How to Use a Typewriter
A typewriter? Despite the prevalence of computers, typewriters are great for printed forms, envelopes and other stuff it's difficult to get a computer to print on. There's also a certain joy in receiving a letter typed on good bond paper.
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Instructions
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If it's an electric typewriter, turn it on.
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Flip up the paper guide and place a piece of paper behind the roller.
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Roll the paper into place.
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Push the button on the end of the roller to free the paper for minor adjustments.
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Adjust the paper and press the button again to tighten the roller.
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Set the line spacing with the lever above the typewriter's keys or behind the roller.
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Place your hands on the keys, with your index fingers on the F and J keys and your pinkies on the A and semicolon keys.
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Type precisely and deliberately until you hear the margin bell (if there is one).
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Push the carriage return lever from left to right, or press Enter on an electric typewriter, and begin typing again.
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Continue until you reach the bottom of the paper.
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If you make a mistake, use correction fluid or erase it (if you used erasable paper) and type over the mistake.
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Repeat with a new piece of paper.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to make multiple copies, use NCR paper.
Comments
View all 7 Comments-
you're all wank.
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this is so cool.
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classicrocker12
Nov 14, 2006
I might also like to add that many typewriters have 2-color ribbons, and color can be set by flipping a lever towards a red or black marker. if there is a white or uncolored selector, it is probably to lock the ribbon mechanism. 0 (zero) may also have its own key. the 1 key didnt come about until a few years later. if you put the paper in wrong, there is usually a lever on the carriage (the paper moving thingy with the roller) that will release another set of rollers, freeing the paper from the roller. shift lock is like caps-lock on a modern computer. -
classicrocker12
Nov 14, 2006
I might also like to add that many typewriters have 2-color ribbons, and color can be set by flipping a lever towards a red or black marker. if there is a white or uncolored selector, it is probably to lock the ribbon mechanism. 0 (zero) may also have its own key. the 1 key didnt come about until a few years later. if you put the paper in wrong, there is usually a lever on the carriage (the paper moving thingy with the roller) that will release another set of rollers, freeing the paper from the roller. shift lock is like caps-lock on a modern computer.
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Nov 22, 2005
My Remington portable manual is from 1938 or so. It works like a dream, but has a few quirks common to old machines. 1. "enter" is a lever up by the roller, mine is on the left. 2. There is no numeral 1 key, type lowercase "L" instead; zero is an uppercase "o." 3. An exclamation point is made by typing "period -- backspace -- apostrophe." These old machines are great if you have one that works well!
