40+ years ago when I worked as a billing clerk typing hundreds upon hundreds of railroad waybills daily under serious time restraints to get the trains out on time I can tell you the repeat spacer button is not a gimmick. It's a very helpful feature along with the tabs, as even on preset forms not every bit of information fits neatly inside every box
Really falling for these Brothers after five years of passing them over. Loving my red-badged De Luxe from 1969 and just about to take delivery of a 1963 Valiant with coat hanger style paper support. Thanks for this great review, Joe!
It's absolutely AMAZING how each of the manufacturers came to their individual and communal solutions to the same question, ie. "HOW TO BUILD A DURABLE, RELIABLE AND EASILY SERVICED WRITING TOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS... AKA... THE TYPEWRITER. THE DESKTOP AND LAPTOP WORDPROCESSORS AND "PC's" OF OUR GENERATION!
Thanks for the video! I just picked up a Webster XL-800 after seeing your XL-747 videos. When my XL-800 arrived, the ribbon would not advance. I just needed to apply a little tri-flow to the springs and posts that interact with the gears the spools sit on. They were really light action, so the lubrication enabled them to catch the gears.
Lettera 22 "Hard to service the escapement because it's buried deep inside the mechanism" ... oh boy... I just found that out for myself today. I only started my typewriter journey in the last couple of weeks and amongst the first few machines I bought was a Lettera 22 with a documented escapement problem. Thought I might be able to fix it. Lol. Just glad it won't take up much space whilst I build up my typewriter restoration skills.
Joe, I bought one of these gems based on your experience. I agree, this is an outstanding machine which rivals many of the more expensive and feature-laden machines. The fact it's compact is a bonus. I've bought a second one, a Brother Echelon 79 which I may give as a gift to a friend who is curious about my fascination with these machines. (He has received numerous type written letters from me.) And, truth in advertising, I have my sights on another 747 on eBay now. Quality IS where you find it. These machines must be put back into circulation, for use, for writing, not dust collecting or as a display. I don't know if you've experienced this but when I get a "new" typewriter they don't always work perfectly out of the box BUT they "heal" as I use them. It's like they are responding to being loved.
Congrats on your new machines. I agreed, they are under appreciated. And your idea of using them so they can "heal" is absolutely great! It's true, using them loosens up the hardened lubricants, giving them a renewed life.
I saw an online listing for a Webster XL-747 locally on Kijiji, and that machine comes with a hard case. So I believe you are correct Joe with regards to your theory!
I have a Webster xl-800 I installed a new silk ribbon from the same company you reviewed in your ribbon shoot out video. I believe it was episode 138 or 130 I couldn’t be happier with the mark it leaves. Although the price is a little on the high end I think in the long run it will be worth while. You are right about the beatings these Webster typewriters can take I am thoroughly enjoying the typing experience. Thanks for all your informative videos on typewriters. I am curious to know if you ever seen a movie called “California typewriter”
California Typewriter led me here and I’m now the proud owner of a pristine Webster XL-747! Couldn’t believe Tom Hanks and John Mayer were aficionados.
I am wanting both this Brother Xl 747 and a Royal Mercury , Enjoying your videos so much. Hoping a wonderful new Year to you. Bought my first typewriter today but I will leave that comment and info in another of your videos in which I learned a little about that model so that I knew a bit about what I was looking at when I came across it.
Olivetti typewriters are like italian motorcycles and cars. Beautiful to look at and so stylish however, difficult to set up, master and service and often breakdown. In fact FIAT here in the UK means Fix it again tomorrow. This typewriter you reviewed is a lovely thing I have to say. Also - woodgrain effect speaks to me, just like my Atari VCS!
Love it Thank you Joe. What a great review. I’ll look for one. I’d love to find a jp-1 brother. I have 2 Underwood/Olivetti 18’s that I’m working on. I will see how they turn out. Lots of solvent, and air. Thanks again Tom Bates
One thing I desperately miss on my ROYAL PORTABLE is a paper support! No "fingers" were included on mine. However? This makes it ideal for the large, continuous teletype roll of paper. No harsh edges to "snag" it as you go through the scroll.
I recently snagged a little SEARS machine which looks to have been made by Brother. Same bell mechanism, and it chimes nicely. There is a small gap between the bell and striker when in 'normal' state, and it looks like yours may be resting on the bell, thus silencing the chime immediately after striking.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of his country Sounds like wartime era to me in every way
I've got a Webster XL-500 myself. Very similar to this, just without the repeat spacer. Built like a tank, and it works perfectly the only thing some might not like about it is that it makes a metallic clunka-clunka noise as it types.
Shipwright1918 All BROTHER machines make the metallic clink clink noise. This is exactly like the REMINGTON 333. A friend actually put thin patting on the bottom and under the top and it reduce the clink clink metal sound a lot.
Joe Van Cleave that's the only difference I can see. Even the cases look the same. I found that on the light-touch setting, mine was a fairly easy typer.
My manual BROTHER is a portable of sorts but definitely NOT an "ULTRA". It's still a substantial machine with a FULL keyboard and "big boy" features. It's also INCREDIBLY durable despite my HEAVY fingers! (This is why I think just like their ultra reliable automobiles and portable color TV's of the 1970's this is probably a JAPANESE made machine.) I CAN'T find any markings of origin however and I unfortunately no longer have the owner's manual which came with it. PS: I DO KEEP IT IN ITS ORIGINAL, PLASTIC, HARD SIDED CASE! IT LOCKS IN BEAUTIFULLY INTO THE LOWER HALF OF THE CASE. Does a good job of keeping it protected from stray impacts and dust when closed!
Joe, thank you for the intro! This may be my ultraportable -- have an offer. XL 747s are plentiful, cheap, and usually in great shape. These should place it high on the Consider list. Not to mention your great review! And, if the size is 11.5" W x 11" L x 3.75" (21.2 cm x 27.9 cm x 9.5 cm), as I am finding, it is smaller than anything else. Hard to get my mind around that, as I've looked at so many, many, many. Smaller than the Hermes? If correct, it is (heavier, though).
@@Joe_VanCleave I bought one! Showroom quality, junkyard price! All thanks to you, Joe!! Regarding the size.... Hmmm... I suspected it may be too good to be true that WXL747 is smaller than Hermes... I certainly trust you. But why are measurements all over the map on the Internet? The dimensions I quoted you are from several sources; I've asked my seller to send me measurements (the sale is clinched though). And I have gotten several messages back from owners of Babies and Rockets confirming those dimensions, too. I will let you know. The WXL747 is purchase #3 my first week as a TW owner. (Well, four, I bought a Studio 44 when it was a Lettera I wanted, and was able to cancel and refund the sale.) But then -- you will laugh -- I found A SECOND TEAL Studio 45! This time WITH AN AWESMOE CASE! So you already know what I did. Feel find of bad talking the seller from $52.00 to $42.00, but hey. So, I will keep the case (yay), cannibalize one (insignificant) knob, buy a spool screw --- which it needs, not insignificant -- then really, really clean it up as I have learned from you. Make it as spectacular as I am able, and photograph it and list it really well. By the way, my platen is out of this world beautiful after gently, gently removing the ink and grime, as you taught. Persistent, gentle cleaning -- that healthy friction -- will eventually conquer hard ink and stains. I do not see platens as beautiful as mine very often So, what you are teaching me, I am already using to bring back items to life, improve performance and value, and if I get it into someone's hands, I will have partially funded mine. So Studio 45 is #1, the hasty Studio 44 (returned) is #2, the second teal is #3, and the Webster XL 747 is... #5. My #4 keeper is a Lettera 35L in olive, just lovely, really lovely. Three machines are waiting for tracking numbers! Can you believe it!?!?
Looks very much like a cross of the accord 12 and the charge 11. I believe the rear holes would have been a hard case. Maybe they had a standard frame for many models as they do with many other production items. Cool vid. Thanks. Did not know about this one.
I recently purchased a Brother Deluxe 220 and I can confirm the slots in the back are indeed for a plastic hardshell cover. The lid has a couple post like things inside that you place into the rear holes of the typewriter and the lid locks in place on the front of the machine. There are 2 buttons you press down to release the lid. By the way, where can I get one of these Webster XL 747? I subscribed!
I'm very ENVIOUS of your "BROTHER" machine in this video. Mine DOESN'T have the "hidden", built in, paper support bar! That looks like a very nice, helpful feature.
Hi Joe. Thank you for making this video. I have the same model and I like to clean it myself. What kind of cleaning supplies do you recommend for this typewriter? Also, The ribbon vibrator stays stuck in the upward position when I press shift; Furthermore the paper support bar comes out but doesn't actually pop out when I press the button--I have to manually make it stand. Do you think cleaning everything really well will help those issues?
For degreasing stuck mechanical parts I use either 91% isopropyl alcohol or, if that doesn't do the job, odorless lacquer thinner (use this in a well-ventilated place and keep from getting on plastic pieces). For the vibrator problem, do some spot degreasing and cleaning on the vibrator tracks (the bracket that it rides up/down on) with a cotton bud and degreaser (alcohol or lacquer thinner). The paper support arm pivot may need degreasing and cleaning, also look to see if it's bent, it may need to be straightened. In general, typewriter found "in the wild" need a thorough degreasing and cleaning of all their moving parts before they work properly. As for lubrication, I put light gun oil on the carriage bearing rails, but only after thoroughly degreasing it.
Hello Joe! This was a very helpful video. Thanks! Do you have a video about how to oil and lubricate a typewriter? I have 9 typewriters and I can't help but feel they'd work alot better with a little oil
I need to make a video about this subject. But in short, you should degrease the old oils and lubricants first, before adding more oil. The old oils can gum up the mechanism, and trap dirt, etc.
The ONLY problem with ANY typewriter is that you just CAN'T take it with you to use in a public library! This is where the computers have the advantage!
An actual WEIGHT for each machine you review would be very helpful. Thank you. As a former reporter I can tell you next to reliability low weight was extremely prized as you lugged your key writing tool for broadcast scripts from story to story. Only a "BIC" pen and REPORTERS' PAD were more useful and portable.
Joe, another excellent video. I'm not a huge fan of ultraportables because of the trade-offs necessary to make them small. However, I am keenly interested in this model just for the experience. Olympias are my favorite having won the "battle of the bands" agains the Smith-Coronas. Of course, I own some of each. I do own an Olympia SF which I find acceptable but, like your Webster, it requires more force to type on. I thought this was a flaw but after watching this video I conclude that all ultraportables will likely suffer this same malady. I suppose it is due to the type slug linkages being shorter so your fingers have less leverage therefore a firmer approach to typing is necessary.
You can ring my bell? Hi Joe. if you take of the baseplate which curves up to cover the rear of the typewriter, the bell has a screw in the middle, clamping it down. Loosen this screw just enough to be able to rotate the bell. It is eccentric, turned so that the edge is closer to the clapper will lessen the ring, turning it further away will make it louder until the clapper cannot reach. Adjust to your heart's content. You are quite right, the two square holes on the back are for the plastic clip-on cover/carry case lid. Depending on the market and the model, these machines came with either the plastic/fabric carry case with zipper, or the hard shell clip-on cover.
This morning I took the bottom of the machine off to inspect the bell mechanism. I'd expected an off-center mounting screw on the bell itself, like on many American-made machines, where the screw can be loosened and the bell's position readjusted. Not so on this Japanese-designed machine, where the linkages operating the bell, and the bell itself, are permanently mounted to a common bracket with no adjustment screws available. It turned out that the problem was the bell clapper arm was resting against the bell itself while at rest, such that when it was made to strike the bell it wouldn't let the bell freely resonate. I ended up "reforming" (i.e. bending) a small bracket on the other end of that clapper arm, such that while at rest the clapper is just shy of touching the bell. Now it makes a bright yet dainty chime at end-of-line.
Well done sir! Yes, in typewriter technician nomenclature, 'Forming' is the recommended practice of mangling/mushing/stretching/squeezing/bending/twisting/lengthening/shortening metal linkages to fit the designed parameters.
I just got a 747 myself it's a beautiful machine just can't find new ribbon cover grommets for it. Other than that looks brand new. Cool video I feel a lot more familiar with mine now. Thanks.
The carrage of my typewriter just goes left and right and doesn't hold in any place so i can type a line of letters. How would you start looking into finding out what is broken and how to fix it.
Set the machine upright on the back panel, then remove the bottom plate if it has one. Now move the carriage back and forth while pressing the carriage release lever. You should be able to see the mechanism that is supposed to release the rack gear under the carriage (the straight bar with gear teeth) from engaging the escapement cog.
Joe, I have learned so much from your videos. I would like to ask two questions after watching this one. Does your thumb ever accidentally hit the repeat spacer instead of the regular space bar? And second, you mentioned your machine needing to be degreased. What do you use for that? Thank you.
I haven't hit the repeat spacer by mistake, but it is possible I suppose. For degreasing I use 91% alcohol, cotton swabs, mascara brushes and some naphtha (lighter fluid) if it's stubborn. For really stubborn grease I use PB Blaster automotive degeaser. It's very smelly, takes days for the odor to dissipate, then follow it up with alcohol. People also swear by mineral spirits, but be careful not to get on the painted surfaces or rubber rollers.
Joe--Thank you! Great stuff. I bought one of these at a thrift store a couple years back, and the ink still worked. Alas, no longer. I purchased the replacement spools, but can't quite get them to sit down properly and the ink won't auto spool. Any chance you could add a little section on replacing it? And/or maybe snap pics of the manual so that we too can practice until perfect? Thanks again!
When installing the spools, ensure the side of the spool with the six holes is facing down, and the pin protruding up from the face of the drive disc is engaged in one of those holes.
I just got a Opus 888 and it looks exactly the same....exept the faceplate with the name on it has opus instead of Webster. And only the top red button is there
btw:If'n you are are a real dyed-in-the-wool hardcore ultra-portable fan, try to get some time on an Antares Parva. Super low-profile, but outstanding action. Eats letteras for breakfast! Brilliant snap-on cover too.
You can check online at eBay, Shopgoodwill and your local Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Also, thrift stores periodically have used typewriters. Most of these places sell machines "as-is" and thus likely will require some maintenance to get back into good shape (like buying a car from the 1970s that hasn't ran in decades). Alternatively, some cities still have typewriter repair shops where you'll find reconditioned machines, ready to go.
I have my grandmother's Webster that I'm planning on getting restored and cleaned. It's nice to see folks with the same love of it!
40+ years ago when I worked as a billing clerk typing hundreds upon hundreds of railroad waybills daily under serious time restraints to get the trains out on time I can tell you the repeat spacer button is not a gimmick. It's a very helpful feature along with the tabs, as even on preset forms not every bit of information fits neatly inside every box
Love this! I found a fantastic condition Webster XL-747 and this is so helpful!!!
Really falling for these Brothers after five years of passing them over. Loving my red-badged De Luxe from 1969 and just about to take delivery of a 1963 Valiant with coat hanger style paper support. Thanks for this great review, Joe!
It's absolutely AMAZING how each of the manufacturers came to their individual and communal solutions to the same question, ie. "HOW TO BUILD A DURABLE, RELIABLE AND EASILY SERVICED WRITING TOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS...
AKA...
THE TYPEWRITER.
THE DESKTOP AND LAPTOP WORDPROCESSORS AND "PC's" OF OUR GENERATION!
Thanks for the video! I just picked up a Webster XL-800 after seeing your XL-747 videos. When my XL-800 arrived, the ribbon would not advance. I just needed to apply a little tri-flow to the springs and posts that interact with the gears the spools sit on. They were really light action, so the lubrication enabled them to catch the gears.
Lettera 22 "Hard to service the escapement because it's buried deep inside the mechanism" ... oh boy... I just found that out for myself today. I only started my typewriter journey in the last couple of weeks and amongst the first few machines I bought was a Lettera 22 with a documented escapement problem. Thought I might be able to fix it. Lol. Just glad it won't take up much space whilst I build up my typewriter restoration skills.
Joe, I bought one of these gems based on your experience. I agree, this is an outstanding machine which rivals many of the more expensive and feature-laden machines. The fact it's compact is a bonus. I've bought a second one, a Brother Echelon 79 which I may give as a gift to a friend who is curious about my fascination with these machines. (He has received numerous type written letters from me.) And, truth in advertising, I have my sights on another 747 on eBay now. Quality IS where you find it. These machines must be put back into circulation, for use, for writing, not dust collecting or as a display. I don't know if you've experienced this but when I get a "new" typewriter they don't always work perfectly out of the box BUT they "heal" as I use them. It's like they are responding to being loved.
Congrats on your new machines. I agreed, they are under appreciated. And your idea of using them so they can "heal" is absolutely great! It's true, using them loosens up the hardened lubricants, giving them a renewed life.
Such a beautiful color! 😍
Thanks again for this. I just bought a Webster xl-500 today to be delivered next week. I'm looking forward to it.
I saw an online listing for a Webster XL-747 locally on Kijiji, and that machine comes with a hard case. So I believe you are correct Joe with regards to your theory!
I have a Webster xl-800 I installed a new silk ribbon from the same company you reviewed in your ribbon shoot out video. I believe it was episode 138 or 130 I couldn’t be happier with the mark it leaves. Although the price is a little on the high end I think in the long run it will be worth while. You are right about the beatings these Webster typewriters can take I am thoroughly enjoying the typing experience. Thanks for all your informative videos on typewriters. I am curious to know if you ever seen a movie called “California typewriter”
Yes, I've seen 'California Typewriter', great film.
California Typewriter led me here and I’m now the proud owner of a pristine Webster XL-747! Couldn’t believe Tom Hanks and John Mayer were aficionados.
I am wanting both this Brother Xl 747 and a Royal Mercury , Enjoying your videos so much. Hoping a wonderful new Year to you. Bought my first typewriter today but I will leave that comment and info in another of your videos in which I learned a little about that model so that I knew a bit about what I was looking at when I came across it.
Your videos are awesome you have great information
Olivetti typewriters are like italian motorcycles and cars.
Beautiful to look at and so stylish however, difficult to set up, master and service and often breakdown.
In fact FIAT here in the UK means Fix it again tomorrow.
This typewriter you reviewed is a lovely thing I have to say. Also - woodgrain effect speaks to me, just like my Atari VCS!
I ❤ Italy.
Envy kills.
Love it
Thank you Joe. What a great review.
I’ll look for one.
I’d love to find a jp-1 brother.
I have 2 Underwood/Olivetti 18’s that I’m working on.
I will see how they turn out.
Lots of solvent, and air.
Thanks again
Tom Bates
I ❤ only Allah and myself. Of course.
I have Allah.
Excellent video Joe. Thank You!
One thing I desperately miss on my ROYAL PORTABLE is a paper support! No "fingers" were included on mine. However? This makes it ideal for the large, continuous teletype roll of paper. No harsh edges to "snag" it as you go through the scroll.
I recently snagged a little SEARS machine which looks to have been made by Brother. Same bell mechanism, and it chimes nicely. There is a small gap between the bell and striker when in 'normal' state, and it looks like yours may be resting on the bell, thus silencing the chime immediately after striking.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of his country
Sounds like wartime era to me in every way
I've got a Webster XL-500 myself. Very similar to this, just without the repeat spacer.
Built like a tank, and it works perfectly the only thing some might not like about it is that it makes a metallic clunka-clunka noise as it types.
I think these Brother machines are under-rated, mine seem to be very reliable. As you imply, they're not as quiet as other machines, however.
Shipwright1918 All BROTHER machines make the metallic clink clink noise. This is exactly like the REMINGTON 333. A friend actually put thin patting on the bottom and under the top and it reduce the clink clink metal sound a lot.
I really enjoyed this video. We recently bought a very similar Brother XL-500 and are having fun with it.
I'll have to watch your video. Looks like one difference between the 500 and 747 is the repeat spacer.
Joe Van Cleave that's the only difference I can see. Even the cases look the same. I found that on the light-touch setting, mine was a fairly easy typer.
Just curious---- how do you like your xl500? Do you find it to be a dependable typewriter?
hammill444 it’s a great little machine. Very reliable.
Great clip Joe! Keep up the good work!
My manual BROTHER is a portable of sorts but definitely NOT an "ULTRA". It's still a substantial machine with a FULL keyboard and "big boy" features. It's also INCREDIBLY durable despite my HEAVY fingers! (This is why I think just like their ultra reliable automobiles and portable color TV's of the 1970's this is probably a JAPANESE made machine.) I CAN'T find any markings of origin however and I unfortunately no longer have the owner's manual which came with it.
PS: I DO KEEP IT IN ITS ORIGINAL, PLASTIC, HARD SIDED CASE! IT LOCKS IN BEAUTIFULLY INTO THE LOWER HALF OF THE CASE. Does a good job of keeping it protected from stray impacts and dust when closed!
They were made in Nagoya, Japan. Very well made and reliable machines.
🙏.
Very interesting comparison between these machines and the "machine guns" you mentioned.
Joe, thank you for the intro! This may be my ultraportable -- have an offer. XL 747s are plentiful, cheap, and usually in great shape. These should place it high on the Consider list. Not to mention your great review! And, if the size is 11.5" W x 11" L x 3.75" (21.2 cm x 27.9 cm x 9.5 cm), as I am finding, it is smaller than anything else. Hard to get my mind around that, as I've looked at so many, many, many. Smaller than the Hermes? If correct, it is (heavier, though).
The Brothers are bigger in size than a Hermès Rocket/Baby.
@@Joe_VanCleave I bought one! Showroom quality, junkyard price! All thanks to you, Joe!!
Regarding the size.... Hmmm... I suspected it may be too good to be true that WXL747 is smaller than Hermes... I certainly trust you. But why are measurements all over the map on the Internet? The dimensions I quoted you are from several sources; I've asked my seller to send me measurements (the sale is clinched though). And I have gotten several messages back from owners of Babies and Rockets confirming those dimensions, too. I will let you know.
The WXL747 is purchase #3 my first week as a TW owner. (Well, four, I bought a Studio 44 when it was a Lettera I wanted, and was able to cancel and refund the sale.) But then -- you will laugh -- I found A SECOND TEAL Studio 45! This time WITH AN AWESMOE CASE! So you already know what I did. Feel find of bad talking the seller from $52.00 to $42.00, but hey.
So, I will keep the case (yay), cannibalize one (insignificant) knob, buy a spool screw --- which it needs, not insignificant -- then really, really clean it up as I have learned from you. Make it as spectacular as I am able, and photograph it and list it really well.
By the way, my platen is out of this world beautiful after gently, gently removing the ink and grime, as you taught. Persistent, gentle cleaning -- that healthy friction -- will eventually conquer hard ink and stains. I do not see platens as beautiful as mine very often So, what you are teaching me, I am already using to bring back items to life, improve performance and value, and if I get it into someone's hands, I will have partially funded mine.
So Studio 45 is #1, the hasty Studio 44 (returned) is #2, the second teal is #3, and the Webster XL 747 is... #5. My #4 keeper is a Lettera 35L in olive, just lovely, really lovely. Three machines are waiting for tracking numbers! Can you believe it!?!?
Looks very much like a cross of the accord 12 and the charge 11. I believe the rear holes would have been a hard case. Maybe they had a standard frame for many models as they do with many other production items. Cool vid. Thanks. Did not know about this one.
Nice video.
I recently purchased a Brother Deluxe 220 and I can confirm the slots in the back are indeed for a plastic hardshell cover. The lid has a couple post like things inside that you place into the rear holes of the typewriter and the lid locks in place on the front of the machine. There are 2 buttons you press down to release the lid. By the way, where can I get one of these Webster XL 747? I subscribed!
Is it only me or does this typewriter look a bit like the Smith-Corona Galaxie line? Great video!
I'm very ENVIOUS of your "BROTHER" machine in this video. Mine DOESN'T have the "hidden", built in, paper support bar! That looks like a very nice, helpful feature.
Envy kills. Don't die yet.
Hi Joe. Thank you for making this video. I have the same model and I like to clean it myself. What kind of cleaning supplies do you recommend for this typewriter? Also, The ribbon vibrator stays stuck in the upward position when I press shift; Furthermore the paper support bar comes out but doesn't actually pop out when I press the button--I have to manually make it stand. Do you think cleaning everything really well will help those issues?
For degreasing stuck mechanical parts I use either 91% isopropyl alcohol or, if that doesn't do the job, odorless lacquer thinner (use this in a well-ventilated place and keep from getting on plastic pieces).
For the vibrator problem, do some spot degreasing and cleaning on the vibrator tracks (the bracket that it rides up/down on) with a cotton bud and degreaser (alcohol or lacquer thinner).
The paper support arm pivot may need degreasing and cleaning, also look to see if it's bent, it may need to be straightened.
In general, typewriter found "in the wild" need a thorough degreasing and cleaning of all their moving parts before they work properly. As for lubrication, I put light gun oil on the carriage bearing rails, but only after thoroughly degreasing it.
Hello Joe! This was a very helpful video. Thanks! Do you have a video about how to oil and lubricate a typewriter? I have 9 typewriters and I can't help but feel they'd work alot better with a little oil
I need to make a video about this subject. But in short, you should degrease the old oils and lubricants first, before adding more oil. The old oils can gum up the mechanism, and trap dirt, etc.
The ONLY problem with ANY typewriter is that you just CAN'T take it with you to use in a public library! This is where the computers have the advantage!
Pencils and pens that you need.
An actual WEIGHT for each machine you review would be very helpful. Thank you. As a former reporter I can tell you next to reliability low weight was extremely prized as you lugged your key writing tool for broadcast scripts from story to story. Only a "BIC" pen and REPORTERS' PAD were more useful and portable.
Joe, another excellent video. I'm not a huge fan of ultraportables because of the trade-offs necessary to make them small. However, I am keenly interested in this model just for the experience. Olympias are my favorite having won the "battle of the bands" agains the Smith-Coronas. Of course, I own some of each. I do own an Olympia SF which I find acceptable but, like your Webster, it requires more force to type on. I thought this was a flaw but after watching this video I conclude that all ultraportables will likely suffer this same malady. I suppose it is due to the type slug linkages being shorter so your fingers have less leverage therefore a firmer approach to typing is necessary.
🙏.
You can ring my bell?
Hi Joe. if you take of the baseplate which curves up to cover the rear of the typewriter, the bell has a screw in the middle, clamping it down. Loosen this screw just enough to be able to rotate the bell. It is eccentric, turned so that the edge is closer to the clapper will lessen the ring, turning it further away will make it louder until the clapper cannot reach. Adjust to your heart's content.
You are quite right, the two square holes on the back are for the plastic clip-on cover/carry case lid. Depending on the market and the model, these machines came with either the plastic/fabric carry case with zipper, or the hard shell clip-on cover.
Thanks for the advice with the bell, I'll try that.
This morning I took the bottom of the machine off to inspect the bell mechanism. I'd expected an off-center mounting screw on the bell itself, like on many American-made machines, where the screw can be loosened and the bell's position readjusted. Not so on this Japanese-designed machine, where the linkages operating the bell, and the bell itself, are permanently mounted to a common bracket with no adjustment screws available. It turned out that the problem was the bell clapper arm was resting against the bell itself while at rest, such that when it was made to strike the bell it wouldn't let the bell freely resonate. I ended up "reforming" (i.e. bending) a small bracket on the other end of that clapper arm, such that while at rest the clapper is just shy of touching the bell. Now it makes a bright yet dainty chime at end-of-line.
Well done sir!
Yes, in typewriter technician nomenclature, 'Forming' is the recommended practice of mangling/mushing/stretching/squeezing/bending/twisting/lengthening/shortening metal linkages to fit the designed parameters.
🙏.
I have the Brother Accord 10 its very similar . can you show how to use the business card feature you mentioned?
Awesome thanks again so much.
Love my Webster but having a difficult time finding replacement for the rubber grommets. Any resources would be appreciated!
Ace and Tru Value hardware stores have assortments of rubber grommets.
@@Joe_VanCleave thank you so much!
I just got a 747 myself it's a beautiful machine just can't find new ribbon cover grommets for it. Other than that looks brand new. Cool video I feel a lot more familiar with mine now. Thanks.
I found grommets at my local Tru Value hardware store that fit.
The carrage of my typewriter just goes left and right and doesn't hold in any place so i can type a line of letters. How would you start looking into finding out what is broken and how to fix it.
Set the machine upright on the back panel, then remove the bottom plate if it has one. Now move the carriage back and forth while pressing the carriage release lever. You should be able to see the mechanism that is supposed to release the rack gear under the carriage (the straight bar with gear teeth) from engaging the escapement cog.
Joe, I have learned so much from your videos. I would like to ask two questions after watching this one. Does your thumb ever accidentally hit the repeat spacer instead of the regular space bar? And second, you mentioned your machine needing to be degreased. What do you use for that? Thank you.
I haven't hit the repeat spacer by mistake, but it is possible I suppose.
For degreasing I use 91% alcohol, cotton swabs, mascara brushes and some naphtha (lighter fluid) if it's stubborn. For really stubborn grease I use PB Blaster automotive degeaser. It's very smelly, takes days for the odor to dissipate, then follow it up with alcohol.
People also swear by mineral spirits, but be careful not to get on the painted surfaces or rubber rollers.
Joe--Thank you! Great stuff. I bought one of these at a thrift store a couple years back, and the ink still worked. Alas, no longer. I purchased the replacement spools, but can't quite get them to sit down properly and the ink won't auto spool. Any chance you could add a little section on replacing it? And/or maybe snap pics of the manual so that we too can practice until perfect?
Thanks again!
When installing the spools, ensure the side of the spool with the six holes is facing down, and the pin protruding up from the face of the drive disc is engaged in one of those holes.
Thanks, Joe! Can't wait to check out more of your series!
I just got a Opus 888 and it looks exactly the same....exept the faceplate with the name on it has opus instead of Webster. And only the top red button is there
btw:If'n you are are a real dyed-in-the-wool hardcore ultra-portable fan, try to get some time on an Antares Parva. Super low-profile, but outstanding action. Eats letteras for breakfast! Brilliant snap-on cover too.
I'd love to find one. Thanks for the tip.
I want to buy one of those typewriters. Where can I buy one?
You can check online at eBay, Shopgoodwill and your local Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Also, thrift stores periodically have used typewriters. Most of these places sell machines "as-is" and thus likely will require some maintenance to get back into good shape (like buying a car from the 1970s that hasn't ran in decades). Alternatively, some cities still have typewriter repair shops where you'll find reconditioned machines, ready to go.
I think the Webster is a Brother, right?
Correct!
so i'm not going to see you in a cafe with a Royal 10
Hmm ... if I had several porters to tote the Royal 10, then maybe!
"WEBSTER"? Was this targeted to go with the reference books of the same name which writers use so heavily? A promotional gimmick maybe?
leider nicht in deutsch !!...
English rules the 🌎.