[GreenKeys] Ribbons

[Don Robert House]

On 11 Apr 2013, at 7:46 PM, Teletypeparts wrote:

I need some details on ribbon rejuvenation.

I put 4 ribbons still on spools in a plastic bag with some WD 40  
today.  I know some on this list have done this.  Wondering how much  
WD 40 to use and how long to leave em in the bag.

Thanks,

Wayne
-----------------------------

Hi Wayne,

I have used WD-40 for ribbons for many years now.  It works great.   
However the use of a real re-inker is better...

The first method is a bit messy.  I did this on the side of my  
driveway in California.

1. unroll the entire ribbon and LIGHTLY spray the whole thing with the  
stuff. Then roll it up again and wait at least 48 hours before using it.

2. unwrap the outer wrapping only and use the "straw" that comes with  
the spray can to spray into the space between the ribbon and the spool.
     put the ribbon in a plastic bag for about a week

3. make a re-inking machine out of spare Teletype ribbon reversing  
components using some kind of handle to make a crank and spray LIGHTLY  
as you turn the crank from one spool to the other.

4. Buy WD-40 in a can instead of a spray can.  fill an old ash tray or  
saucer so that you can place the ribbon on the spool about half way up  
in the liquid for about 30 seconds.
    Then turn it over for another 30 seconds, and place in the plastic  
bag for about a week.

I usually put some twisted up paper towel in the plastic bag to absorb  
any extra WD-40.

Finally... another method is to make a re-inking machine as described  
above but in between the two spools use a head from an actual re-inker  
inkwell with felts that is filled with ribbon ink.
This works nicely for ribbon cartridges for machines like the M42, 43,  
5310, UGC-74, etc. You simply pull out enough of the ribbon to go  
around the inkwell and keep turning the ribbon advance knob until the  
whole ribbon is freshly inked.

Good luck,

Don
K9TTY

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