Any of you remember how to use a typewriter?

So I picked up this Sears "The Graduate" electric typewriter circa 1980. The owner claimed it's fully functional. I decided to check it. One thing that I can't figure out is how you move to the next line. So you type, come to the end of the line and hit the Enter button. It does the carriage return, i.e. it moves the carriage to the beginning of the line but it does not move the paper up. So I am trying to figure out whether the thing is broken or I am just not doing it right... Help!!! :)

Thanks!

After you press enter the carriage will return and the line will advance. There may be a switch or setting somewhere to engage, but I have never seen one that could have the advance turned off.

I mostly work with the IBM Wheelwriters, but they all should work the same. Bad advance motor? Bad connection or switch? stripped gears?

There is a carriage "set" lever to get the roller to move forward and press against the carriage. It is likely on "top" by the roller and in the forward position. It's used to adjust the paper. I forget what it's called. It's only been about 40 years.

I though you had to twist a knob on the right to get it to go. It's been since I was a kid that I've even seen one though.

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Originally Posted by Mick

There is a carriage "set" lever to get the roller to move forward and press against the carriage. It is likely on "top" by the roller and in the forward position. It's used to adjust the paper. I forget what it's called. It's only been about 40 years.

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As I recall, the "set" lever is used to adjust the line spacing. It's probably set on the "zero" spacing. The manual typewriters I learned on only had single line and double line spacing.....about 37 years ago......We had 5 electrics and no one liked them after having to use the manuals. The lever was on the left hand, top, just to the left of the roller. If you post a pic of the typewriter, I should be able to identify.

Could be. I'd say the easiest way is just start pushing and pulling levers. It's up there somewhere. When you get it, you'll hear a distinct "thump".

Here are some photos of the machine: http://s941.photobucket.com/albums/a...%20typewriter/

I tried pushing all the buttons on both left and right and moving both levers on the carriage but nothing worked. I think it's broken.

I was thinking of putting it on eBay but not sure now. Do you think its parts would be of interest to anyone? Or should I just scrap the whole thing?

Thanks.

Try that lever to the right and up from the CORRECTION key (the wife thinks that's actually to adjust striking the tape). If that doesn't work, I'd say it's broke.

Do you see the R, 1, 2 in the first photo? You need it set to 1 for single space; 2 is for double space. My guess would be the current setting is "R" --- can't tell you what that stands for....definitely not Reverse. It looks like the red indicator is on R.

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There's the twin to it,,

This is a great thread! I was reading this and trying to remember using typewriters. Last one I used was the "Brother XT". I had a pair of them I kept around for years and I think I finally dumped em with a steel load not long ago.

I still have my 1923 Underwood that was the first typewriter I ever used.

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Originally Posted by daw_green_clean

Do you see the R, 1, 2 in the first photo? You need it set to 1 for single space; 2 is for double space. My guess would be the current setting is "R" --- can't tell you what that stands for....definitely not Reverse. It looks like the red indicator is on R.

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R = Release (paper). That's what you're looking for to make the paper advance one or two spaces (double space). Should be some setting for 1/2 space, too.

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Originally Posted by Mick

R = Release (paper). That's what you're looking for to make the paper advance one or two spaces (double space). Should be some setting for 1/2 space, too.

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I think it's broken. Tried that level -- did not help. Well, I guess this one will be taken apart. Too bad.