Today is the Typewriter Round-Up!

The 2nd Phoenix Typewriter Round-Up (Type-In) is today at Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe. If you are going to be in the Tempe area today, consider dropping by. We already have quite a few local typewriter favorites attending. Grab that typewriter and head down to:



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The Typewriter Round-Up is scheduled from 1 to 3, so stop by and cool down for the afternoon. See some really interesting typewriters. Meet some interesting people. We'll see you there!

Welcome to a New Typospherian

Typewriter Crafting: Dirt is an Enemy

If you were to read any instruction manual from the golden age of the typewriter you would find many references to the importance of covering your typewriter. This started me thinking. I have some typewriters that sit out and are completely unprotected. Sure, I want people to see them, but I also want to be able to use them without having to dust them off first.

Covers were once ubiquitous typewriter accessories. Now, they are nearly impossible to find in good condition and made of a material of which my wife would approve. That's why my wife and I made this:

What could be under this cover?

A blue Olympia SM-3!

When I say I helped, I measured machines and cut out the fabric. The actual sewing was done by the missus., but it looked easy enough to do.  I am currently working on a pattern that you can download and make your own. We also have been toying with the idea of selling them, but look for the pattern in the next few days.

In case there were any doubts in your mind as to the importance of covering your machine read this excerpt from the 1950 Federal Work Improvement Program Equipment Maintenance booklet (You can find the booklet in its entirety at this link):

Just Right

The Typecast.

The Pad.

Final Indulgence

Now, the only problem is that I think that the ratchet wheel for the line advancement is worn unevenly. I think it's making some odd line spacing happen. I'll post about that later.

Maybe It's The Type-In Effect?

Tired Digits

Just a preview, but it is about 80% done. Huge project that I am unlikely to do again. Now I know why people have buffing wheels in shops. Doing this by hand has been a labor of love. So, enjoy the photo. I need to go and try to get this aluminum dust out of my hands.

As you know, pictures can never do these sorts of things justice.