Salutations Typospherians!
Here is my final design of the Typewriter Survival Kit. I was disappointed that I haven't been able to find any appropriate brushes to include, but I am quite happy with the way this has turned out and will be carrying one myself. Darling suggested a multi-tool instead of separate, tiny pliers and screwdrivers and I think this was a stroke of brilliance, because now I can offer three times the tools all in one instrument. I also added a small LED flashlight, as I never go typer-hunting without one and use them extensively at home when working on my machines. Tell me what you think! Should anything be added or removed? I'm very interested in the Typosphere's feedback!
Salut!
Anna.
I think it is quite a neat idea. The multi-tool is nice, even though only a few of its features can actually be used. The scissors are nice to cut the nylon cord, but I am trying to figure out how this cord would be attached. I tend to use fishing line, as it is thin enough to be able to tie a knot in and still fit around the small tab on the mainspring/carriage. Some of those tabs are rather small, and I cannot imagine being able to tie the nylon around it. Or...do you implement it in some other way?
ReplyDeleteThe pouches are a nice touch, and overall it seems like a nice little set-up for traveling with a typewriter. Definitely original!
Thanks Ken! You know, I've been going back and forth trying to decide between nylon and fishing line, and I think it's going to come down to the machine specified. The nylon will fit the Olivers, no problem, but I admit it is too large for some other machines, so I figure this will be a made-to-order kind of thing.
DeleteI have so many Mosin pouches you wouldn't believe it. I even use them as mini saddlebags on my scooter!
Nice kit. I found a denture cleaning brush at Dollar General that is great for getting dirt out of type slugs. They cost about $5 at Wallyworld and drug stores, but only $1 or $2 at Dollar General. The bristles are a bit stiffer and longer than a toothbrush and work better on machines like the Olivetti Studio 44 that have a type slug arrangement that is hard to clean with a regular tooth brush.
ReplyDeleteOoh that's not a bad idea! I didn't even think about that. I'll have to see if I can find a denture brush and cut the handle down.
DeleteI think it's very cool.
ReplyDeleteI have never actualy re-inked a ribbon (only refreshed dry ones with WD-40). How hard is it?
Thank you!
DeleteTo be honest, I haven't done it yet, either, but the instructions I found made it sound pretty simple. It has to be brushed on or the ribbon rubbed over an inked pad. Time-consuming, but simple.
This is a great idea. I've taken to keeping my toolbox in the trunk of the car so that I always know where my wrenches and such are. This would be a great addition for those unanticipated stops at antique stores.
ReplyDeleteThanks Winston! I've made some updates to it I've yet to photograph as well, and have some things I want to try that I haven't added to the kit yet, too. Plus it can go anywhere and still look pretty cool while doing so!
DeleteI make first aid kits packaged in the ammo pouches, too.