First off, welcome to my blog. Expect posts frequently right now as my schedule is pretty open, but then I should go to about 2-3 times a week, and I'll try to come up with set days. Or just use the RSS feed and not worry about it!


Now for the interesting stuff...

I found mom's old typewriter (portable manual) last week and decided to fix it up and start using it more. It's a Sperry Rand Remington 333 from 1970 or 1971. It is in good condition except it was a rather dusty and the ribbon is all dry. I dusted it all out carefully and attempted to revive the ribbon. Tomorrow when I can scan in Typecast #1 you can see for yourself how well that worked. I think part of my problem is it's a cheap nylon ribbon and the oil doesn't soak in very well. 
I'm happy to report that while I thought it needed oiling, dusting seemed to do the trick. Sadly I did not get sewing machine oil or typewriter ribbons for Christmas. oh well. 


Some more info about the typewriter: 
The font is picoelite (not sure how to spell that) which is sort of like an 11 pt. font on a computer in usage - most people use 10 pt or 12 pt but sometimes you need something in-between (pico is 10 char. per inch, and elite is 12...picoelite is 11 char per inch). Note that points and characters per inch are not the same, especially as points can vary from font to font and by computer resolution. 
Aside from keycaps (which are a very heavy plastic, I actually thought it was coated metal at first) and the knobs and other such things (oh and the bits that have to be rubber and such), the typewriter is basically all metal, and though it's a portable it's incredibly heavy. I think I may use carrying it around as part of my exercise regimen. It has its original case which seems to be tweed on the outside and vinyl on the inside. 
Strangely enough it doesn't ding when I use the carriage return. I don't think it's supposed to but I kind of wish it would. Maybe I'll find a handbell and ring it whenever I use the carriage return. 


Other typewriters you may see in my posts are "the twins," two electric typewriters, one of which needs a little TLC to get up and running. 


Names for the Remington 333 are welcome, as I think a manual typewriter's revitalization necessarily leads to a naming. Besides, anything with that much presence and attitude needs a name. Pictures are coming later this week on Photo Day.