@ Ton S, I got an estimate of $50 from JJ Short. That was a year ago and the price varies by how many of the same kind he can do at the same time. I was going to get 7 done. Then I decided on doing the older ones (like my 1927 Underwood) first.
@ Little Flower Petals, kind of like having a snake in the wall (I had that in a recording studio in VA. Does it remind you of the one in the computer cords?
Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes? Sorry, that's a line from "Raiders of the Lost Ark. I too have been thinking lately of getting platens recovered, but the cost is a little prohibitive at the moment. One day... I'm also at a point where I'd rather not get any more typewriters and would prefer to get what I have working as best as they can. As good as some of my machines type (Smith-Coronas and Olympias are top of the heap), I can't help but think how much better they'd be with a recovered platen. Hmmm, sweet. Hope you're well, Bill.
I like the idea of spending the budget you would have otherwise used to get new typewriters on improving the ones you already have - quality over quantity!
As I near your typewriter count, and with some recent standards thrown in, I'm resolved to rotate more often, try to stay away from eBay listings and fettle the ones I already have. I realised that my earlier threshold of cleanliness (i.e. if I could make it work - that's all the restoration it needed) may have been too low for some machines...
Like Adwoa says - and to utilizing available budget to improve the quality of the collection, i would add time and energy. The Dungeon (i.e., workshop shelves and cupboards filled to overflowing with typewriter repair projects) is becoming gridlocked. But once I clear a space and get going on a project in that pleasant place time flows like water, and another slick looking and smoothly operating typer joins the elite group of daily typers.
I've had the platens redone on (lets see, five?) yeah - five of my favorite typers over the past couple of years. It's always a big improvement in the feel and sound of the machine, and ensures that it'll be clacking for another few decades. It's always been a good investment, but the improvement is so dramatic with the old iron machines that I'd recommend doing them first. (:
Hi Bill..well I have to admit I'm in intrigued! I can totally understand the old cameras, I have quite a few myself.. but typewriters, how did that come about! I have vivid memories of doing a secretarial course waaaay back when :) and typing with hands covered to the William Tell Overture..fun times :) Do you really still use film, how I admire your loyalty, I loved my old Pentax film camera but now am addicted to my Olympus OMD but have to admit it's not such a challenge anymore. Thanks for popping into Perth by the way, it's been fascinating reading your last few posts.. and two years you say, congrats..it's not as easy as it looks.
Yes, I still use film, but I am forced more and more to use Fuji since Kodak hardly makes anything worthwhile any longer :( I use Ilford for B & W, but I no longer process my own film so getting good processing and printing is also becoming difficult. I shoot all formats, but mostly 6 x 4.5 cm 120 roll film or 4 X 5 inch with my press camera. Anything on line is digital.
Do you have an idea how much platen recovery would cost? My Hermes Media 3 (how predictable) would be a candidate.
ReplyDeleteVery cool snake!
Ack! I know it's a "good" snake, but yikes!
ReplyDelete@ Ton S, I got an estimate of $50 from JJ Short. That was a year ago and the price varies by how many of the same kind he can do at the same time. I was going to get 7 done. Then I decided on doing the older ones (like my 1927 Underwood) first.
ReplyDelete@ Little Flower Petals, kind of like having a snake in the wall (I had that in a recording studio in VA. Does it remind you of the one in the computer cords?
The price was for one. If I would do all 7 he was going to requote.
DeleteThanks for the info, Bill.
DeleteSnakes. Why'd it have to be snakes? Sorry, that's a line from "Raiders of the Lost Ark. I too have been thinking lately of getting platens recovered, but the cost is a little prohibitive at the moment. One day...
ReplyDeleteI'm also at a point where I'd rather not get any more typewriters and would prefer to get what I have working as best as they can. As good as some of my machines type (Smith-Coronas and Olympias are top of the heap), I can't help but think how much better they'd be with a recovered platen.
Hmmm, sweet.
Hope you're well, Bill.
That's a good looking snake. If it's anything like its cousins in Ohio it has a pretty sweet disposition.
ReplyDeleteLovely snake.
ReplyDeleteIt sound like your repair pile is very similar to mine!
I like the idea of spending the budget you would have otherwise used to get new typewriters on improving the ones you already have - quality over quantity!
ReplyDeleteGlad you know your snakes. I stay clear of them all.
ReplyDeleteAs I near your typewriter count, and with some recent standards thrown in, I'm resolved to rotate more often, try to stay away from eBay listings and fettle the ones I already have. I realised that my earlier threshold of cleanliness (i.e. if I could make it work - that's all the restoration it needed) may have been too low for some machines...
ReplyDeleteLike Adwoa says - and to utilizing available budget to improve the quality of the collection, i would add time and energy. The Dungeon (i.e., workshop shelves and cupboards filled to overflowing with typewriter repair projects) is becoming gridlocked. But once I clear a space and get going on a project in that pleasant place time flows like water, and another slick looking and smoothly operating typer joins the elite group of daily typers.
ReplyDeleteI've had the platens redone on (lets see, five?) yeah - five of my favorite typers over the past couple of years. It's always a big improvement in the feel and sound of the machine, and ensures that it'll be clacking for another few decades. It's always been a good investment, but the improvement is so dramatic with the old iron machines that I'd recommend doing them first. (:
ReplyDeleteHi Bill..well I have to admit I'm in intrigued! I can totally understand the old cameras, I have quite a few myself.. but typewriters, how did that come about! I have vivid memories of doing a secretarial course waaaay back when :) and typing with hands covered to the William Tell Overture..fun times :) Do you really still use film, how I admire your loyalty, I loved my old Pentax film camera but now am addicted to my Olympus OMD but have to admit it's not such a challenge anymore. Thanks for popping into Perth by the way, it's been fascinating reading your last few posts.. and two years you say, congrats..it's not as easy as it looks.
ReplyDeleteYes, I still use film, but I am forced more and more to use Fuji since Kodak hardly makes anything worthwhile any longer :( I use Ilford for B & W, but I no longer process my own film so getting good processing and printing is also becoming difficult. I shoot all formats, but mostly 6 x 4.5 cm 120 roll film or 4 X 5 inch with my press camera. Anything on line is digital.
DeleteI had a feeling you would appreciate the 'pen nib' sculpture Bill :)
ReplyDelete