[GreenKeys] First Teletype Machine! Here!

[H. Kurth Bemis]

Thanks for the cleaning suggestion!  I was dreading breaking down the
machine to clean each part.  Soaking the unit for a few days seems like
the right way to go.  Should I remove the selector magnet assembly from
the typebar unit before placing it in it's bath of Kerosene?  Other
pages on the net mention trying to keep the selector assembly out of
water and other cleaning solvents.  Any thoughts on this? I understand
keeping water away from the selector magnets, but what about Kerosene?

As far as the carriage return "issue", I assume that the machine isn't
going to strip its gears or cause other "self-inflicted" damage pushing
against the right margin all the time.

When I get to the lab again this afternoon I will look at the spacing
assembly for the stuck bits.

Thank you for all your help!  I wouldn't have even thought of purchasing
one of these if you guys (greenkeyers) were around to provide advice.
Seriously - Thank You all.

~k

On Wed, 2009-03-11 at 11:23 -0500, Jim Haynes wrote:
> On Wed, 11 Mar 2009, H. Kurth Bemis wrote:
> >
> > The entire thing is covered in grease and oil and dirt.  Lots of hair in
> > there too.  I've seen other pictures where the chassis of these units
> > was clean and looked to be free of oil and debris.  So I ask; Should I
> 
> My first Model 15, which was given to me in pieces, I took completely
> apart and use Gunk to clean.  Later learned there were some things you
> aren't supposed to take apart, as they are put together with special
> tools at the factory; but mine seemed to work OK anyway.
> 
> Much later, talked to a guy in the Teletype repair business, and he
> recommends just soaking the whole thing in kerosene for a few days
> with some agitation and brushing, then take it out and drain it and
> re-lube it.
> 
> > First obvious problem is when the teletype is powered on, the typebar
> > carriage begins advancing right, as it should when it's typing, but
> 
> Look at the shaft for the printing bail, in front of the main shaft.
> On that shaft you will see a couple of thin metal pieces which are
> the spacing escapement.  No doubt they are stuck together - you'll
> have to work them until they loosen up.
> 
> > When the typebar carriage arrives at right margin, it dings the bell and
> > then instead of a CR, will just keep pushing to the right.  No carriage
> > return.  What would be causing this?  Where would I look to begin
> 
> This is normal.  A few machines are equipped for automatic carriage return
> and line feed, but on the ordinary machine it will sit at the right edge
> until it receives a carriage return signal.
> 
>