I've been a professional visual artist for about 30 years. When I started buying typewriters about 3 years ago, my collectors started getting curious.
"Are you going to build a giant robot?" "Are these for an art installation at your next show?"
No one expected that I'd allow them to live on as typewriters, never mind learn to fix them.

I have been captivated by the beauty and mechanics of these machines, even though I don't much care to write on them. I just get a really good feeling from getting another one working again, and I do my best to make them as beautiful as possible.

One of my core beliefs as an artist is that it is my responsibility to inspire creative thinking in others. So lending my design, painting, and fabrications skills to the typewriter seems a perfect fit for now.

My goal is to paint the most incredible looking typewriters in the world.
A limited series of luxury tools for the writer's craft.

In the meantime, I am reconditioning and repainting a number of models while the more advanced designs are developing. Sometimes I put a lot of time into a cheap typewriter just because I think it looks cool. So, occasionally, you can pick up a really great deal on a working machine.

RECONDITIONING process:
Each machine I sell on Etsy has been disassembled and deep cleaned in a special parts washer I have augmented for the task. The machine doesn't just get 'dunked', but is cleaned with brushes while a steady stream of solvent removes old grease and grime. It is then relubricated, worn or broken parts replaced, and any necessary repairs made.
The platen is important. If it is too slick, the paper won't roll onto it. If it is too hard, the typebars will cut the paper. If it is too 'pock-marked' or textured, it will cause blurry text and possibly contribute to undue wear on the type slugs.
I will at minimum recondition the platen with a rubber reconditioning solvent. Usually, I grind it down first so it has an even surface, and has the appropriate amount of grip for the paper. In some cases, I strip the old rubber off and replace it with vinyl, which will last much longer and seems to be the perfect hardness for type. In other cases, I will send it out to have it resurfaced with rubber, as close to the original as possible.
Once a machine has been put back together, I install a fresh ribbon, on the original spools when possible.
Then the machine is tested extensively.
I don't fine-tune the type slugs themselves unless they are way off. I feel that the slight variation is very desirable, part of the aesthetic character of a machine that is precious and unique. If you feel the same, you are in the right place.

I'm out of time for now - I'll write more about my painting processes later.

Thanks for stopping by!