The TT: Papertest

I'm planning to do some test with typewriters that I'm using.

A series of practical tests and examples on various fields.

I called it simply Typewriter Testing, and here is first of it: with special paper.

For additional information... I tried Lettera 35 for this envelope, with "invitation" paper it was fine. These envelopes are stiff as cardboard, and my SM3 is a pro ;)

For daily using normal paper is enough. You can buy the cheapest and It won't matter to the typewriter. With standard paper I use 2 sheets on the roll, since most platens are bit hard these days... Of course backup sheet is the same for some time ;)

 

I bought 20 sheets of this special paper, another dozens with different colors... And soon I'll present some more testing on this field :)
I'm keeping it for letters mostly, since they are quite elegant.
I like the feel of it.


And If You planning to do wedding invitations or addressing them for example you’ll know what typewriter will manage the task (I’m sure not only Olympia will manage!)

We (I and son ;)) probably write a letter to the Santa on this paper this year.

Maybe some other occasions You have in mind?

Pawnshop...

When I saw this typewriter on the auction site I was sure, this would be right typewriter for my son.

Olympia Traveller in Orange color, and with color selector!



I must be honest that I didn't look carefully enough on the picture. I was fixed on color, and polish keys that was essential in this case. Plus it didn't look so bad in the picture. And it was quite cheap (15$ total).



It was sold by pawnshop so I called them and ask about the piece. I found out, that it was little damaged, one letter didn't move. They give me discount from original price and I took the bate.

I only regreted it when typewriter arrived. It smelled like ashtray, was full of ash/dirt and all different stuff inside and outside. Everything in this machine was dirty...



I started to work on it the very day, and after 3 hours struggle I managed to fix mechanics (more than one issue with the letter) and began cleaning.


Right now It's over 4 hours of work on her, and still few to go.





Well It's supposed to be a happy story, but first there must be some climax...

Facit vs Łucznik

For today I prepared something special. Since I have two identical typewriters made by different producers I couldn’t resist to compare them :) I had to clean them anyway!

In history there is a lot examples of selling patents and produce different typewriters under many names. Sometimes very exotic.
Brother was made under dozen names, as well as Hermes Baby (even by Polish Rifle Factory before IIWW, under name of “FK Mała”.). So question is: how different they actually are. Without further ado...


Ladies and Gentleman!! Facit Privat vs Łucznik Predom 1301!




It’s actually Facit 1620, this particular sample was originally made in Sweden, but they also was produced in polish arms factory “Radom Łucznik” under “Facit” logo and “Made in Poland” sticker. They made them for Facit as subcontractor. But later they acquired licenses and made it as Łucznik 1301 / 1302 (with TAB), 1303 (wider rack), and 1304 (also with TAB).

There are plenty of this typewriters on polish market :) I've seen them often with russian alphabet since market on the east side of Iron Wall was centralized.



I've read somewhere, that polish version are heavier, is made from cheaper materials and basically quality is lesser. So I evaluated this factors in real ;)




I can say, that weight is basically the same. Both have casing made from aluminium, and full metal body. The difference is in the color of metal, so I presume in Sweden they used better alloy - no question here. At the other hand both are in ex. condition with no sign of rust etc.




What is different is quality of painting. Facit is smooth in touch, Łucznik had some small grudges that you can see and feel under touch. I believe used materials again are in favour of Facit. It’s not a surprise, since good quality materials was rare in soviet times. Chromes look good on both typewriters.




In typing there is no difference in speed. I think Facit is a little softer, smoother. In Łucznik i don’t like “spring” noise, that are bit loud under fast typing. Facit have better springs as well, since they are not so noisy (although they do make some sounds).





They both are fast, reliable and very enjoyable typewriters. I like the swedish design: simple, practical, modest, that fits “Soviet reality” as well.
Both available on Etsy.com in my store!

Coming soon...

Soon on Etsy.com one of best typewriters made :) It's swiss and in excellent condition.

Your first book :)

Typewriter can be used for many interesting projects.
This one I manage to finish in one day, along with cleaning of one other machine, preparing dinner and some house cleaning.

Handmade picture book made with my son :) Or simply: draw-book.
I cut the paper, typed, and added some final touch to the sentences/narration that my 5 year old son made up :)
Then he made a drawing, and we moved to the next page. With total of 10 pages book was finish. It's a story about holiday trip to the sea. I don't have to mention, that he wanted to read it for him few dozen times that day... 

The advantage of typewriter is not only proffesional look of text, but also a simple fact that anyone can read it with the same ease.

Meme.

Well, It's another way to use machines... Maybe one of most creative.
SOURCE: r/memes, user: u/Dutch_Fudge

Morning typing.

Olympia SM3 De Luxe.

Typing...

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