Please watch this short video: 5 Tips for Beginning Typists with Mr. Richard Polt
Technical Support for Manual Typewriters
Our technicians spent over 15 hours professionally restoring (refurbishing) your typewriter. The process includes disassembly, thorough cleaning, adjustment, oiling and testing (150+ points inspection). We guarantee excellent mechanical operation. We are confident that you will enjoy this unique typewriter. Let us help you resolve some common issues. We will also provide you with Manual Typewriter maintenance tips.
How to use a Manual Typewriter
Download Free Olympia Typewriter Operating Instructions
Olympia SM3 De Luxe Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions (PDF)
Olympia SM4 Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions (PDF)
Olympia SM9 De Luxe 1960s Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions (PDF)
Olympia SM9 De Luxe 1970s Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions (PDF)
Download Free Royal Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions
Royal Model O Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions 1937 (PDF)
Royal Portable Quiet Deluxe Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions 1947 (PDF)
Royal Arrow Portable Typewriter Operating Instructions 1947 (PDF)
Royal Portable Quiet Deluxe Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions 1949 (PDF)
Royal Portable Quiet Deluxe Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions 1953 (PDF)
Royal Futura 400/800 Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions (PDF)
Download Free Smith-Corona Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions
Smith-Corona Floating Shift Silent / Sterling Manual Typewriter Operating Instructions (PDF)
Where to Purchase Typewriter RIbbons
Olympia, Royal, Smith-Corona and Remington (1950’s and newer) Manual Typewriters: Your typewriter accepts Typewriter Spools (2″ diameter) with circular center holes and 1/2″ wide Ribbons. You can purchase Universal Typewriter Ribbons from Amazon.
1920’s – 1940’s Remington Typewriters: Your antique Remington Typewriter requires Typewriter Spools with 11-1/2″ diameter and 1/2″ wide Ribbons. Regrettably, we could not find Brand-New Ribbons to fit your machine. Purchase Universal Typewriter Ribbons from Amazon with 2″ diameter spools. These new ribbons are very messy and will get your fingers dirty. We recommend you wear disposable gloves for this task. First, cut off one end of the New Ribbon and wind it directly onto your Remington Metal Spool. Then cut off the other end of the New Ribbon and attach it to the second Remington Metal Spool.
How to Install Typewriter Ribbons
We highly recommend you read William Davis’ excellent tutorial for Typewriter Ribbon Installation.
How to make Typewriter Corrections
There are several options to make corrections. It all depends on your preference:
Tombow Mono Original Correction Tape. Compact dispenser with sideways application for exact placement of tape. Write or type over instantly. Leaves no copy shadows.
Faber-Castell Perfection Eraser Pencil with Brush. For precise erasing. Suitable for ink, Indian Ink, ballpoint pen and typewriter. With brush. Made from rubber. PVC-free. Note: Eraser debris will accumulate inside the typewriter. Be sure to periodically clean off the dust for optimal typewriter operation.
Nu-kote Model BW277 Black/White Universal Typewriter Ribbon (Single Strike Correction Tape). Note: Dried-up Correction Tape debris will accumulate inside the typewriter. Be sure to periodically clean off the dust for optimal typewriter operation.
Ko-Rec-Type Correction Paper (or its plastic-based equivalent Correction Film) is a tab of plastic with one side coated with white correction material. Can be difficult to find online.
Wite Out Correction Fluid. Not recommended. Very messy. Dried-out wite out is extremely difficult to remove from Alignment Guide, Perspex Shield, Platen, Top Cover, etc.
Typewriter Keys are Stuck / Carriage does not move
To prevent damage during shipping, we locked the Typewriter carriage and keys. To unlock, follow instructions below:
Olympia Manual Typewriters: Toggle the chrome switch in top-left corner of the keyboard.
Pre-World War II Remington Manual Typewriters: (1) Gently pull-out the right-side carriage knob or (2) disengage chrome switch on the carriage left-side.
Printed Type is too light (Faded)
#1: We type gently on modern Computer / Laptop Keyboards. But with mechanical typewriters, only physics are at work (no electronic assistance). You must strike hard on each key.
#2: Typewriter Ribbon is old and dry. Purchase new Typewriter Ribbons.
#3: Typewriter Ribbon is incorrectly installed. Reinstall the Typewriter Ribbon.
Our goal is to exceed your expectations. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact us.
