FeedCity: Chris Aldrich

Chris Aldrich

Musings of a Modern Day Cyberneticist

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Chris Aldrich ●
00:00 • Chris Aldrich

The Typewriter You Probably Don’t Want to Buy

Caveat Emptor One of the biggest of the very few companies still manufacturing typewriters in the new millennium is the Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company. Sadly, for the hobbyist space looking to get into typewriters, while these are easy to find online, they are notorious for dreadful quality control, lots of plastic, and poor type alignment. … Continue reading The Typewriter You Probably Don’t Want to Buy

Chris Aldrich ●
08 Jun 00:12 • Chris Aldrich

Vintage Typewriters Take Center Stage at Type-In Celebration in Pasadena

Approximately a dozen people sitting at 8 foot folding tables typing on typewriters at a Type-In on the second floor at Vroman's Bookstore

The local newspaper covered our recent type-in at Vroman’s Bookstore. I hear that we made the cover of the monthly print edition.

Chris Aldrich ●
07 Jun 06:01 • Chris Aldrich

Typewriter Use and Typewriter Maintenance for Beginning to Intermediate Typists

Analog office set up featuring a stick leg metal desk, a Royal KMG typewriter, a few card index filing cabinets, a typing copy stand, and a paper supply organizer.

Two common questions I hear from those just starting out into the typewriter space are frequently about the basics: How do I use a typewriter? How to take care of typewriters or do basic maintenance? Naturally there is a ton of colloquial advice you’ll receive on these topics from social media and YouTube, but it’s … Continue reading Typewriter Use and Typewriter Maintenance for Beginning to Intermediate Typists

Chris Aldrich ●
03 Jun 11:39 • Chris Aldrich

Why Another Typewriter?

A wire shelving unit on wheels with a variety of 20 typewriters on it. There are four standards and a variety of other portables in a panoply of cases. It sits in a driveway in front of a cinderblock wall.

Recently Paulo philosophically asked me, a typewriter collector, “Why another typewriter? I haven’t been able to find an answer yet.” (My attempt at a translation/synopsis from his Portuguese.) In addition to answers from the collector’s perspective, bonus points for answers that are also directed to answering this question which comes from your significant other who … Continue reading Why Another Typewriter?

Chris Aldrich ●
00:21 • Chris Aldrich

Restored 1951 Remington Super-Riter Standard Typewriter

Angle down on a 1951 Remington Super-Riter standard typewriter in a military green crinkle paint with green plastic keys. It sits on a round wooden bistro table in a porch setting.

Earlier this week I started stripping down my recently acquired 1951 Remington Super-Riter typewriter. The machine’s serial number puts it into the 15th month of production of the Super-Riter which replaced the storied Remington 17 and the Remington KMC. Features of the Remington Super-Riter A nearby manual for the Super-Riter can be found in the … Continue reading Restored 1951 Remington Super-Riter Standard Typewriter

Chris Aldrich ●
00:09 • Chris Aldrich

Game: Name that naked typewriter

A typewriter stripped down with all the exterior panels, keys, and identifying portions removed. We only see the internal mechanical portions remaining.

Just for fun, let’s see who can come closest to a make, model and year for this lovely typewriter I’ve got on the bench this week for restoration. Please, no more than two guesses per player. Answer to be posted Friday.

Chris Aldrich ●
00:27 • Chris Aldrich

The Rules for Typewriter Club

Two Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriters sitting on top of a library card catalog at angles to each other. One on the left is black with grey trim while the other is gray with chrome trim.

The first rule of Typewriter club is do not oil the segment. The second rule of Typewriter club is DO NOT OIL THE SEGMENT. Do not ask the value of a typewriter. They are all invaluable. The only rare typewriter is a an unloved typewriter. Always talk about typewriter club. Every chance you get. … Continue reading The Rules for Typewriter Club

Chris Aldrich ●
05:13 • Chris Aldrich

Typed index card in blue ink which reads 2025-05-23 Tonight's typewriter pairing is a 1949 Royal Quiet De Luxe and a shot of Aberlour Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (12 years old). Both are solid classics with strength. The light peaty aroma of the Scotch matches pretty well with the scents of machine oil, ink, paper and light must of the typewri ter. Both are great choices separately. Together they seem a brilliant way to start a long weekend.

Chris Aldrich ●
00:03 • Chris Aldrich

Angle down from just above a paper organizer. We can see a variety of blank paper types and sizes filed into the angled slots . In the very back we see a paint chip brush for dusting a typewriter as well as a couple different eraser shields for typing and error correction.

In an effort to slowly improve my analog office proficiency and productivity, I have heeded Lenore Fenton’s advice to have all my supplies organized at my fingertips. Toward that end I’ve picked up this excellent paper organizer for the top desk drawer of my executive tanker desk. This mid-century marvel is perfect for storing a … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
04:48 • Chris Aldrich

What are the “Rules of Typewriter Club”?

Two rows of four typewriters each lined up on opposite sides of a table.

In the vein of Fight Club, what would the rules of Typewriter Club be? What are the commonly known rules that typewriter users and collectors know that the uninitiated should be aware of? I’ll kick things off with a frequent admonishment: The first rule of Typewriter Club: Don’t “lubricate” the segment with WD-40. The second … Continue reading What are the “Rules of Typewriter Club”?

Chris Aldrich ●
05:01 • Chris Aldrich

Front view of a light gray 1966 Underwood Touch-Master Five standard typewriter

Acquired used at a second hand store for the As-Seen-On-TV price of $19.99 and in stunning condition. It’ll need a clean, but this is in almost perfect cosmetic condition. It’s my first Underwood and technically also my first Olivetti as it was manufactured after the merger. The touch and speed are truly stunning and may … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
16 May 06:39 • Chris Aldrich

Yellow Royal FP typewriter on a wooden table next to some index card notes and a crystal glass containing a Negroni.

Spent some time tonight typing up notes from the type-in on Saturday for the typosphere. Should have a post about it all soon.

Chris Aldrich ●
13 May 01:55 • Chris Aldrich

Yellow Royal FP on a dining room table next to a blue vase full of yellow flowers. In the background we see a book case with some books and ceramics on it. A framed yellowed map hangs on the wall in the background.

Spring flowers next to the 1961 Royal FP typewriter.

Chris Aldrich ●
00:11 • Chris Aldrich

A 196X Remington Streamliner typewriter viewed from the front.

Acquired 2024-09-04. In generally good shape. The case is in exceptional shape given that these usually aren’t extant or have been shattered into pieces. There is one piece broken off, but it came with the machine and should be able to be fused back onto the case. Came without the hubs or covers. It’s slightly more … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
00:20 • Chris Aldrich

Two typewriters on a wooden bench in front of a large book case. Surrounding it are 7 more standard typewriters of various makes and models

My current collection of 9 standard typewriters clocks in at 289.6 pounds (131.6 kg). Which one(s) should I take to the type-in at Vromans Bookstore this Saturday, May 10th at 1:00pm? Which machines are you bringing? Front row (left to right): ’51 Remington Super-Riter, ’56 Remington Standard, ’55 Royal HH, ’58 Royal FP (gray, 16″ … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
04 May 01:55 • Chris Aldrich

Typed index card in blue and green ink that reads: You're invited to a Type-In! / Saturday, May 10, 2025 / 1:00 PM onwards / Vroman's Bookstore / 695 E. Colorado Blvd., / Pasadena, CA 91101 / Typewriters Optional / Bring a Friend for an afternoon of fun / Details and RSVP / https://boffosocko.com/type-in/

Chris Aldrich ●
01 May 06:37 • Chris Aldrich

Card Indexes in Wedding Crashers

While watching Wedding Crashers (2005, New Line), I noticed that John Beckwith (portrayed by Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) both have multiple card indexes in their offices in the movie. One can’t help but wondering if their work leverages one of the variety of card index filing systems? Were they commonplacers? Zettelkasten users? … Continue reading Card Indexes in Wedding Crashers

Chris Aldrich ●
30 Apr 19:56 • Chris Aldrich

Acquired for a song and a dance on 2025-04-14; Seems to be in relatively solid shape; nothing huge out of place; need a full COA, but seems fully restorable; the case is a bit dirty and has a light smell, but should be cleanable; came with the original manual and warranty card stub. The dried … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
10 Apr 23:41 • Chris Aldrich

An orange and black box with the name RIGID on it fills an orange wire shopping cart.

Picked up for some work related to the Eaton Fire recovery, but it also means I’ve upped my game on tools for typewriter repair.

Chris Aldrich ●
03 Apr 21:06 • Chris Aldrich

Game: Name that naked typewriter

A typewriter with the hood and body panels removed making it appear "naked".

To be clear, I know what this is. (It’s a typewriter I’m most of the way through cleaning and restoring.) Just for fun for the regulars and the collectors, let’s see who can come closest to a make, model and year for this lovely machine I recently acquired for restoration. Please, no more than two … Continue reading Game: Name that naked typewriter

Chris Aldrich ●
02 Apr 20:20 • Chris Aldrich

A typed baseball scorecard for the Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game from 2025-03-31 which the Dodgers won 6-1

My first baseball scorecard in ages, but also my first typed scorecard with format courtesy of Lou Spirito of Thirty81 Press. Besides a few examples by Lou himself and one I saw from Tom Hanks on March 29th, I may be the third person doing this?! It pulls together two spectacular pastimes and creates a … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
29 Mar 21:26 • Chris Aldrich

First Time Typewriter Purchases with Specific Recommendations for Writers

Green Olympia SM3 on a desk in front of a Steelcase card index, a Macey Co. Card index, a barrister bookcase, and a small side table with a brown Royal HHE typewriter

I regularly see writers (or their friends or significant others considering buying them presents) interested in purchasing their first typewriter as a (distraction-free) writing tool. Naturally, unless they grew up with them or have other direct experience, the primary questions are: how much are they?, which ones are the better professional tools?, and where can … Continue reading First Time Typewriter Purchases with Specific Recommendations for Writers

Chris Aldrich ●
28 Mar 03:12 • Chris Aldrich

Frontal view down onto a 1951 Remington Super-Riter typewriter in brown crinkle paint. It is absolutely covered in dirt and dust from what seems like decades sitting in a barn.

Dirty as all get out, but seems to function nearly flawlessly. A full clean, oil, and adjust is mandatory as will be new ribbon, but in surprisingly solid condition for all the accumulated filth. Not all bad for a thrift purchase of $11.00.

Chris Aldrich ●
27 Mar 23:15 • Chris Aldrich

A 1950s Smith Corona portable in a case sitting on a wooden floor in front of a large green box fan/Hydroxyl Generator

Industrial typewriter cleaning Following the Eaton Fire catastrophe, our house is finally being cleaned. While the duct cleaners were here, I thought I’d break out a dirty Olympia SG3 and use the 175psi air compressor and industrial 300 pound air filtration to “dust” my machine. I now want one of these for the typewriter workshop! … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
27 Mar 05:00 • Chris Aldrich

An Olympia SG3 typewriter packed in a box full of packing peanuts.

One of the reasons one doesn’t ship typewriters in packing peanuts without completely first wrapping the typewriter with something first is that the typewriter will be full of packing peanuts by the time it arrives at its destination. Thirty minutes to clean peanuts out of every part of the machine is annoying.

Chris Aldrich ●
27 Mar 00:01 • Chris Aldrich

In generally solid shape out of the box. Some paint worn off body along the corners and a bit dusty with some white out to clean up. It’ll need some tweaks to the a few minor spots, but it should clean up to almost new pretty quickly. The one glaring issue is a needed tweak … Continue reading

Chris Aldrich ●
25 Mar 18:30 • Chris Aldrich

You’re invited to a Southern California Type-In!

View of the front street entrance of Vroman's Bookstore. An elegant purple lettered sign hangs over the door. In the foreground is an artistic and quirky plastic red "chair" in front of a Little Free Library box. On the adjacent wall is the window for Tepito Coffee with a yellow lettered sign. Beside this is a painted wall mural featuring a typewriter painted in red with a page coming out of it that reads: I will forever be in love with you. And that's not fiction.

Date Saturday, May 10, 2025 Time 1:00 PM onwards Location Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 2 blocks West of Lake Avenue, which has both East and Westbound exits off of the 210 Freeway. We’ll be meeting upstairs on the second floor. Parking available behind the bookstore as well as on surrounding … Continue reading You’re invited to a Southern California Type-In!

Chris Aldrich ●
21 Mar 20:34 • Chris Aldrich

Standard Typewriters versus Portable Typewriters and Ultraportable Typewriters

A hulking gray 1950 Royal KMG standard typewriter next to it's much smaller relative, the 1949 Royal Quiet De Luxe as they sit on an oak library card catalog.

Within the typewriter space there are three broad categories of typewriters primarily based on size: Standard (or office or desktop) typewriters were designed and meant for use in a stationary location, most often an office where they would be used for 8 hours a day (or more), every day of the work week. These typewriters, … Continue reading Standard Typewriters versus Portable Typewriters and Ultraportable Typewriters

Chris Aldrich ●
20 Mar 17:46 • Chris Aldrich

Save the Date: A Southern California Type-In on May 10, 2025

I’ve been in conversation with a local bookstore in Pasadena to help host a type-in in Southern California. We’re making plans for Saturday afternoon on May 10th from 1:00 PM onward. So mark your calendars, limber your fingers, and start tuning up your favorite typewriter(s)! More details and specifics to come shortly. If you’re nearby … Continue reading Save the Date: A Southern California Type-In on May 10, 2025

Chris Aldrich ●
11 Mar 19:17 • Chris Aldrich

Great! Another evacuation warning. This time instead of for catastrophic fire, it’s for rain and potential mudslides from the burn scar. Fortunately (?) I’m still evacuated from January 7th about 6 miles south.