Words are Winged: Let's Build a Fox "Blind" Desktop Typewriter: Part 2

Welcome back to the workshop. I'm your host, Crazy McGee, and this is how to build a Fox "blind" typewriter!

Here's where we last left off.

We now add the front and back decorative covers for the typebar hangers, as well as the ribbon plate.

Next up, we slide the ribbon spool arms in. These keep both spools in the same position on either side of the machine. Slide them in from the side, then rotate them into position.

Next up, the front ball track.

Then we add the main carriage frame, as well as the ball bearing and front guide to hold the carriage frame in vertically locked position.

Now, we add the carriage back assembly consisting of the margin stop bar and the escapement rack.

Next, we piece together the platen assembly. Screw the paper bail plate into the roller assembly, before then adding the ruler.

Moving on, we make about one step out of the rest of the assembly. Place the right hand frame into position so that the roller assembly, platen, and front bar all fit in and tighten the nuts. Then, do the same on the left.

Then add the paper release lever by sliding it in on the left hand side through the proper openings.

Add the shifting wheels, then slide the shifting arms onto the platen rod alongside the black shifting bar. Place the knob springs on the platen rod, then tighten the knobs on.

Place the carriage into position so that the black shifting bar matches up with its counterpart on the body of the machine, and screw it in place. Test that shifting works, and that the platen can be lifted easily for checking your work.

Attach a drawband, and ratchet the motor up to proper tension. Test escapement functionality.

Attach the back plate at long last.

Put in some ribbon by pulling the platen up as if to check the work, then pulling forward and gently resting it down. Flip the ribbon plate up, and begin the messy process of putting the ribbon on the spools.