[GreenKeys] Damaged M15 typing unit...

[Kenneth Gartland]

Hi all...

Repairing broken frames on M15 typing units is not as bad or difficult
as one mite
think...

Back in the day (1967 thru early eighties), broken frames, legs etc. were often
encountered...Shipping methods were probably as bad then as they are now!

The cast iron front & rear legs are particularly vulnerable to
breakage...They usually
"Fracture" cleanly tho, and can be welded back together reasonably well
with today's modern welding techniques...

I have seen many repaired units come thru the shop...

These days, a great product, JB weld (Original), which has been around
a long time,
is routinely used to repair such things...

If using JB weld, it does set up fairly quickly, so it mite be an idea
to place the
typing unit on the base, without using the thumb screw hold down
bolts, before it sets up to ensure proper alignment to base...

The alumiunum cross bar can be "Welded" in a similar fashion...

In closing, there may be some members who have a "Canabalized"
typing unit from which you mite obtain a leg set...If not cast iron,
the aluminum
alloy ones are directly interchangeable...

It wud be nice to salvage the typing unit if possible...

Shipping is murder on these things...For example, despite detailed
packing instructions to a seller re: the shipping of a complete M26KSR
machine, the entire kbd base assembly was completely broken off behind
the typing unit, which I had requested to be removed & packed separately...

It is going to be a difficult repair, as the base metal on these machine is very
thin and fractures easily...

So, I sympathize with your feelings of receiving such a damaged machine...

I am sure between us all, we have the resouces to help you out...

Cheers & good luck!

Ken VE3-HMQ
i-Telex 61663