tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post4565548754134894172..comments2024-03-26T16:00:23.608-04:00Comments on The Typewriter Revolution blog: The Adler Universal typewriterRichard Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-63609111030866093142021-11-18T13:14:21.541-05:002021-11-18T13:14:21.541-05:00Hmm. I don't know—different examples of the sa...Hmm. I don't know—different examples of the same model can often feel very different. One thing you should try is a thorough cleaning, using mineral spirits with a small amount of gun oil or sewing machine oil dissolved in them. It also sometimes helps to increase the carriage tension (wind the mainspring a bit).Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-80470012123533115282021-11-17T20:14:24.028-05:002021-11-17T20:14:24.028-05:00I've got a Universal from 1960, I believe--loo...I've got a Universal from 1960, I believe--looks like the machine second from the top (cream ribbon cover).<br />My question: I had an earlier version (56-57) that had fabulous action: light yet deliberate, solid. Like an a---h---e, I sold it. The newer beast is pretty darn stiff & is not in the same league as the earlier one. The first machine rivaled anything I've ever come across, & was quite a step above the several SG1s I've used.<br />I've turned that unlabeled dial on the bottom of the Universal--it rotates a rod that runs horizontally towards the back. I've read Universal manuals that speak of the touch adjustment, but this does not have that.<br />Any ideas on how to speed it up?<br />Thanks much!<br />Scott<br />Kingfish3https://www.blogger.com/profile/06606419139073849096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-57947987354931184622020-05-04T18:32:29.570-04:002020-05-04T18:32:29.570-04:00I just acquired one of these (https://typewriterda...I just acquired one of these (https://typewriterdatabase.com/1961-adler-universal.13962.typewriter) and after getting it sorted today, I'm definitely a fan, although the margin set levers on the deluxe carriage confused me quite a bit, and that's how I ended up here. Not sure I'll buy a second one, but I see the appeal.Ryan Kevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235824563162382427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-1098042118948348412018-07-29T02:55:37.489-04:002018-07-29T02:55:37.489-04:00I have 2 of these now. I have a collection of 40+ ...I have 2 of these now. I have a collection of 40+ machines. I can say, for just writing output and comfort, If I had to keep five machines, both would make the cut, and the other 3 would be my two Triumphs an the Model 18. I love this standard immensely. Chaplin Sainthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16826048785166283127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-59201990466345181922018-01-23T16:09:21.118-05:002018-01-23T16:09:21.118-05:00Correction: the carriage of the Special can be rem...Correction: the carriage of the Special can be removed without much trouble. (See page S.M. 100 of <a href="http://machinesoflovinggrace.com/manuals/AdlerSpecialServiceManual.pdf" rel="nofollow">this service manual</a>.)Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-43608050226887387092018-01-22T11:29:46.435-05:002018-01-22T11:29:46.435-05:00On the Universal, you just unscrew the two pins an...On the Universal, you just unscrew the two pins and wiggle the carriage while pulling upwards. But on the Special, which is a completely different machine, I don't think there is any easy way to remove the carriage. In fact, since the carriage rails are molded in a single piece with the body of the machine, it looks like an unusually difficult job. Don't try it unless you have to.Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-23729391071438339422018-01-22T09:13:58.842-05:002018-01-22T09:13:58.842-05:00I just acquired a 1958 Adler Special, it also has ...I just acquired a 1958 Adler Special, it also has an "each" key on it. I'd like to see more detailed instructions on how to remove the carriage via the two pins you mentioned, in case the same technique applies to the Special.dboerenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12907084914369131325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-42505826154919765592015-09-11T16:27:07.326-04:002015-09-11T16:27:07.326-04:00I am glad you got it working! I didn't think ...I am glad you got it working! I didn't think it would be too much work. Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13696315805054881380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-48294683213543242562015-09-10T16:08:13.891-04:002015-09-10T16:08:13.891-04:00Thanks. Yes, the technique they describe works wel...Thanks. Yes, the technique they describe works well on any typewriter that has a half-spacing feature (either because the carriage advances half a space when you depress the space bar, or through some separate half-space key). However, the Adler justification device seems to have been a separate invention that provided a semi-automatic way of achieving an even right margin.Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-48724569041330661062015-09-10T16:05:31.276-04:002015-09-10T16:05:31.276-04:00I meant p14 of course :)I meant p14 of course :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-77421763300046905592015-09-10T16:03:17.988-04:002015-09-10T16:03:17.988-04:00Hello, I've just got hold of an Adler Record a...Hello, I've just got hold of an Adler Record and, in the course of looking for an online manual, may have come across something relevant to the justification device. Page 15 of this manual for the Adler Gabriele 10, 25, 35 (English, French, Dutch, Spanish) gives directions for using the spacebar as part of the process - http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/AdlerGabriele.pdf Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-77287462019554748722015-09-09T16:06:35.412-04:002015-09-09T16:06:35.412-04:00When I bought my massive wide-carriage Universal t...When I bought my massive wide-carriage Universal the double-spaced typing option wasn't working at all. The button would click, but the typewriter either remained wedded to one-space-at-a-time or it wouldn't advance at all. <br /><br />It took almost six months of puzzlement and inaction until, as if in a dream, I figured out how to fix it. There's a metal finger that, depending on its position, allows the escapement to rotate one or two spaces. I gently bent that finger in the direction that made sense and, voila, the two-space option clicked into place and worked without a hitch. Perhaps after enough typing, the metal naturally gives a bit, which causes the hesitation you mention, Donald. <br /><br />Thanks for this post, Richard. My Universal types in large and small sans serif capital letters and you have inspired me to whisk the cover off (it came with a gigantic plastic dust cover) and give it a whirl as I'm banging away on my new book proposal. <br /><br />Rob in NYCrnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01115499862681364911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-90885971653541082512015-09-08T22:14:44.510-04:002015-09-08T22:14:44.510-04:00Well, the key lever system is similar, though not ...Well, the key lever system is similar, though not identical, to the system you show in the diagrams in <a href="http://davistypewriters.blogspot.com/2012/10/adler-1938-standard.html" rel="nofollow">your post on the Adler Standard</a>. It feels very good, I enjoy it. However, there was something about your Standard that just felt <i>transcendent</i>. Maybe it was the excitement of the moment! Anyway, it would be interesting to compare them side by side.Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-33190474041705203382015-09-08T22:07:08.426-04:002015-09-08T22:07:08.426-04:00How does this range compare with the black ADLER t...How does this range compare with the black ADLER that we brought to Herman's a few years ago and which you tried out? Will Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04371377137844175320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-44898677175369068562015-09-08T05:39:58.829-04:002015-09-08T05:39:58.829-04:00Great Richard, glad you found one!
Yes, the escape...Great Richard, glad you found one!<br />Yes, the escapements seem to be a weak spot with these Universals - my double spaced typing option is also not 100% reliable. I usually need to push the 2 button, then wiggle the carriage a bit side to side, as I type a key or two, before it clicks in. I'm not sure if some of that is age, or poor adjustment and lubrication, and how much is the original design and mechanics. It seems like the Alder engineers were asking these Universals to do alot.<br />Didn't know about the Deluxe Carriage option - interesting! Of course you could choose from I believe three different carriage sizes.<br />They aren't "perfect", but they sure get an "A" for effort and design.<br />My paint finish is also a bit messed up, mostly on the front apron - looks as though the finish is susceptable to wear and moisture.<br />Anyway, great find, and great posting!Don Lamperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10033476212606822358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-87115039989354298182015-09-08T04:51:36.918-04:002015-09-08T04:51:36.918-04:00I hadn't a clue! I like the look of those earl...I hadn't a clue! I like the look of those earlier Universals, more attractive than one I had.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-90292995323373724862015-09-07T19:34:44.056-04:002015-09-07T19:34:44.056-04:00Ah—you should have taken advantage of my forgetful...Ah—you should have taken advantage of my forgetfulness to seize glory for yourself! Nevertheless, good sleuthing on the justification device.Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-63720976999168142882015-09-07T19:13:51.995-04:002015-09-07T19:13:51.995-04:00OH, I cheated. On my blog post about Kubrick'...OH, I cheated. On my blog post about Kubrick's Adlers you commented both that your Universal was technologically dazzling and that you would be featuring it in an upcoming post. From there the deduction was...elementary. The Philosophy Teacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09818634065467163542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-12292261087535780752015-09-07T14:53:34.316-04:002015-09-07T14:53:34.316-04:00Best of luck in your quest.
I love that typewriter...Best of luck in your quest.<br />I love that typewriter. Adler machines are immensely under rated. I have a new one to add to my wish list.<br /><br />I did not get to look at the shuttles on my Hammond yet to see it it has any shuttles with any attached together letters. It has a shuttle with very similar typeface though.Bill Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14649212489891769390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-20938860923760090232015-09-07T10:49:00.982-04:002015-09-07T10:49:00.982-04:00Oh yeah, I remember your Universal typecast now.
...Oh yeah, I remember your Universal typecast now.<br /><br />My guess is that the justifying device is very rare, and probably found only on German examples. Maybe it could be transferred to a US machine. Anyway, it's always good to have a typewriter fantasy to keep the hunt interesting!Richard Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16232053429935587826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8655653784122131754.post-66857031885689949672015-09-07T10:44:51.409-04:002015-09-07T10:44:51.409-04:00oh dang, I should have known that, as I had one of...oh dang, I should have known that, as I had one of those for a short while:<br />http://munk.org/typecast/2012/11/02/1956-adler-universal-and-a-wrimo-candlelight-party/<br /><br />Now I'm quite curious about that justifying Universal.. I hope you find one (:Tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16774432656602082311noreply@blogger.com