r/modelm

I just finished my first keyboard restore, of this 1986 square badge Model M. It was full of cat hair and cigarette ash (how 1980s, right?) and the keys were covered in some grime. A few keys on the bottom row didn't work, but otherwise it was intact and in pretty good shape. I wanted an old model, and 40 years old seems old.

It sounded like a rattle with all the broken rivet heads swimming around (good news to me since no one had been in there yet!). I disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned what I could, rinsed the rest, then discovered the black plastic plate had a bunch of age cracks all the way through, and it was almost in 3 pieces. I made up ABS slurry from filament and acetone to take care of the cracks, which looks ugly, but worked really well. Then used the milling machine to drill all the 1/16th bolt mod holes.

Built a Soarer DIN to USB-B converter, and modelled up a printable case just for fun. I posted earlier asking about circuit board replacements, but after seeing what awesome original condition this thing is in, decided to keep the functioning internal board.

Typing: OH MAN does this keyboard feel great. I just typed this up on it. So heavy and clicky. I had a couple of these boards in college but lost them. Now I can reaquaint myself.

And it looks and feels brand new after just a couple day's work! Not really any scratches even. What a tank.

I've got the bug. I just ordered a Model F AT that needs some work. To be continued.

A guy on facebook marketplace was emptying his attic with tons of vintage IBM computer goods and was taking offers. He had a bundle of keyboards that I really wanted because I've been looking to try out a model M. I offered 200€ and he said yes!

They're filthy, 2 of the model Ms are missing their cables (model H candidates?) and keycaps, and the model F XT has a broken cable.

I already have more model Ms than I know what to do with though, so I'm hoping to sell these 3 and make my money back, then enjoy my free model Fs!

Anyway, this is a pointless post but I felt good and wanted to share (gloat?) with the only people who understand why I even like these beasts

I´ve made a 127-key type 3 terminal Model M. It has usb type c (tmk on pro-micro inside)

Currently asking $402 USD. Is this how people launder money?

A bootleg IBM keyboard that achieves its curvature through the keycaps, but its black AMP cable is interchangeable with authentic IBM keyboards. Another weird addition to the collection.

I'd like to restore this keyboard a bit, clean it, replace the missing keys, maybe even mod it to bring it into modernity (and stop know-it-alls from going "why don't you buy a new keyboard it has this and that feature"). I'm not really sure where to begin though, as I've never actually restored or modded a keyboard before.

Hello r/modelm!

In my ill-fated attempt to remove and replace a buckling spring that had gotten stretched to the point of making this key soft, the pivot plate became loose and is currently rattling around under its barrel. I’ve tried gently to move it back into place with some point tweezers, but don’t want to cause any further damage to the pivot plate by forcing anything. Is it possible to do this topside, or am I looking at a bolt mod to re-seat it? This keyboard’s been a machine since ‘88 (and in my life daily since 2016!) and I’d love to get it back into commission. Couldn‘t find much about this particular problem in many Google searches and looking at various teardown videos, so figured I’d consult your wisdom!