Problem with your machine?
Oh no! The machine arrived and something is not working as it should!
While this is a rare occurrence, it does happen!
Let’s see what we can do…
The final type test for the machine involves creating the included note. So that was how it worked just before shipping.
If it arrived ‘not working’, it does not mean ‘we are scammers’ or we ‘deliberately sell non-working machines to unsuspecting buyers!’
We sell hundreds of machines per year, and a small percentage are damaged or come out of alignment during shipping. This is an inescapable fact, sadly.
Potential Problems:
I would suggest consulting the manual first, just to get an idea of what is working and what is not working.
The most common problem is that the draw band either breaks, or slips off of the mainspring, or slips out of a hole.
This means that the carriage would just be free floating, and would not advance while typing. It is easily fixed, though it takes a little researching and time.
The machine is driven by a spring that continually keeps tension on a string or cord. If this breaks or falls off, the carriage does not move. You can easily flip the machine over and glace at the mainspring (the round part to the rear left) and see if anything looks weird. Either a cord will be flailing loosely or it will be caught around the axle where it slipped off.
Solutions:
Repair or replace the draw band with a piece of string. (I use a waxed cord used for beading, or a thick fishing line).
Bring to a repair shop nearby, and see if they can fix it. (And we’ll reimburse you for the cost).
Return to us to fix.
The ribbon is not advancing.
Sometimes the ribbon will get stuck somewhere.
Solutions:
The solution is usually just to reverse it and move it a few times so it gets back into motion.
Sometimes, the auto reversal needs a little wiggle or adjustment. The Remington 5 is a good example.
Another problem is that some keys stick.
They are not sticking when sent out, and we use something called Blue Creeper, which frees almost anything. (It is nice to have some around). But sometimes when climate shifts or something, the keys will get a little sticky again. This is generally temporary and they will loosen up again with use. These machines have been sitting for 50 or 100 years, and they prefer to be used!
Solutions:
Use denatured alcohol, and brush the type bars with it. (Same as lighter fluid, available at hardware stores). (We’ll reimburse you for the cost).
Order some Blue Creeper and spray that into the type bars. (We’ll reimburse you for the cost).
Carriage lock is stuck.
Occasionally the carriage lock gets stuck, and needs to be adjusted or nothing will move. This is designed to keep the carriage from moving during transport.
Solutions:
See if anything is obviously out of place or has come loose.
Bring to a repair shop nearby (and we’ll reimburse you for the cost of repair).
Something else not working.
Sometimes a tab linkage, or a margin release key linkage or something else slips. Occasionally it is a spring that comes loose.
See if anything is obviously out of place or has come loose.
Bring to a repair shop nearby (and we’ll reimburse you for the cost of repair).
The truth.
Part of working with a vintage typewriter is the reality that there are a lot of moving pieces.
They are decades old. Some of these moving pieces can move occasionally.
In using one, you may have to glance at it now and again, and see what is missing. Unless something was damaged during shipping (which is pretty rare, the way we package), whatever is going wrong is a very minor thing.
This is because it passes a rigorous 14 point inspection before leaving the shop.
So, while 95% of machines arrive fine, another 5% require some adjustment or tweaking. Of those, 2% need a tech to support.
Options recap:
Take a look at the machine for anything obvious. It can be a fun adventure to sleuth around and see what may be happening.
See if you are capable of the repairs (and if you have the time / desire) after a little research
If not, check google or yelp for ‘typewriter repair’ and your city, to see if anyone around still works on these old things. IN larger cities, there is often someone!
The last option is to return it to us for repair, and we will cover the cost of shipping. (Not our favorite option, because the shipping is where all of the risk is, so we prefer to ship them as few times as possible!)
Return it to us for a refund if you can’t figure it out. We have a waiting list for most models, and we generally do the repair and ship it to the next person in the queue.
Packing Suggestions.
For packing, re recommend UPS Ground to:
Classic Typewriter
1937 Fireside Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27517 USA
Try to mirror original shipping method and engage carriage lock, per manual.
Thank you kindly! Enjoy the written rapture!
Steven
Classic Typewriter Co.
classictypewriter.com