In which our author attempts to stave off boredom induced insanity.

I just had surgery on my neck and as you can imagine, I’m somewhat limited on my physical activities while I mend.

Since I can’t do a lot, I need to do something. I’ve decided to clean & repair this typewriter.

I love the fact that there is no bottom panel

This is a Royal Model 10 typewriter (s/n X-1 326 825). It was manufactured in Stamford CT in 1929.

Serial number plate

As it stands, the type bars don’t retract properly, it’s missing one ribbon spool, the rubber feet are flattened, there is a suspicious bulge on the left side of the platen, and it’s quite dirty. I’m sure I’ll find more issues as I go along.

My typewriter runs Windows.

I purchased it several years ago for $15 with the intention of cutting the keys off to make a steampunk keyboard. As a desktop computer no longer fits in my life, I don’t feel like I need a full-size keyboard either.

Why it has windows is a total mystery at this point.

After I bought the typewriter, it was stored in my detached garage for several years. A lot of the gunk inside the unit is acorn crumbs from the resident squirrels.

It even has a bell!
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Author: rexplex

With a bachelors degree in history, I turn wrenches for a living. I’m most at peace when I hear the wind in the trees or the gurgle of a brook. I’m a believer in the Renaissance Man, as epitomized by DaVinci engineer, artist, soldier, statesman. As Heinlein said, “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

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