R.C.Allen Gets A New Ribbon

Empty spool showing uniqueness of the design.

I don't know what R.C. Allen calls the tabs so I used my own names.  When the ribbon runs out on the feed spool the reverse tab extends toward the circumference to activate the automatic ribbon reverse.

Spindle showing the drive and reverse tabs.  The drive tab on the right does not extend.  When the ribbon spool is installed onto the spindle the smaller cut out the spool goes over the drive tab and the larger one over the ribbon reverse tab.  The spool must be aligned to fit over both tabs.  Takes a little wiggling to properly align the ribbon reverse side. REVISION:  From the R.C.Allen repair manual the spring on the left (above) Drive Tab is called the Ribbon Spool Catch Spring, and the tab on the right Ribbon Reverse Tab is called the Reverse Trigger.

another view showing how the tab extends.  This is a completely empty spool before I attached the new ribbon.

Left spool showing the ribbon path.  Ribbon spools around the arc of the spool facing the key board. Ribbon winds CW on this spindle.

Ribbon threaded through the ribbon vibrator or lifter.

Right spool showing the ribbon path.  Ribbon feeds around the spool facing the key board.  Ribbon winds CCW on this spindle.

I could not find a manual on line.  In order to maybe help someone who may not know about the spools I wanted to show the ribbon spools, and the ribbon path.

First of all do not throw out the original metal spools. Out of curiosity I looked on line and could not find any R.C. Allen pre-spooled ribbons. Nothing unusual as metal spools are not made any longer.  Well, they may  be because Tony Casillo sells new ribbons on new metal spools, but he had none listed for this typewriter or I missed them.

I respool ribbons out of habit. I respooled one of my spare silk ribbons onto the R.C. Allen spools.  I removed the old ribbon from the original spools.  This typewriter does not use eyelets in the ribbon.  I cut the eyelet end off of the ribbon.  I respooled the new ribbon onto the original spool.  I cut the other eyelet end off.  Then I attached the ribbon to the spool.

With the new ribbon on the typewriter I decided to record the ribbon path for reference.

My arsenal of snow moving tools minus my #10 scoop shovel.

Revised:

As of 1645 E.D.T. today.  There is just enough laying to cover the wood on the ramp as well as the house roofs.

Speaking of the time for those in the USA who are on Daylight Saving Time:
It ends Saturday night. Set your clocks back one hour to Standard Time.  Or stay awake until 0200 and change your clocks.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

A New Garage Typewriter From R.C. Allen

Things did not look good when I opened  the damaged box.

Things got even worse with the smashed knob and bent bail and other levers.

And even worse when the carriage would not move.

Why such a convoluted stand off is beyond reason. 12-28 stud to a .090" rod to a normal hex standoff threaded for a 5-40 screw.  I've seen tons of these used in radio and not this over complicated. 

I machined an old Bakelite knob to fit the original collar.

This is without any cleaning.  Before use I did blow out the dust with compressed air. No other cleaning was done. 

Finished.  Notice the line in the middle of the paper bail?  It marks the center of the carriage. I can just hear my high school typing teacher at the end of each class: "All right now class, don't for get to center your carriage and cover your typewriter."

Had to straighten the back, and I used regular hardware store 12-24 machine screws.

I really like the index scale. Absolutely no parallax error.

Garage typer ready to use.  I'll eventually have it on a better table, rack, or a work bench.  Iv'e always had a typewriter in my garage. In Florida it was one of my Royal HH typewriters. After moving to Michigan it was my spare Classic 12 until it found a new home.   Not having any room in the house for another full size typewriter this one will be my garage typewriter.

Looking on the Typewriter Serial Number Database I found this is a Model 600 made in 1953.

As usual I find things I don't like after I edit.  I did not see the shadow line on the left of the typecasts on the scan preview or file.  I also intended to proof and correct my typos.

I finished the typewriter and typed the typecast on Friday.  I'm a bit late posting.

The way this typewriter typed was a complete surprise.  I did not even need to clean it.  Even the majority of the slugs were not clogged with old dirt and ink.  The feet are also in great shape and quite grippy.  The black half of the ribbon had seen better days.

If there is one disadvantage to this typewriter it is an elite machine instead of pica.

Were these really made in Grand Rapids, Michigan? I cannot seem to find any history of it. There is mention of the company, and the building at 678 Front Ave., but nothing else.