Difference between revisions of "Typewriter Anatomy"

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* '''Platen Variable''' - Allows you to freely turn the paper using the platen knobs, without the ratchet snapping it to the next line
 
* '''Platen Variable''' - Allows you to freely turn the paper using the platen knobs, without the ratchet snapping it to the next line
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* '''Paper Injector''' - Allows you to feed in paper by placing the paper in the carriage and activating a lever or dial.

Revision as of 02:16, 3 October 2020

Naming a Part

Labeled Diagrams

Click to see a larger image. Even if one of these is not the exact model of your typewriter, the part will be called the same.

Don't see your part above? Typewriter Manuals often feature labeled typewriter anatomies. You can find manuals for some common brands and models (and a few rare ones) on Richard Polt's Site.

Plain English

  • Part that holds down the paper when you’re writing: Paper Bail
  • The ruler by where the paper goes in: Paper scale
  • The thing that holds the ribbon and rises when you hit a key: ribbon vibrator or ribbon shaker.
  • Big silver lever, usually on the left side: Carriage Return Lever.

Usage/Meanings

  • Carriage Return Lever - Used for moving to the next line and returning the carriage to the beginning of the line
  • Carriage Release - Used for moving the carriage around
  • Paper Release - Releases the paper feed rollers, allows you to move paper around freely so you can align it
  • Platen Variable - Allows you to freely turn the paper using the platen knobs, without the ratchet snapping it to the next line
  • Paper Injector - Allows you to feed in paper by placing the paper in the carriage and activating a lever or dial.