Obviously I like Ted Munk a lot. He's one of the finest typewriter people in all the world. I'm a huge fan of other folks too, especially Richard Polt for The Typewriter Revolution & Cold Hard Type series, and Joe Van Cleave's many insightful videos. I would've never gotten this far so quickly without the Typosphere. <3
The Sears 4-color typewriter ribbon is quite cool, could be easily spliced to use on any typewriter, wound onto any old spool, and more than 2 colors is possible. Connect the color-change with a grommet within a few inches of clean ribbon and it's good to go for practically any machine.
I revived this 50 year-old ribbon by unwinding and fluffing the length in a cardboard box while lightly misting it with WD-40 and then let it sit all afternoon to dry a bit before rewinding. As you can see in the type sample up top, it's still got a some colorful life to it.
The Smith-Corona 6-series electric typewriters give the fastest typebar experience! A power return can add some speed, but I'm more into creative rather than productive typing, so I like the old-fashioned return lever too.
The previous owner installed a rope handle. Perhaps for easier lifting out of the case?
The main reason I bought this typewriter is for the SCM Changeable Type international kit, because it will fit all my Smith-Corona 6-series machines, both electric & manual.
It's a good day when I get to read a blog post from Mei!
ReplyDeleteLikewise, Joe! I enjoyed your recent video about electric typewriters!
DeleteAnd Ted Munk likes you a lot too! (:
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've collected two of those 4-color Cylon typers now - Excellent choice, really - they're top-o-the-line for the SCM electric typebar machines. Just waiting for the post where you show how to make 6 & 8 color ribbons for them.
Thanks for the 4-color birthday wishes and can't wait to get my hat while it's still cold outside :D
Mei, you're certainly not alone in your appreciation of Ted. I sometimes wonder just how many people have benefited from information found on the Typewriter Database without any idea of who it is that keeps the TWDB up and running.
ReplyDeleteOf course you, I and many others know that Ted contributes much more to the greater typewriter community than what can be found at the TWDB. What's really cool is knowing just how enthusiastic Ted remains about typewriters specifically as well as the typosphere in general.
This was a fun and well-deserved post that was great to see. Know that I'm looking forward to reading more blog posts from you as this year continues.