The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1910-05-21
How to Repair and Clean Typewriters


By Louis A Femmfns IN Sdanhhe AmsnGn
As every user OF a typewriter knows. the platen or roll is the
part of the machine that wears out first The constant hsmmering
Of the type against the surface of the platen soon makes indenta-
tions in it which in a short time amount to such a degree OF
roughness that it is impossible to produce good, clean work
A compound has recently been discovered that Will restore the
platen to its original smooth condition no matter how badly it is
worn or how long it has been in use
The formula and method Of using the compound are as follows:
The ideal material for use in repairing platens would be hard
rubber, but in the process of vucanizing, the rubber becomes n
soluble to a great degree in the solvents generally used for making
rubber solutions As a substitute for hard rubber, celuiold Is
recommended The hard variety should be used, which is sold
under the name of imitation ivory. This IS soluble In acetone'
amyl acetate, and various other solvents One OF the best solvents
is a mixture Of eight ounces of acetone and one ounce OF amyl
acetate.
In the absence of anything else in the way of celuloid, any
ordinary article made Of this substance, as a comb, may be used.
There is a variety of celluloid used in the manufacture OF combs
which is quite satisfactory for this purpose. The color also is
good where this variety can be obtained.
In using celluloid on platens it is advisable to use something
with it that will give it hardness, such as finely powdered silica, In
fusoial earth, emery, or other similar substances About one
ounce of powdered emery to each eight ounces Of compound is a
fair proportion Powdered soapstone also works well for the
pupose.
The cenuloid solution should be made as thick as a very heavy
syrup or molasses In fact, as thick as may be spread with a brush.
The heavier it is when used, the sooner it will dry. If a light
colored celluloid is used, it is advisable to add some coloring
matter, which may be l~ampblack or preferably gas o r carbon black.
just enough should be used to give the desired grayish color. Re
move the platen from the machine. The work may be done with
the platen in the machine, but great care must be taken to protect
the working parts from the dust formed when smoothing up 1t
also takes less time to do the work when the platen is removed
Wash the platen with gasoline to remove all grease and dirt,
and rub it with a piece of fine emery paper, to give it a new,
clean surface. With a brush, paint the mixture carefully over the
platter, giving it a good thick coat.
Lay the platen aside for six hours or longer for the compost
ton to harden Then with a piece of fine emery cloth smooth it
down, taking care not to cut quite to the original surface OF the
platen. This is the delicate part of the work; and upon the care
used in doing it depends the quality of the job.
Acetone and amyl acetate can be obtained at any drug store. 1t
usually requires from two to FIVE hours for the celluloid to dissolve
Breaking it up into small pieces hastens solution. The solution
should be prepared in a wide mouthed bottle that can be securely
corked 1t should be shaken often during the process as this will
prevent the celuloid from forming in Jumps. The bottle should
be kept tightly corked aud away from the fire, for it is highly in
fammable. Should the mixture become too thick, thin 1t with a
little more of the solvent; if it is not thick enough, add more
celluloid.
A cheap and simple cleaning compound for typewrters is
composed of the following ingredients:
49, 1aramn PM
Denzoi. -. ouneo
Oo0N
Mix thoroughly.
This compound was for years a secret confined to one or two
of the large companies that rebuild typewrers. The machine is
immersed in the compound which quickly and thoroughly dissolves