The return key on my Olivetti ET Compact 60 is not working. All the other keys appear to work well. The individual back space also works, so the carriage can go to the left side, but not when the return key is pressed. Any ideas on what may be causing this?
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I'm not familiar with this model but usually the first thing to check with any key or part that stops working is to make sure your typewriter is clean.
The manual and the electric typewriters are notorious for collecting dust and small pieces of debris. Most people do not clean them often enough and the junk collects on the 'oily' residue on all parts of the typewriter. Just look at the dust that accumulates on shelves, tables to get some idea.
Your machine may not be easy to open up to clean but most likely you will have to investigate because whatever is causing your problem will have to be fixed from underneath/bottom.
"You should look inside the typewriter. As an electric typewriter, the return mechanism will probably consist of a wheel with springs attached to it and a string going from that wheel to the back of the typewriter, maybe the string has snapped or the springs have become loose.
If it's not too difficult to get inside, having a look inside your typewriter is probably a good idea anyway since there might also be belts that have become brittle and could need replacement.
But mainly, you can see how to clean everything.
I have not been able to find a manual but everyone says the manual is no help with anything.
You cannot get help from Olivetti as they have not made typewriters since 2003.
There are some vintage typewriter forums that help with problems so you might need to contact one or more of these ans ask for help. You will have to join but this question will probably get your foot in the door so if you have problems in the future you'll have a place to seek help.
site.xavier.edu/
forums.qrz.com/
typewriter.boardhost.com/
Reddit is a very good site but not quite the same as a regular forum. Join and ask questions if you cannot figure out how to navigate the site.
www.reddit.com/
The carriage could be jammed. This video shows you how to fix it.
Perhaps Olivetti will be able to help you w/ this issue:
www.olivetti.com/
Your typewriter may need a deep cleaning to start. This build up on most machines can cause failure .- www.instructables.com/
The Italian Olivetti became one of the most popular and internationally renowned typewriter manufacturers, in particular due to its special attitude towards design ("Olivetti style").
I found an article about the most common defects in mainstream typewriters from several brands, Olivetti in particular, and how to fix them. There is a description of the Olivetti ET Personal 510, but as I understand it, you have a similar model, only yours is portable.
It says that if one of the keys space or return does not work, but in normal mode everything types correctly, then the cause of the defect may be the ingress of some liquid (tea, coffee, etc.) into the key. Because of this, the contacts are closed and no commands are sent. The defect can be eliminated by flushing the flexible backing with alcohol when the keyboard is disassembled, then the keyboard must be reassembled. Try this, maybe it will help you.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
