pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993 
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Post by pancakes on May 21, 2017 15:03:46 GMT
The thrift stores around me suck. So I'm looking to get a brand new typewriter for journaling on existing PL cards and what not.
Does anyone have any suggestions? links would be so appreciated.
The WRMK one is not really on my list due to cost and quality.
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Post by Patter on May 21, 2017 21:22:46 GMT
I got mine about 6 years ago from eBay. It's a 1960s Smith-Corona manual that is just like I had growing up. I LOVE it. Paid about $40 for it. Works amazing, and I just used it today. I use it on most of my creations.
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Post by artisticscrapper on May 21, 2017 21:29:45 GMT
I googled it out of curiousity and Target actually has one. And Amazon of course. Not sure what t
your budget is bur you can check them out.
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
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Post by pancakes on May 22, 2017 4:28:15 GMT
I see them often at estate sales. I've also seen several at antique stores. Take a piece of blank paper with you if you see one for sale and try it out first. The ribbon may need to be replaced, but if you can still see the imprint of the character you have typed, then it's probably good and just needs ink on the ribbon. I found typewriters at a thrift store but the store has since closed. I would go every week to see what they had and finally one of the employees knew what I was looking for and helped me out. I was able to get an IBM one from the 80s. I took it to a local repair guy and he put in a new ribbon and it works perfect. I wouldn't pay a lot for one because I've seen then sell for cheap at the estate sales - $20 max (and if it's still there on Saturday, then half off!). The antique stores were selling around $35 with case and manual included. I'd start asking around in the family. You never know who may have one stored in a closet that would be willing to just give it to you! Thanks. I would say my biggest issue with a used one is that I don't know a lot about typewriters and I don't trust myself to choose one that doesn't have issues. Or know that it just needs a new ribbon and it'll be good! I'm first generation American, so not a ton of hidden gems in closets or attics for me, ha. |
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Post by papersilly on May 22, 2017 17:12:43 GMT
i collect and use old typewriters. i like the manual ones from the 1950's because they are sturdy but lightweight enough to put on and off your desk. you can easily find affordable ones on ebay. Royal and Smith Corona are great brands. the Olympia SMs are great too but they are carriage shift versus the more common basket shift which some people find "heavy" when it comes to shifting from upper to lower case. my favorite typewriter is the Hermes 3000 (rounded version) but those can get $$$.
when looking for a typewriter, here are some tips:
-ask for a type sample if it's being sold online so you can see if the type is aligned and spaced properly
-stay away from sellers who say they just oiled the machine. most typewriters don't need oiling and lots of times, sellers use the wrong oil or too much of it, causing the typewriter to gunk up later on
-if you test one in person, make sure the space bar moves all the way to the right and the bell rings when it reaches the end. sometimes the carriage won't move but that may only be because the carriage lock is on. if the carriage lock is off and the margins are clear and the space bar or typing won't advance the carriage, pass on it. bring a piece of paper with you so you can type and see how the machine feels and moves.
-find a local repair person in your area BEFORE you buy a typewriter so you know how much repairs will generally cost and if the repairman is readily available and experienced
-research the brand online
feel free to PM me if you have questions and happy hunting!!
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
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Post by pancakes on May 22, 2017 17:22:40 GMT
i collect and use old typewriters. i like the manual ones from the 1950's because they are sturdy but lightweight enough to put on and off your desk. you can easily find affordable ones on ebay. Royal and Smith Corona are great brands. the Olympia SMs are great too but they are carriage shift versus the more common basket shift which some people find "heavy" when it comes to shifting from upper to lower case. my favorite typewriter is the Hermes 3000 (rounded version) but those can get $$$. when looking for a typewriter, here are some tips: -ask for a type sample if it's being sold online so you can see if the type is aligned and spaced properly -stay away from sellers who say they just oiled the machine. most typewriters don't need oiling and lots of times, sellers use the wrong oil or too much of it, causing the typewriter to gunk up later on -if you test one in person, make sure the space bar moves all the way to the right and the bell rings when it reaches the end. sometimes the carriage won't move but that may only be because the carriage lock is on. if the carriage lock is off and the margins are clear and the space bar or typing won't advance the carriage, pass on it. bring a piece of paper with you so you can type and see how the machine feels and moves. -find a local repair person in your area BEFORE you buy a typewriter so you know how much repairs will generally cost and if the repairman is readily available and experienced -research the brand online feel free to PM me if you have questions and happy hunting!! Thank you! This is super helpful! Cost aside, is there any reason why I should AVOID purchasing a new typewriter as opposed to a used one? |
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Post by papersilly on May 22, 2017 17:48:03 GMT
if my NEW typewriter, you are talking about the WRMK, it's a crappy machine.
i don't know any other new typewriters out there i would recommend over vintage typewriters. me, i prefer the vintage typewriters. they truly don't make them like that anymore. many post-war machines were sturdy work horses that stood the test of time. they were manufactured by companies that just made typewriters and the best ones were made in Germany.
i'm not a fan of the typewriters from the 1970's or 80's because by then, manufacturers started cutting costs by making cheap plastic bodies for those machines. i am definitely not a fan of the plastic housing. i've own a couple and have hated them. the typewriter seems less sturdy and more bouncy as the keys strike the platen. like i said, not a fan.
do a search of previous typewriter threads here and you will see pics of typewriters that people own.
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