Sunday, February 2, 2014

Why You MUST Get At Least ONE Electric Typewriter

Yours truly lazily typing away on my Sears Electric 1 which you can see here.

14 comments:

  1. I once owned a wedge. I found I still used it at a desk so out it went.

    There is one that is fun to collect though: a Selectric.
    Well, then it would need to be used on a desk as even the Selectirc-I is quite huge and heavy.
    Fun to get all the different font balls.

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  2. I too believe I need just one electric. Never owned one, but the hum of the spinning cam-shaft or whatever you call it is quite alluring. I don't want a wedge tho. Something with type slugs

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    1. The other benefit of working on an electric is that you get used to the thrum and buzz of the motor so when you are done with your work and turn it off it becomes eerily extra quiet in the room. It's like wearing sunglasses or lab goggles for a while and then when you take them off everything looks high definition and colorful!

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  3. Well, this hadn't occurred to me! Many electrics are very heavy but this looks like one based on the old Skyriter design which must be pretty comfortable.

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    1. I have no idea what this machine is (besides a Sears). If you have a guess I'd like to know.

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  4. Interesting you should bring up electrics! The last week, I've been inventorying my typewriter collection, and putting all the pertinent info about them on file cards in a file card box (not on my computer). So, I came across two 1970's vintage Smith Corona electrics, one of which I got for nothing at a rummage sale that didn't think they could sell, so it was in a "free" pile. The "free" one didn't work, and was a greasy dirty mess, (how do typewriters get greasy-like from sitting nest to a frying pan??) The other one worked fine but, being electric, had been relegated to the back of the closet. Anyway, being one who likes challenges, I tackled the "free" SCM Electra 120, cleaned it up, took it apart, and got it mostly working - and I love it! The 90% of the keyboard that works so far is great, and feels good.
    As you pointed out, you can be a bit sloppy about the way you type on an electric, and it just goes ...... so, one or two electric "kids"is fine.
    P.S. the Electra 120 is going to the typewriter shop for a proper clean up, tune up! Thanks

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  5. Actually, I've been open to owning at least one electric typewriter. Although not for the reason you mention, I cannot write in any position other than sitting. I'd look for aesthetics (yep, a lot of the electrics have no personality), size (not a Selectric), and weight (I have yet to see an electric that does not weigh a ton).

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  6. L O V I N G the picture! Just great!!

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  7. Typing like that is just plain wrong. If typewriters were meant to be used while supine, they'd come with a cup holder and vibro-massaging upholstered base.

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    1. It is wrong, but it was comfy! Usually I do sit at a desk with a much more proper posture. But that night it was nice to just lounge out and type sloppy.

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  8. Mark, have I got the machine for you ... It's a Corona Electra SS ... Electric, but CORDLESS! Imagine the extra freedom! Not only could you type prone, but you could type prone at a park! :-) LOL

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