Typewriter Case and Cover Restoration.
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Skill Certificate in Vintage Typewriter Repair course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Antique Typewriter #
** A typewriter that is at least 100 years old. Antique typewriters are often cherished for their historical significance, unique designs, and craftsmanship.
**Bakelite #
** A type of early plastic that was used in the construction of some typewriter parts, such as keys and knobs. Bakelite is known for its durability and heat resistance.
**Carriage #
** The part of the typewriter that holds the paper and moves horizontally as you type. The carriage contains the platen, a rubber-covered cylinder that the paper wraps around.
**Carriage Return Lever #
** The lever on the right side of the typewriter that advances the carriage to the next line and cocks the typewriter's mechanism for the next strike of the keys.
**Compose Key #
** A key that allows you to type special characters, such as accent marks, by combining it with other keys.
**Coupled Shift #
** A typewriter mechanism that requires both shift keys to be pressed simultaneously to shift the typebars and produce an uppercase letter.
**Ergonomic Typewriter #
** A typewriter designed with the user's comfort in mind, often featuring a curved keyboard and lighter touch.
**Font #
** The design of the type on a typewriter, including the shape and size of the letters.
**Golf Ball Element #
** A typewriter element that contains the typeface and is interchangeable, allowing for different fonts to be used on the same machine.
**Index Typewriter #
** A typewriter with a small, portable design that was popular in the early 20th century. Index typewriters do not have a standard keyboard, instead using a stylus to select letters from a circular index.
**Key Lever #
** The part of the typewriter that the keycap is attached to, which strikes the typebar when the key is pressed.
**Keycap #
** The top part of the key that you press to type a letter.
**Line Spacing Control #
** A mechanism that allows you to adjust the space between lines of text.
**Machine Elements #
** The individual parts that make up a typewriter, such as the keys, typebars, and platen.
**Manual Typewriter #
** A typewriter that requires the user to manually cock the mechanism and advance the carriage.
**Margins #
** The left and right edges of the typed page, which can be adjusted using the margin controls.
**Marginal Tabs #
** Tabs that are set at the margin of the page, allowing you to easily align text with the edge of the page.
**Non #
coupled Shift:** A typewriter mechanism that allows for either shift key to be pressed independently to shift the typebars and produce an uppercase letter.
**Platen #
** The rubber-covered cylinder that the paper wraps around as it moves through the typewriter.
**Portable Typewriter #
** A typewriter designed to be lightweight and easily transported.
**Quiet #
Rite:** A feature found on some typewriters that reduces the noise of typing.
**Ribbon #
** The strip of fabric or plastic that carries the ink used for typing.
**Ribbon Advance #
** The mechanism that moves the ribbon to the next unused portion after each character is typed.
**Ribbon Carrier #
** The part of the typewriter that holds the ribbon in place.
**Ribbon Color Selection #
** A mechanism that allows you to choose between using the black or red ink on the ribbon.
**Ribbon Reversal #
** A mechanism that allows you to reverse the direction of the ribbon, extending its life.
**Ribbon Spool #
** The spool that the ribbon is wound around.
**Ribbon Vibrator #
** The part of the typewriter that moves the ribbon into position for typing.
**Segment Shift #
** A typewriter mechanism that shifts the entire segment, or row of typebars, to produce uppercase letters.
**Space Bar #
** The long key at the bottom of the keyboard that is used to create spaces between words.
**Tabulator #
** A mechanism that allows you to set tabs, or predetermined spacing, for quickly typing repeated information.
**Touch Control #
** A mechanism that allows you to adjust the force required to strike the typebars, making typing easier or harder as desired.
**Type Bar #
** The long, thin piece of metal that carries the typeface and strikes the platen when a key is pressed.
**Typewriter Case #
** A protective case for storing and transporting a typewriter.
**Typewriter Case Restoration #
** The process of restoring a typewriter case to its original condition, including cleaning, repairing, and refinishing the case.
**Typewriter Cover #
** A protective cover for a typewriter, typically made of leather or vinyl.
**Typewriter Cover Restoration #
** The process of restoring a typewriter cover to its original condition, including cleaning, repairing, and refinishing the cover.
**Typewriter Family #
** A group of typewriters that share similar design features and mechanisms.
**Typewriter Keyboard #
** The part of the typewriter that contains the keys.
**Typewriter Maintenance #
** The regular cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of a typewriter to ensure proper functioning.
**Typewriter Model #
** A specific design or version of a typewriter.
**Typewriter Repair #
** The process of fixing a typewriter that is not functioning properly, including replacing worn or broken parts and adjusting the mechanisms.
**Typewriter Ribbon #
** A strip of fabric or plastic that carries the ink used for typing.
**Typewriter Ribbon Ink #
** The ink used on a typewriter ribbon, available in black, red, and other colors.
**Typewriter Ribbon Replacement #
** The process of replacing a worn or damaged typewriter ribbon.
**Typewriter Segment #
** The row of typebars that produce a single line of text.
**Typewriter Segment Shift #
** A typewriter mechanism that shifts the entire segment, or row of typebars, to produce uppercase letters.
**Typewriter Sound #
** The distinctive sound of typing on a typewriter, often associated with the clatter of typebars striking the platen.
**Typewriter Touch #
** The feel of typing on a typewriter, often described as heavier or lighter than typing on a computer keyboard.
**Typewriter Typeface #
** The design of the type on a typewriter, including the shape and size of the letters.
**Typewriter Typeface Selection #
** A mechanism that allows you to choose between different typefaces for typing.
**Typewriter Uppercase and Lowercase #
** The ability to type both uppercase and lowercase letters on a typewriter, using the shift key to switch between the two.
**Vintage Typewriter #
** A typewriter that is no longer in production, often valued for its unique design and historical significance.
**Visor #
** The part of the typewriter that covers the typebars, allowing you to see the typed text more clearly.
**Wood Case Typewriter #
** A typewriter with a wooden case, often featuring a carrying handle for easy transport.
**Wood Case Typewriter Restoration #
** The process of restoring a wooden case typewriter to its original condition, including cleaning, repairing, and refinishing the case.