story ended good. 🌞
What size O-ring did you order from Amazon for the Olympia M-R12? I have an Olympia X-L12 that turns on but the keys don't strike. I'm assuming it is the drive belt.
Size- 3-3/4 x 4 x 1/8
(linked in description)
I have an aristocrat, same issue, thanks for the legwork on the o ring g size! But... How the heck did you get the top cover off!?I took off the screws but can't get it past the carriage!
You have to take all the bottom screws out as well! The ones under the carriage and all the screws on the bottom hold it in place
@@JustMyTypewriterthank you! It's alive!!!!!
Mechanically there is not that much difference between an electric and manual typewriter. The difference is the addition of an electric motor. Any repairs beyond replacing the drive belt are pretty much the same as a manual.
my electric Olympia XL12 when i bought it had a bad belt, the seller didnt know what he was doing and took a few days to get a new o ring when i said i would buy it and do it myself, because i knew where to to get the correct ones already.
after i got it, it was working but my 0 key doesnt always register when i press it so i gotta open it up and do some digging. im curious how they work with a spinning mechanism anywas so ot should be an adventure.
and now i have a new dslr camera so i can upgrade the quality of my pictures for the database and do some close up shots
I had the exact same problem with an Olympia XL12 except it's the O key, not the 0. Let me know if you ever fix it.
I'm in the process of bringing an SC Electra 220 back to life. The belts are still there, but I think they are slipping when I turn it on and need to be replaced. I'm also finding the other issue you have; my pet (cat) constantly wants to play with me while I'm trying to work on the typewriter. ,':/
@@wonderwomanguy I also have the cat problem- you might need to adjust the gears the belts are on or they’re just too stretched at that’s why they slip
What is a size of those orings in Europe? Anyone knows?
What was the o ring size that worked?
It's linked in the description- 3-3/4 x 4 x 1/8
Thanks. I missed that. 😅
My god, genius! Hacking a phillips head into a flat head screw... We're not worthy!!
That would be the advice of my mechanic father
One of the oldest modifications known. No biggie.
It's a pretty basic solution in the trades world.
@@AtelierDBurgoyne Precisely. Something I have done many times … no biggie! 🧔🏼♂️
@@AtelierDBurgoyne definitely learned it from a tradesman!
I wish she would say ‘typewriter’ more often.