Work on the nickel-plated National No. 5 has so far gone swimmingly, with a major improvement cosmetically. As I am terrible with before/after pictures, it may be hard to tell that most of everything was covered in grease, dirt, sludge and corrosion before I got to work. This machine was ridiculously filthy. Taking it apart down to each individual piece for cleaning remedied that, of course.
Before:
The typebars were completely covered in tar or something, and were all black. Hard to see here, but you can kind of notice it on the far right typebar.
After:
This machine has been quite nice to deal with. 90% of all screws are the same size, which must have saved a tonne of money in regards to production costs. Alongside such, its a very simple yet efficient design. I think it'll work well when its all said and done.
The key tops, as always, cleaned up quite nicely.
And sitting on the workbench now is the carriage, torn asunder.
It's so nice to see this old beauty get cleaned up - she will truly gleam when you are finished. What a great find.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me want to go find a nickel plated Rex. So much blinding shininess.
DeleteSame-size screws ... a simple and rational production idea. Why isn't it more common?
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand the engineering reasons behind needing different size screws for certain aspects of a machine, this National proves you can do same size screws if you design for it.
DeleteSuperbly shiny! Lucky machine (:
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference elbow grease makes!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to have one spiffy typewriter when your project is complete. Nice work.
ReplyDelete