[GreenKeys] Type of Underwood Ribbon For Teletype Machines
Nick
creativegardening at hotmail.com
Sun Aug 26 09:39:54 EDT 2018
I mentioned this here before a while back.
A couple of years ago, I aquired a box of 10 old TTY ribbons with metal spools still sealed in small plastic bags. Unfortunately, every one of them was dryed out (probably from 70s-80s, came with a 28 and some 28-stuff together).
Here is how I re-inked them with good success:
Two nails on my workbench about three to four feet apart, the spools hanging on the nails, winding/pulling the ribbon through two makeup micro sponges slightly soaked with fresh ink out of the bottle. The micro sponges will distribute the new ink very nicely on the ribbon. Don't apply too much ink to the sponges (could end up messy - I learned my lesson) - better run the ribbon a second time through the sponges. And don't create too much friction - you may end up with a fuzzy ribbon.
Nick - N0NCQ
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
-------- Original message --------
From: Ralph Irish <w8roi at wowway.com>
Date: 8/26/18 8:27 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: WAYNE <teletypeparts at comcast.net>
Cc: greenkeys at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Type of Underwood Ribbon For Teletype Machines
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
- - - - - - - -
________________________________
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
- - - - - - - -
________________________________
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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