Hammond Multiplex Shuttles Typing Samples

10 C.P.I.

10 C.P.I.

170, 10 C.P.I.

10 C.P.I.

This may also be 170, 10 C.P.I.

10 C.P.I.

10 C.P.I.

170

10 C.P.I.

10 C.P.I.

10 C.P.I.

170

Shuttle positioner

shuttle positioner showing all the dirt I need to remove.

Shuttle holder in loading position. It sits on the two pins shown on the positioner.

Top view

Shuttles loaded

Shuttles in position

Everything is in its home positon and ready to type.  Shuttle to be used is at the top of the photo and the one that can be moved into position by lifiting up on the knob and turning the whole assembly 180 degrees is in the bottom of the photo.

Testing the shuttles turned out to be quite a challenge.  Most do not have numbers on them to verify the typeface.  All are 10 c.p.i. even though the characters differ in size.  Several of the shuttles did not get tested as they do not freely slide around the holder.  By hand I cannot feel any sticking, but the mechanism will jam when they are used. Several others are duplicate typefaces.

This took most of the day.  I tried to get the shuttles that would not slide easily to slide.  This was taking too long so they are tagged and repairs may happen later.
In doing the work I forgot to scale each sample with a one inch line and mark the name and number of the shuttle if I could cross reference it to my previous post.

Now if I can only complete the final challenge; finding the date of manufacture.  It may be 1915, 1916, or maybe even 1918.  The serial number and cast machined aluminum frame and the Typewriter Database places it in 1915 as a Multiplex portable with a different case.  This one is portable and has the square case like the folding model (not the neat curved case as the older models). On line I have not found a Hammond Multiplex verses a Hammond Multiplex portable.  They all look the same size.  I've a tremendous amout of learning to do with the history of these machines if I choose to dig into it.

This is a fun typewriter to use once I mastered the unique touch.  Not a hard touch, a unique one.  Not very fast though.  If I were to compare the speed of this one to a modern one I would say it is about as fast as my SM3, SM7 & SM9 Olympia typewriters.  However the touch may be more like my Remington Noiseless Model 7.

Now to get a purple ribbon for it.  I may never use the black one I ordered.

Maiden Typecast From A Hammond Multiplex

Repairs finished and test sheet.

Corrections with a carpenter's pencil I pointed since I typed this at my workbench.  I also did not correct all typos.  Hammond typed nearly to the very bottom of the sheet.

I mounted it back on the lid, but this is a photo I've used before.

I like using this typewriter, but I may not use it as often as I'd like.  The shuttles are hard rubber or Vulcanite (Thanks Richard) and I do not want to damage them.  Most need cleaning.  I'm unsure if I want to only brush them or use a mild cleaner.

One thing I noticed while typing is the shuttles must be extremely free.  The one with the larger typeface is the best so far.  It slides very freely.  I think the italic one will too once I treat it with Teflon Lube. 

The touch is quite unique on this machine.  I find I cannot hit the keys or I get the blurred letters. If I press too hard I get blurred letters.  I found a nice steady and intentional rhythm works best, like musical slow 6/8.  As stiff as the carriage return is on this I have a tendency to want to press hard as if to over come hard key touch.  The way the hammer works hard pressing is not required. 

The back space is quite easy and had its own uniqueness.  My biggest problem besides wanting to hit the keys is using the triple shift.  I found it easier to adapt to my Corona 3 than the Hammond.  Margin release key is completly smooth.  On all my other typewriters the end of line lock will lock the keys and pressing the M-R key causes a click and slight motion and sometimes a hard click and bump of the carriage.  Not so with this one. Press, releases the lock, and absolutely no motions or clicks.

The index for the placement of a letter on the page is nicer than looking at the typebar slot on newer machines too.  Hammond has a pointer at the spot for a letter or symbol.  There is also an index scale, but it is not as visible as on newer machines.

I hope to test all the shuttles soon.  If I do I hope there is room on the Typewriter Database for all of them.  They'll be posted here whether or not they fit on Ted's site.

One reason I gave up my Olivetti Praxis 48 was I found an IBM Selectric-II.  I always liked the interchangeable elements.  Until I started this hobby (obsession) I never knew of the Hammond -- it had interchangeable elements a Century before IBM!  (ok, I exaggerated a bit)

Now to search for additional shuttles.

Hammond Shuttles

These came with the Hammond Multiplex.  There were (and still are) 2 more mounted on the typewriter.

This box can hold up to 9 shuttles.

Several of these boxes of shuttles were also included.

2 boxes had a shuttle, keys, and typeface example paper.

All but one box had a shuttle and typeface example.

This is how to identify the top of the shuttle.  This side up to load and use.

The bottom is readily identified

This shuttle is ready to pick up and load.

2 shuttles loaded and ready.

These sheets are from http://landbeetypewriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/hammond-typewriter-shuttles.html

The link to the blog above is no longer active, The blog is no longer on line.

I've posted them only because they are difficult to find via a search.  Hopefull the original blogger does not mind.  If they do I will remove them from this blog.

The shuttles installed and ready for use.

Yesterday I took the typewriter off of the case lid to let the lid air-out outside the house.  There is just enough of a must odor that I can smell it.  This is the only typewriter on display in our living room.  I think it will now type when an impression strip is installed.  Off of the lid the left side keys do not type z.  They seem to work normally.  The machines frame does not seem bent.

Latest Addition to the Collection: Hammond Multiplex

I got a bit dyslexic when I typed.  Z is on the LEFT, left side does not work.  Right side works.  I'm real good at makng typos.  When I grow-up I will learn to type!

The inside of the case has a neat velvet like lining. Outside of the case is falling apart.  On top of the velvet is a very nice Hammond Multiplex with the same problem Robert Messengers has.

My old Olympus does not like to rebalance the white level. 

From what I can find from The Typewriter Database this machine is from 1915 to 1918 since the next numbers start with 1919 and a different serial number designator.  There is not much in the database or on line about these machines.  I did find more on the real old ones, but this era machine, next to nothing.

This side is good at typing z. In fact that is all it will type and I did not buy it in Australia from Robert M.

This half of the keyboard works fine.

Das Springenwerks.

Das Gearenwerks

Mystery Lever.  Whatzitdu?

This thumbscrew was loose in the case.  I have no idea where it goes.

I was hoping to typecast from this typewriter, but I cannot get the right side of the keys to type anything but a z or a Z.  I found a video clip on Robert Messengers blog where he shows the same problem with his Hammond.  I thought it would be better to link his post because he explains much more about these neat typewriters than I post here.

As soon as I get a H.F. Transceiver off the work bench I hope to take this one apart and see what makes it go.  I may stumble onto the cause of the problem or I may just reassemble it and let it alone as I do not even know how to work one of these machines let alone repair one. 

I have much more to post on this typewriter in a future typecast and hopefully it will be typed with the Hammond.

For my German speaking readers I do apologize for my broken German.  It is a habit of the Pennsylvania Dutch where I grew-up.  We'd make words for what we would not know and some how everyone understood.  I like having fun with words every now and then.