My friend's a bad influence 🙄

[anxious pie]

Hey everyone, I'm making my 1st post here to learn more about the collecting side of things. I've been a typewriter user for a long time but seeing my friend's collection made me realize using them is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm now looking for my own interesting machines to preserve.

 

[phdezra]

Yes, @anxious pie it can be addicitve. Have you watched the documentary California Typewriter? After you watch it, it'll put your quest into hyperdrive!

 

[anxious pie]

I can already tell how addictive this can be Thank you for the recommendation! Haven't seen the documentary, but I will look for it this weekend. Are there any essential books on collecting that you suggest for someone just starting out?

 

[phdezra]

Hi @anxious pie

Oh, you're in for it now! Fair warning: typewriter collecting follows the same logic as potato chips - you can't have just one. You'll start with 'just a nice little portable' and before you know it, you're explaining to your partner/spouse why you NEED that 1940s Royal Quiet De Luxe because 'the touch is completely different from the Underwood!'

My golden rule: USE them! These machines were built to work, not gather dust as Instagram props. There's something magical about hearing those keys strike paper - it's like therapy, but louder and with more dings.

As for books, start with 'The Typewriter Revolution' by Richard Polt - it's the collector's bible and will either cure you of this obsession or send you straight to eBay at 2 AM bidding on a 1950s Smith-Corona. No in-between.
Welcome to the rabbit hole - it's deeper than you think, and the exit door is mysteriously always just out of reach!

Ezra

 

[anxious pie]

That's a very funny and accurate warning, and I firmly believe in using these machines. Thanks for suggesting 'The Typewriter Revolution'! This is exactly the kind of starting point I was seeking. I'll look for a copy of the book this week. Wish me luck lol

 

[typistman]

Yes, @anxious pie it can be addicitve. Have you watched the documentary California Typewriter? After you watch it, it'll put your quest into hyperdrive!

Absolutely, il have Now 4 typewriters..not New and 2 of Them need to be cleaned

 

[anxious pie]

Good to know I'm not the only one starting to accumulate! Four machines are quite the start to a collection. Your cleaning comment's timely since I'm just beginning to learn about the maintenance side. Do you have any favorite products or a simple process for cleaning up a new find? @typistman

@phdezra just a quick follow-up for you.
My copy of 'The Typewriter Revolution' arrived in the mail yesterday. You weren't kidding about how comprehensive it is. I've only had a chance to flip through it, and the amount of information is incredible. I wanted to thank you again for pointing me to these helpful resources.

 

[phdezra]

Happy reading!! (And typing along the way… don’t make your machines sad—use them!)