Got this 60 years ago. Just got out to revive and have now managed to sort all it's problems. Thank you. I didn't know about the paper rest at the back.🙂
Glad you've got yours working, they're a lovely typewriter. I'm not surprised that people didn't find the paper rest - when I first looked I was thinking "what is this bit for? followed by Ah ha!!!!!!!
I've owned one of these for basically all my life and neverrr knew of the paper rest. Since I got mine when I was 5 years old, I have not kept it in the best condition. Not saying that I've mistreated it but it definitely needs servicing.
Great video thanks. I have one of these and I really enjoy typing on it. It’s in pretty good condition too. Only difference is mine has a nice grey fibreglass carry case.
Yeah, I've seen a few of them with the different case, both earlier and later models, so I guess it was maybe an alternative case at a different price. Definitely a lovely typewriter, glad you enjoy yours sprucemoose.
Very informative! I picked up a Good Companion 4 through the Freegle network today and it seems to work very well despite being stored in a shed for many years! It needs a good clean though.
@@GrumpyTim I have one query. I have noticed that the spools don't move when I type and all the ribbon is on the right hand spool. On the left hand spool it is right up to the little metal stopper in the middle of the ribbon and won't let me rewind manually. Should I unscrew the spools?
Hi Planetary Citizen, that sounds like the auto ribbon reverse mechanism isn't working correctly - I can't get to look at my typewriters for a couple of weeks - the model 6 has a chrome button on the right hand side that allows you to manually reverse the ribbon, but I can't remember if the model 4 has the same system. When I get a chance I'll take a look and let you know. Feel free to email me (you'll find my email address in the "about" tab of my channel - I have a couple of photos showing the reversing mechanism on the model 6 and it's likely that they retained more or less the same system from earlier models.
@@GrumpyTim Thanks for your reply. I've just checked and the model 6 has two chrome buttons and the model 4 (mine) only one. The one on mine is half way down on the right hand side. It seems to move an arm underneath the spool on the left side. I've managed to get the spools moving now, but the ribbon is worn on the left hand side so I'll replace it. It could probably do with a good clean too! I'll do that when I have more time. I discovered that some of the ribbon had got wrapped around the lever on the left hand side. The lever that should hold the ribbon in place. I'll keep working on it and if I need any more help I'll get back to you. Thanks!
Ah ha, a frayed old ribbon can definitely impede the winding mechanism - along with dirt in the mechanism itself and maybe some dried old oil too - hopefully with a new ribbon attached and a bit of cleaning, you'll be up and running. I get my ribbons from one of the ebay sellers - they're pretty generic, and the plastic reels the new ribbon comes on will rarely fit your typewriter, so just rewind the new ribbon onto your existing spools - you should get nice and dirty in the process, which is always fun!!!!!
Hi Benedict, this one only has the stops for the margins - there's no tab button as such. I have used typewriters in the past with tab stops but I can't remember which ones had them. Typewriters are another thing you could easily get addicted to - not too bulky and very mechanical......... I think I know where there's a big old typewriter just begging for restoration - maybe I'll take a look at that sometime.
I don't think any of my music can be found by Alexa - a few tracks can be played from my Bandcamp page but none of the early stuff like "The Prisoner" is on there - Maybe I'll dig out the original multi track recordings and add them sometime - if I do add them, they'll be on the page here: grumpytim.bandcamp.com/
@@GrumpyTim totally marvellous! I particularly enjoyed the lyrics on Grumpy Christmas and the drawings of the typewriter and the pencil sharpener and the label thingy.
Cheers Michele, not many people visit the Bandcamp page so it's always nice when someone enjoys some of it. I also have a UA-cam playlist with music videos ua-cam.com/play/PL8E7qepyRm5Aql1pcNYVrhdzM2mgFSfgY.html - you're welcome to take a peek if you want, but please don't feel obliged just because I've mentioned it here.
I recently picked one up, the first issue is the space bar doesn't work at all, of course there is slack on the pully but even with test tightening there is no reaction to a press. The teeth that seem to push down and allow it to slide and then catch do not move either, do you have any ideas or any places online that have user inforamtion of possible repairs ? im totally perplexed, sad and dissapointed i couldn't fix it myself.
Hi plasticbudgie, I'll try to take a look at mine later on and see if I can come up with a few things to check - can't do it right now because there's a mechanical calculator in bits on my workbench.
First thoughts (in no particular order), can you move the carriage by hand if you press the carriage release lever (that's the middle chrome lever on the top right hand side of the carriage)? If the carriage itself is jammed, then we need to look at something else> If you press the backspace key (arrow key on the right hand side of the keyboard) - if this key or it's mechanism is either stuck down or otherwise jammed, the carriage won't work using the space bar. Are the tabs set touching each other (chrome movable parts on the ruler behind the carriage) - this would cause the carriage to probably only move 2 spaces before stopping - if they are together, move them apart and try again. There should be a long steel bar that runs right from the space bar to the escapement (that's the gear part at the back that allows the carriage to move one space at a time) - this bar should be resting on another arm that extends from the escapement - if there's a gap, either the escapement is stuck down or the bar from the space bar is out of position or bent. Feel free to email a photo of the under side to my email address (you can find that in the "about" section of my UA-cam channel. Above all, don't force anything - there should be no need for excessive force, no matter how tempting it is.
@@GrumpyTim Thank you for the info, I'll double check tomorrow and try send you some images or a video so you can see what i mean, should be able to send them by thursday thank you so much for your help its highly appreciated.
my centre chrome bracket that holds the ribbon does not slide up when typing, in fact it does not move at all. like yours did in the video can you help please
Hi Christine, I'll dig the typewriter out on Monday and have a look - is yours the same model, ie a Good Companion Model 6? Even if yours is one of the earlier Good Companions I think the ribbon carriage thingy will be the same.
@@GrumpyTim Hi mine is june 62 portable in brown case, seems ok now but needs oiling as keys and carriage stick sometimes what oil should I use and how to do that please
Hi Christine, I usually use sewing machine oil but another light oil will do the trick - 3 in 1 oil or similar would be fine. Car engine oil would be too thick and WD40 isn't really a lubricating oil, it's more for freeing stuff off and dispersing water. I apply the oil, one small drop at a time using a small screwdriver - carry the drop on the end of the screwdriver to the part you're oiling, that way you should only get the oil where you want it. Applying too much oil isn't the end of the world but it won't help with lubrication and it'll only attract future dust and grime. As for what to oil - basically any pivot or sliding joint will want a drop of oil - you may need to operate the particular part many times to get the fresh oil to mix with old dried oil and soften it enough so things start to work better. If you move a single key hammer by hand, look for it's pivot points and the connecting rods on the underside - each moving joint will want oil. Also, if the keys are sticking, make sure the metal section near the bas of the keys is clean in each slot because dried old oil and grime can make the keys stick. Let me know how you get on.
@@GrumpyTim Hello I am learning alot from you, I will use 3-1 oil sparingly . I wonder what the metal triangle is there for cause it does not sit where one types, any idea please ?
Got this 60 years ago. Just got out to revive and have now managed to sort all it's problems. Thank you. I didn't know about the paper rest at the back.🙂
Glad you've got yours working, they're a lovely typewriter. I'm not surprised that people didn't find the paper rest - when I first looked I was thinking "what is this bit for? followed by Ah ha!!!!!!!
I've owned one of these for basically all my life and neverrr knew of the paper rest. Since I got mine when I was 5 years old, I have not kept it in the best condition. Not saying that I've mistreated it but it definitely needs servicing.
I just got a red imperial model 4. This was very helpful, thank you.
Cheers Elaine, glad it helped. These old typewriters are so much fun to use, definitely more satisfying than tapping away at the computer!!!
Great video thanks. I have one of these and I really enjoy typing on it. It’s in pretty good condition too.
Only difference is mine has a nice grey fibreglass carry case.
Yeah, I've seen a few of them with the different case, both earlier and later models, so I guess it was maybe an alternative case at a different price. Definitely a lovely typewriter, glad you enjoy yours sprucemoose.
Very informative! I picked up a Good Companion 4 through the Freegle network today and it seems to work very well despite being stored in a shed for many years! It needs a good clean though.
Awesome, you'll have lots of fun using that typewriter - much more satisfying than typing away on the computer.
@@GrumpyTim I have one query. I have noticed that the spools don't move when I type and all the ribbon is on the right hand spool. On the left hand spool it is right up to the little metal stopper in the middle of the ribbon and won't let me rewind manually. Should I unscrew the spools?
Hi Planetary Citizen, that sounds like the auto ribbon reverse mechanism isn't working correctly - I can't get to look at my typewriters for a couple of weeks - the model 6 has a chrome button on the right hand side that allows you to manually reverse the ribbon, but I can't remember if the model 4 has the same system. When I get a chance I'll take a look and let you know.
Feel free to email me (you'll find my email address in the "about" tab of my channel - I have a couple of photos showing the reversing mechanism on the model 6 and it's likely that they retained more or less the same system from earlier models.
@@GrumpyTim Thanks for your reply. I've just checked and the model 6 has two chrome buttons and the model 4 (mine) only one. The one on mine is half way down on the right hand side. It seems to move an arm underneath the spool on the left side. I've managed to get the spools moving now, but the ribbon is worn on the left hand side so I'll replace it. It could probably do with a good clean too! I'll do that when I have more time. I discovered that some of the ribbon had got wrapped around the lever on the left hand side. The lever that should hold the ribbon in place. I'll keep working on it and if I need any more help I'll get back to you. Thanks!
Ah ha, a frayed old ribbon can definitely impede the winding mechanism - along with dirt in the mechanism itself and maybe some dried old oil too - hopefully with a new ribbon attached and a bit of cleaning, you'll be up and running. I get my ribbons from one of the ebay sellers - they're pretty generic, and the plastic reels the new ribbon comes on will rarely fit your typewriter, so just rewind the new ribbon onto your existing spools - you should get nice and dirty in the process, which is always fun!!!!!
Works nicely. Does it have a full set of tab stops or just ones for the margins?
Hi Benedict, this one only has the stops for the margins - there's no tab button as such. I have used typewriters in the past with tab stops but I can't remember which ones had them. Typewriters are another thing you could easily get addicted to - not too bulky and very mechanical......... I think I know where there's a big old typewriter just begging for restoration - maybe I'll take a look at that sometime.
@@GrumpyTim not too bulky? You haven't seen my typewriters! 😉
@@BensWorkshop Ok, yes, some of them are quite large!!!
I really like The Prisoner song. I tried to play it on Amazon Music but Alexa couldn't find it.
I don't think any of my music can be found by Alexa - a few tracks can be played from my Bandcamp page but none of the early stuff like "The Prisoner" is on there - Maybe I'll dig out the original multi track recordings and add them sometime - if I do add them, they'll be on the page here: grumpytim.bandcamp.com/
@@GrumpyTim totally marvellous! I particularly enjoyed the lyrics on Grumpy Christmas and the drawings of the typewriter and the pencil sharpener and the label thingy.
Cheers Michele, not many people visit the Bandcamp page so it's always nice when someone enjoys some of it. I also have a UA-cam playlist with music videos ua-cam.com/play/PL8E7qepyRm5Aql1pcNYVrhdzM2mgFSfgY.html - you're welcome to take a peek if you want, but please don't feel obliged just because I've mentioned it here.
I recently picked one up, the first issue is the space bar doesn't work at all, of course there is slack on the pully but even with test tightening there is no reaction to a press. The teeth that seem to push down and allow it to slide and then catch do not move either, do you have any ideas or any places online that have user inforamtion of possible repairs ? im totally perplexed, sad and dissapointed i couldn't fix it myself.
Hi plasticbudgie, I'll try to take a look at mine later on and see if I can come up with a few things to check - can't do it right now because there's a mechanical calculator in bits on my workbench.
@@GrumpyTim You absolute star! thank you i look forward to hearing if you manage to find what could be the problem.
First thoughts (in no particular order), can you move the carriage by hand if you press the carriage release lever (that's the middle chrome lever on the top right hand side of the carriage)? If the carriage itself is jammed, then we need to look at something else>
If you press the backspace key (arrow key on the right hand side of the keyboard) - if this key or it's mechanism is either stuck down or otherwise jammed, the carriage won't work using the space bar.
Are the tabs set touching each other (chrome movable parts on the ruler behind the carriage) - this would cause the carriage to probably only move 2 spaces before stopping - if they are together, move them apart and try again.
There should be a long steel bar that runs right from the space bar to the escapement (that's the gear part at the back that allows the carriage to move one space at a time) - this bar should be resting on another arm that extends from the escapement - if there's a gap, either the escapement is stuck down or the bar from the space bar is out of position or bent.
Feel free to email a photo of the under side to my email address (you can find that in the "about" section of my UA-cam channel.
Above all, don't force anything - there should be no need for excessive force, no matter how tempting it is.
@@GrumpyTim Thank you for the info, I'll double check tomorrow and try send you some images or a video so you can see what i mean, should be able to send them by thursday thank you so much for your help its highly appreciated.
Hi plasticbudgie, there's no rush, just whenever you have time.
my centre chrome bracket that holds the ribbon does not slide up when typing, in fact it does not move at all. like yours did in the video can you help please
Hi Christine, I'll dig the typewriter out on Monday and have a look - is yours the same model, ie a Good Companion Model 6? Even if yours is one of the earlier Good Companions I think the ribbon carriage thingy will be the same.
@@GrumpyTim Hi mine is june 62 portable in brown case, seems ok now but needs oiling as keys and carriage stick sometimes what oil should I use and how to do that please
Hi Christine, I usually use sewing machine oil but another light oil will do the trick - 3 in 1 oil or similar would be fine. Car engine oil would be too thick and WD40 isn't really a lubricating oil, it's more for freeing stuff off and dispersing water.
I apply the oil, one small drop at a time using a small screwdriver - carry the drop on the end of the screwdriver to the part you're oiling, that way you should only get the oil where you want it. Applying too much oil isn't the end of the world but it won't help with lubrication and it'll only attract future dust and grime.
As for what to oil - basically any pivot or sliding joint will want a drop of oil - you may need to operate the particular part many times to get the fresh oil to mix with old dried oil and soften it enough so things start to work better.
If you move a single key hammer by hand, look for it's pivot points and the connecting rods on the underside - each moving joint will want oil. Also, if the keys are sticking, make sure the metal section near the bas of the keys is clean in each slot because dried old oil and grime can make the keys stick.
Let me know how you get on.
very good video 2nd, but when I type I can not read my typing why would that be ? I have to go to next line
@@GrumpyTim Hello I am learning alot from you, I will use 3-1 oil sparingly . I wonder what the metal triangle is there for cause it does not sit where one types, any idea please ?