u/No-Strength1572

Hey, typewriter people.

Can I pick somebody’s brain for a minute?

I went out thrifting today and managed to score an Electra 120 that seems to be in really good shape. The only thing that didn’t seem to work was the Tab Set. Tab Clear worked fine and cleared the previously set tab stops.

What happens is: When the carriage is positioned and Set is pressed, the button doesn’t pop back up and no tab stop is actually set.

Pressing the Clear button does return the Set button to its normal position.

Pressing the tabulator bar will advance the carriage either momentarily, or all the way to the right margin if it’s held down.

Does this sound like something’s dirty, or an escapement issue?

I’m not really sure what exactly to search for on Google, and hunting through videos from Phoenix Typewriter, I can’t seem to find a video where he tackled a similar issue with that machine.

I did see a few where he took it apart to access the internals. I can get that far when need be. I just need a bit of advice on where to look before I get elbow deep into unfamiliar territory.

Also, does anyone know if the carriage return lever was adjustable? This one sits close enough to the ribbon cover that it skims the top. It just seems like it needs a little more clearance.

I’ve got a whole heap of precision tools, so, chances are I’ve got something in the toolbox that can get the job done.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Have a good one!

“Hey, man… you wanna race?”

I’m sure a lot of people here loath hearing that. I actually find it pretty funny.

I was out at the local Big Box retail store today for some odds and ends and ran across another active wheelchair user at the end of the aisle. The first one I’ve seen in my area. They’re looking at an item, but don’t appear super busy, so I come up behind them and half-jokingly ask if they want to race.

I expected a laugh, or maybe them telling me to buzz off. But no. They got the biggest grin on their face and took off like a damn bat out of hell! We both blasted down the aisle and I was sure they’d have to deploy flaps to come to a stop.

After the impromptu drag race, we talked wheelchairs for a little bit and went on about our shopping.

That was fun as hell and a friend was made.

It’s okay to have a little fun sometimes.

For those who drive, how do you normally respond to people offering to help you load your chair into your vehicle?

My typical response is “I got it! Thanks though!” Some are more persistent than others, which usually gets a “Hey, at least you offered. Most people don’t even bother.”

Honestly, it’d take longer to explain to someone how the chair comes apart and where I stash it than it would for me to just do it myself.

It doesn’t really bother me. I’m just starting to feel like a broken record, repeating the same thing over and over.

What are some fun ways you’ve found to let people down easy?

Are newbie questions welcome?

Hope so, because I have a few. Ha.

Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for a Selectric II and wanted some input from owners and people who’ve worked on them before I get too far ahead of myself.

So far, I’ve not found any in my local area and have been looking around at some listings on eBay and the like just to see what might be out there.

Is there anything in particular that I should watch out for or avoid?

From what I’ve read, I know they’re prone to needing maintenance, which doesn’t scare me — I’m willing to learn along the way, but I’ve never done any typewriter repair. From your experience, what are the things that if you saw would make you look for one in better shape?

What compatible ribbons have you had the best luck with?

The only typewriter repair shop near me is a few hours away and I do plan on calling soon just to get acquainted. For those who work on theirs or technicians, do you have any recommendations for questions to ask the tech or ballpark prices for common repairs? (I’m a guitar tech, so I know that’s a broad question, but just general ballpark ranges to know if I’m possibly getting taken or not.)

Are there any specific tools I might need to maintain one of these over time or specific types of grease that work best?

I do plan on actually using the typewriter, so learning some basic maintenance is something I’m happy to do. I just want to make sure I’ve got the right tools for the job.

Finally, are there any questions I might’ve missed? What are some things you wish you knew before getting into Selectrics?

I hope my inexperience and not knowing what I don’t know doesn’t ruffle too many feathers.

I certainly appreciate your input and sage wisdom.

Have a good one!