Since I have a typewriter, I think it's safe to say I'm probably an expert, and I'm going to tell you how to choose and take care of one for yourself.
A typewriter is an important thing to have, and choosing one is a life impacting decision! Typewriters these days are hard to find. If you are determined to own one, you must sleuth it out. Much like stalking the evasive wild boar, acquiring a typewriter takes patience, hard work, and stealthiness. You must peruse all the places that need perusal and more besides. Walk the isles of antique and thrift stores. Watch e-bay and check on craigslist.
Buying a typewriter is buying a new, better, and more clacky way of life. You have to find just the right one in order to be satisfied. I looked on
this website to find the kind I wanted, but of course could not afford to buy the shiny, refurbished
No. 4 Smith Corona in mountain ash red. Once I had determined the make I most wanted, I obsessed over it for months. I dreamed about it at night.
I routinely searched e-bay for a similar typewriter to the one I dreamt of but to no avail until one night my mom discovered a beautiful Smith Corona, the exact model I wanted, on e-bay. It was destiny. My parents bought it for me as an early birthday present for which I am eternally grateful.
Now, don't think that you're going to find exactly the typewriter you want. That's just my story. But, chances are, it could happen to you too!
When choosing a typewriter you should keep in mind what it's purpose will be. Do you want a typewriter that you can jam away on for long periods of time? Then you'll need to look for something in good shape that will hold up. If you want something that's a little lighter and less serious, go for a portable typewriter like mine. And if you just want something for decoration than just do whatever. If you are buying on e-bay or craigslist, make inquiries as to the condition of the typewriter. Make sure all the keys are intact, that they are all in working order, and that it can still take a ribbon. When an ad says ribbon included, don't get too excited. It usually means an old crusty ribbon without a drop of ink.
Typewriter upkeep is important as well. My typewriter came with this brush for cleaning the keys and inner workings. One of the benefits of a portable typewriter is that often the outsides are not completely incased in metal, which makes the inside accesible for cleaning.
It is very important to know the flaws of your respective typewriter, especially if it's an antique. For instance, my typewriter's ribbon doesn't raise after typing a capital letter, so I have to raise it myself. It's a very simple fix. Also, it's handy to have your typewriter's manual. Mine came with the remnants of one, but if you can obtain a whole one, so much the better.
This website sells manuals for almost every model.
Anyway, for more typewriter questions you can email me. I buy my ribbons
here, of course.
