1980 IBM Selectric 3 Typewriter

I had to clean and lubricate the key mechanisms as they were getting stuck.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 1980
• IBM
• Selectric
• Typewriter
• cleaning
• lubrication
• stuck
• keys

[unixcgi]

Note that you can remove the cover without using allen wrenches.

With the lid open but the cover still on, grip the rollers with both hands, and your thumbs can simultaneously depress the two metal buttons on either side of the metal ruler which releases the roller, which can then be popped out easily. Then you can pop the lid. The roller just 'snaps' back into place.

[retrochad]

@unixcgi Thanks a lot for that tip, I will make sure to try it.

[CindyBradyTooh]

S is for stencil. They used typewriters to cut the things they used on mimeograph machines, to duplicate things, like church bulletins and whatnot. The typewriter, in stencil mode, would cut a hole in the stencil that would let ink thru, and that's how mimeograph machines worked. The ink would go thru the hole, and make a letter on the paper.  A whole buncha holes made a printed bulletin. :) Do you remember those?

~Cindy! :)

..

[retrochad]

@CindyBradyTooh Yes I do, that is how they made copies in elementary school but I never knew how the system worked.

[TheOmnipresent12]

So good to see a good old Selectric again. I worked on them many years ago - truly a fascinating machine... though I always preferred to use WD-40 myself. Great effort to bring it back to life mate!

[Forensource]

S stands for Stencil.

[compactc9]

The platen I believe just pups out with the knobs and everything on it before you take the cop of the case off. I've watched the typewriter guy mess with the keys he leaves the platen, ribbon and type ball out. He uses sewing machine oil to oil it too. I'm somewhat familiar with these just from watching, so I can fin out anything you want to know if you run into something you can't figure out.

[compactc9]

@DEW409 Yes, S is for stencil, usually for typing on carbon copies and that kind of thing.

[VICNASTY1989]

I am the biggest Selectric fan ever! I myself have owned an '80 Selectric III (in a Brown cabinet) and a '77 Selectric II (in a Powder blue cabinet). And I still have a few wheel sets sitting around. VERY COOL!

[TheMultiGunMan]

★★★★★

Cool typewriter.