[GreenKeys] Hardened 33 platen?

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles" <charlesmorris800 at centurytel.net>
To: <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011 9:08 AM
Subject: [GreenKeys] Hardened 33 platen?


> On one of my ASR33's the platen is so hard and smooth that 
> I am
> not getting proper line feed when it advances. There 
> appears to be
> adequate spring pressure from the little roller that holds 
> the
> paper against the platen, and adding finger pressure does 
> not
> help.
> Is there anything I can apply to the rubber to get it to 
> soften
> just the right amount without making a gooey mess, or is 
> the only
> cure a new one...
> thanks
> Charles

     I think this is the same as replacing platens on old 
typewriters. There are still some service people who offer 
this service. I can't personally vouch for any of them.
     One found on a Google search is:
http://debarth.org/platens.htm

Another source is:
Ames Supply Company carries a complete line of tools, parts, 
and supplies for modern office equipment. Of interest to the 
collector will be the selection of cleaning solvents and 
fabric ribbons. Ames also offers platen recovering service. 
Contact: Ames Supply Company, 2537 Curtiss Street, Downers 
Grove, IL 60515, Telephone: (630) 964-2440, Fax Line: (630) 
964-0497, Order Toll Free: (800) 848-8780.

Ames is a very old company and is reportedly where other 
typewriter service people send their platens to be 
recovered. I understand that Ames has recently increased 
their prices and reduced the available rollers but I think 
is worth a try.

Also, there are some rubber cleaners that are recommended on 
the typewriter sites, one is Fedron which can be found at:

http://www.teeveesupply.com/product_pages/chemicals/fedron.htm

this is supposed to soften up the rubber without damaging 
it.
 A google search finds another rubber rejuvinator at:

http://www.precisionroller.com/specific_products.php?category=60&step=2

Perhaps this will help. A Teletype platen should not be much 
different than a typewriter platen.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com