Hello I'm new to typewriters but not new to fixing things.

[firefox3001]

So I had this old SM3 from 1957 that my uncle had from his estate when he passed away. I didn't think much of it until I looked at it and found that it was in really good shape from my opinion but I started cleaning it up to sell etc. I recently started an e-bay store to sell some of his items so this was one of them. I ended up looking a lot on U-tube and learned a lot of things about them. I ended up getting a SG1 like $20 super cheap to try to restore that one as well. Its mostly in good condition other than some rust issues in a few spots. So I kind of came here to maybe learn more and or ask question as I learn more. I kind of decided to get the platens replaced by J.J. Short cause I want to sell something good that someone can use a long time. I've heard it doesn't make a profit doing it that way though, but maybe if I get really cheap typewriters I could make it work.. Anyways, about me I'm an electrical engineer at an aerospace company. I work on test hardware we are a really diversely capable group which I enjoy not doing the same thing all the time.

 

[typistman]

Welcome to you . You're at the right place for good informations have a Nice day

 

[phdezra]

So I had this old SM3 from 1957 that my uncle had from his estate when he passed away. I didn't think much of it until I looked at it and found that it was in really good shape from my opinion but I started cleaning it up to sell etc. I recently started an e-bay

@firefox3001 Sounds like you’ve already got a solid start, and those SM3/SG-1s are fine machines to cut your teeth on. Swapping platens at J.J. Short is the “gold standard,” though you’re right—it’s rarely a profit play.

Most of us do it more out of respect for the machine than for the balance sheet. Curious—are you more drawn to restoring them as a side craft, or do you see yourself really trying to make it into a business? And have you yet had the joy of cleaning out an escapement full of 60-year-old oil? That’s usually the initiation rite.

Ezra

 

[Alan]

@firefox3001 welcome! Sounds like you’ve jumped right in with those SM3 and SG1 restorations. Replacing platens at J.J. Short is definitely the way to go if you want something that lasts.