The Skyriter I regularly use requires a manual reverse -- it's a 1952 model, so it's possible that the auto-reverse doesn't exist on these models, or at least this era.
Congratulations! After typing on mpclemens' Skyriter at our little Type-In-Of-Two, I've fallen in love with that machine and would like to add it to my collection.
The touch is so nice for being so small, and the typeface is easy on the eyes. I hope that you can get these issues resolved!
The white ribbons are a mess ... The typewriter gets all dirty. I do not understand why people used to use them. One of the last machine I bought I noticed the previous owner loved corrector fluid. It was all painted white. And it was a headache to remove it without damaging the typewriter.
I grabbed a PDF scan from Mr. Clemens blog and confirmed this does have an automatic ribbon reverse, in addition to the manual lever. I played around with it a bit more and I'm thinking I didn't wind the new ribbon tight enough to reverse it. It does appear to work though, so I'll have to tighten that up.
The shift lock mechanism is visible and easy to access. I did a little bending and it worked better, so I think with a little more patience and the proper angle, I should be able to get that fixed, but for now, it works decent. I don't use the lock that often, so not a big deal.
Out of my twelve typers, this one is sitting around the eight or nine spot, so there's a few others that would be taken off my hands before this one. But if that time comes, I will let everyone know.
It does type really smooth and its a lot quieter than I would have figured. Its a nice add to my collection. I did compare it to my Hermes Baby. The Baby has a much shorter keystroke than the Skyriter. The Skyriter also seems to give a darker impression, but that may be the force of the strike and longer travel. The Baby is lighter, smaller and has a smoother carriage, plus its got style. The Skyriter, even though its small, still feels like a tank!
The other issues I mentioned don't seem to be issues, after all. The escapement issue was really just due to me not following the keystroke all the way to the bottom, so once I adjusted my typing style, all was good. So, its only the shift lock that isn't at 100%.
Luckily, the white flaky mess was minimal. I got the old ribbon out right away and a little toothbrush, paper towel and canned air action and I was typing away!
I'll need to get a picture up soon, although its the standard drab brown case, no racing stripes, and dark green keys, so it doesn't take much imagination to "see" what it looks like:)
Once you get everything working right, you'll find the portability together with the touch to be amazing, ... and suddenly it will follow you around everywhere!
Agreed, they're quite handy travelling typers. I usually toss my 32 cent Tower Skyriter in the truck for random typing chances. "Indy" likes to travel, and although I'd be sad if I lost it or it got damaged, it wouldn't be a blow to the pocketbook like losing a Hermes or a Lettera would be (:
The Skyriter I regularly use requires a manual reverse -- it's a 1952 model, so it's possible that the auto-reverse doesn't exist on these models, or at least this era.
ReplyDeleteIf you end up not liking this Skyriter, I'll take it off your hands--it's on my list.
ReplyDeleteAnd the shift that doesn't stay locked is something that my Silent Super has a problem with as well. :)
Congratulations! After typing on mpclemens' Skyriter at our little Type-In-Of-Two, I've fallen in love with that machine and would like to add it to my collection.
ReplyDeleteThe touch is so nice for being so small, and the typeface is easy on the eyes. I hope that you can get these issues resolved!
I have 2 of these Skyriters, a 56 and 57 model - both have auto ribbon-reverse actuated by the ribbon grommet at the end of the spool.
ReplyDeleteLove 'em (:
This post made me much clear. White correction junk, that's the poweder near and at the ribbon parts of my Olympia SM3! THANK YOU for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThe white ribbons are a mess ... The typewriter gets all dirty. I do not understand why people used to use them.
ReplyDeleteOne of the last machine I bought I noticed the previous owner loved corrector fluid. It was all painted white. And it was a headache to remove it without damaging the typewriter.
I grabbed a PDF scan from Mr. Clemens blog and confirmed this does have an automatic ribbon reverse, in addition to the manual lever. I played around with it a bit more and I'm thinking I didn't wind the new ribbon tight enough to reverse it. It does appear to work though, so I'll have to tighten that up.
ReplyDeleteThe shift lock mechanism is visible and easy to access. I did a little bending and it worked better, so I think with a little more patience and the proper angle, I should be able to get that fixed, but for now, it works decent. I don't use the lock that often, so not a big deal.
Out of my twelve typers, this one is sitting around the eight or nine spot, so there's a few others that would be taken off my hands before this one. But if that time comes, I will let everyone know.
It does type really smooth and its a lot quieter than I would have figured. Its a nice add to my collection. I did compare it to my Hermes Baby. The Baby has a much shorter keystroke than the Skyriter. The Skyriter also seems to give a darker impression, but that may be the force of the strike and longer travel. The Baby is lighter, smaller and has a smoother carriage, plus its got style. The Skyriter, even though its small, still feels like a tank!
The other issues I mentioned don't seem to be issues, after all. The escapement issue was really just due to me not following the keystroke all the way to the bottom, so once I adjusted my typing style, all was good. So, its only the shift lock that isn't at 100%.
Luckily, the white flaky mess was minimal. I got the old ribbon out right away and a little toothbrush, paper towel and canned air action and I was typing away!
I'll need to get a picture up soon, although its the standard drab brown case, no racing stripes, and dark green keys, so it doesn't take much imagination to "see" what it looks like:)
Once you get everything working right, you'll find the portability together with the touch to be amazing, ... and suddenly it will follow you around everywhere!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, they're quite handy travelling typers. I usually toss my 32 cent Tower Skyriter in the truck for random typing chances. "Indy" likes to travel, and although I'd be sad if I lost it or it got damaged, it wouldn't be a blow to the pocketbook like losing a Hermes or a Lettera would be (:
ReplyDelete