[GreenKeys] Ribbons that don't dry out?

Fri Apr 12 18:03:24 EDT 2019

To me it seems easiest to seal up the ribbon in a nice ziplock when you know you're not going to use the machine for a long while. Or if you happen to have some kind of vacuum seal, that's even better. I've had NOS ribbons some 30-40 years old that were properly sealed and still worked pretty well. Maybe not quite like new, but still very usable.

This may be my modern throwaway attitude speaking, but I've never bothered re-inking since I can get a new ribbon quickly and cheaply. I've usually gotten a cheap 12+ yard ribbon with plastic spools from eBay for between $5.00 to $10.00 per spool and then rewind them onto my metal spools. There are also bulk ribbons that are hundreds of feet you cut from as needed and add your own rivets-- some info on them about the main supplier I know of here: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/ag3kwj/bulk_typewriter_ribbon_is_one_of_the_most_useful/

That being said, my AN/UGC-74B requires very unique ribbon cartridges that I may need to figure out how to re-ink one day. I know a supplier who has hundreds NOS still available for somewhat reasonable prices, but they're bound to run out eventually between the seven people worldwide who still have a UGC-74 running. :)

Oh, there was an image of a Model 15 printer I had found on Craigslist some time ago I submitted to GreenKeys, and it had an automatic re-inker on it. I had never seen one before-- somebody had to explain to me what the re-inker was-- but it sure would be handy.

This is a bit off topic, but I've noticed the same thing happens to carbon film cartridges. They don't "dry out" per se as the carbon film is already dry, but the few inches of exposed carbon becomes useless if left out for a long while.

-
Jordan Spencer Cunningham
teletype.net

On Fri, Apr 12, 2019, at 3:35 PM, Nick wrote:
> Yes, recycled spray bottle, that's what I am using.
> Bought a very small bottle of ink many years ago at an office supply store for my stamp pad - that's what I am using. Not even sure if there is such a thing as ribbon ink.
> 
> Nick - N0NCQ 
> 
> Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
> 
> 
> -------- Original message --------
> From: "John, W9DDD" <w9ddd at tapr.org>
> Date: 4/12/19 4:42 PM (GMT-05:00)
> To: greenkeys at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Ribbons that don't dry out?
> 
> Any particular kind of ink? And I'm assuming the misting is by means of 
>  a recycled pump spray bottle, or can you get ink in an aerosol container 
>  these days?
> 
>  John, W9DDD
> 
>  On 4/12/2019 2:48 PM, Nick wrote:
>  > Re-inking is also a possibility - done it several times.
>  > Two nails in the side of the workbench, 4-5 feet apart, hang the spools, 
>  > some paper or plastic behind and very slightly mist down section by 
>  > section of the ribbon. If you like to avoid the mess inside, do it 
>  > outside between two fence posts, trees, just use your imagination.
>  > Don't apply too much ink at ones - if you are not happy with the 
>  > outcome, apply another mist. A ribbon does not hold much ink - if 
>  > soaked, it's difficult to get rid of the access.
>  > 
>  > Nick - N0NCQ
>  > iTelex 212503
>  > 
>  > 
>  > 
>  > Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
>  > 
>  > 
>  > -------- Original message --------
>  > From: WAYNE <teletypeparts at comcast.net>
>  > Date: 4/12/19 2:49 PM (GMT-05:00)
>  > To: Charles <charlesmorris800 at centurytel.net>, GreenKeys Digest 
>  > <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
>  > Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] Ribbons that don't dry out?
>  > 
>  > Charles,
>  > 
>  > 
>  > Yes, the best bet is to remove the ribbons and store in a zip lock bag. 
>  > Roll up any extra ribbon till the spools are together.
>  > 
>  > 
>  > A common problem.
>  > 
>  > 
>  > 73,
>  > 
>  > 
>  > Wayne
>  > 
>  > KB1FDW<mailto:teletypeparts at comcast.net>
>  > 
>  > 
>  > 
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