[GreenKeys] Teletype Model 43 Ribbon

[Michael Zahorik]

This morning I drove into town to the typewriter shop. Iasked about a ribbon for a teletype model 43. They did not have any. Theylooked up replacements and found a General Ribbon number T490 would work, butafter calling around none were available. Apparently General is out ofbusiness. I asked whether a ribbon could be made and was told that 1/4"ribbon is as rare as hens teeth. Yet there are some cartridges that do have1/4" ribbon in them, but most do not indicate the length and others haveway more than needed. Then there is a problem of bonding the ends together. Iwas told that to glue the ribbon together, the ribbon needs to clean and only asmall, 1/8" overlap should be made. Then with a small drop of super glueapplied, the ribbon should work, but maybe with a little bump at the joint. Thekey is very little glue and a small overlap. It has to flexible to make it thru the print head/ The other method is heat bonding,but that would be experimental, as to how much heat and how it is applied. Soundslike a neat experiment.  I seem to remember that someone said the 43 ribbon was39" in circumference. I measured my ribbons and they are both about 381/2" long and they fit well in my printer. Anyway, I think I may purchase a new 1/4" ribboncartridge and pull he ribbon out and do some testing to see I can bond the endsso as to work in my printer. Sorry Gab, but as the typewriter shop man said, "NoSoap". Mike  Mike Zahorik (414) 254-6768

      From: Gabriel Egan <mail at gabrielegan.com>
 To: Michael Zahorik <m.zahorik at sbcglobal.net>; "greenkeys at mailman.qth.net" <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Sunday, June 5, 2016 9:17 AM
 Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Teletype Model 43 Ribbon
   
Dear Mike

 > Gab, why don't you hold on to the printer for a while. I did visit our
 > local typewriter shop, but the retired guy that works part time there,
 > the guy who knows about ribbons was on vacation for the Memorial
 > holiday. I will see him this coming week and ask about a ribbon. I'll
 > get back as soon as I know anything.

Thanks for asking at that shop. Righto, I'll hold
on for a bit. Fingers crossed!

Regards

Gabriel



  
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