[GreenKeys] Type of Underwood Ribbon For Teletype Machines

Sun Aug 26 08:27:37 EDT 2018

Just noted my inappropriate remark below: 

Modifying the SPOOLS as you find them, by drilling a hole is much preferable to modifying the ribbon spool 
spindles by removing one of the pins. 

The earlier method mentioned of 'respooling' ribbons on a piece of wood with a few nails added is better in the 
long run, also. Modest 're-inking' could also be done using this idea. IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH!! A small 
'dab' every four or five inches, along with several 're-spooling operations' followed by storage for a month or 
more, will rejuvinate many ribbons. The ink will distribute itself throughout the ribbon, if given a chance. 
The 'month or more' time span is important, Capillary action will help the ink distribute itself. One or two 
more 're-spoolings' just before use might also help. 

Most will also note that only half of the ribbon is used. Simply turning a ribbon spool over, once in a while, 
will more evenly distribute the wear and give you longer life. Some brands of NYLON ribbons have been 
known to last years if timely re-inking and turning over periodically is done. 

A few years back, one of the GreenKeyers made mention of having appropriate ink in small bottles. I wrote 
down all the info and promptly lost it. I have a number of spools of 'dry ribbon' that might be brought back 
to life with some ink. 

73, 

Ralph - W8ROI 

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----- Original Message -----

From: "Ralph Irish" <w8roi at wowway.com> 
To: "WAYNE" <teletypeparts at comcast.net> 
Cc: greenkeys at mailman.qth.net, "Kevin H. Phillips" <kh-phillips at 9-5usa.org> 
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2018 8:14:39 PM 
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Type of Underwood Ribbon For Teletype Machines 

I have had machines that had a spool spindle with TWO of the small spikes or small pins to engage one or two of the small holes 
around the central spindle. Some real typewriter spools have FIVE smaller holes around the central spindle. These spools will 
not properly seat, since one of the small pins will hit a hole, and the other will hit a blank spot on the bottom of the spool. 

A hole can be drilled if you run into this, but in the long haul, be on the lookout for metal spools with six holes around the central 
spindle. Plastic or metal. They can all be made to work, but some just won't, right out of the box. It might also be possible to 
break or cut one of the small pins off. That is a permanent solution. 

Just something to be aware of. 

73, 

Ralph - W8ROI 

- - - - - - - - 

----- Original Message -----

From: "WAYNE" <teletypeparts at comcast.net> 
To: greenkeys at mailman.qth.net, "Kevin H. Phillips" <kh-phillips at 9-5usa.org> 
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2018 2:26:11 PM 
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Type of Underwood Ribbon For Teletype Machines 

Save your metal spools. Two finish nails in a small board will make a jig for winding ribbon onto the metal ones. Use a pencil or pen in the spools to wind. If you tip the board to 45 degrees they will wind easier. 

Cheap and dirty! 

73, 

Wayne 

KB1FDW 

On August 25, 2018 at 11:30 AM "Kevin H. Phillips" wrote: 

I have noticed the issue with some plastic spools not working in 
Teletype machines. The problem comes with the holes or slots around the 
center aperture (if that's what it can be called) of the spool where the 
main shaft goes. Next to the main shaft is very small little peg or tit 
or whatever you want to call it which engages those holes around the 
center opening. That's what really drives the spool. The center shaft 
is completely smooth. On some plastic spools I have used the smaller 
holes are either too small or in the wrong position to slip over the 
little peg. The old metal spools seem to be pretty uniform in design 
and will always engage that little peg. It may be the distance of the 
holes from the center of the shaft. Whoever designed some of the 
plastic spools either didn't realize how important that little peg was. 
I guess it is a hit-or-miss situation with plastic spools. Some will 
work; some won't. 

73 

Kevin 

W5TTY 
(hopefully soon to be on i-Telex) 

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