We spoke incessantly about typewriters and cycling esoterica. We were both nerds for the tiniest of details. I regret that our threats to collaborate never bore fruit.

There’s a chance I’ll shed a tear over this beautiful machine this month.

#typewriter #poetry #GarrettLai #1951HermesRocket

This machine was selected for me and restored with great purpose by my dear friend, and typing mentor, Garrett Lai, who passed away in late 2020. He was an exceptional human of exceptional talent and knowledge - and even more exceptional heart. I miss him with every keystroke of a typewriter.

… my QDL … on a shelf …

Right?! I get the appeal, sorta, but I wonder how much is simply the ‘50s kitch. They are an iconic piece of Americana, without a doubt … but …

I too have the skip … I keep thinking a mid-fifties model might be better, since they are so coveted … but I have yet to grab one.

I have multiple Olympias and love them all; impossible to kill and relatively easy to work on.
All three of my Hermes machines are fantastic - finicky, but fantastic.
My Royal QDL (1948) is sloppy. I’ve tried two other Royals and they were subpar. Very much on the fence about them.

Nearly all - but not all - of the machines I have were similar finds. I’m broke (duh), so I hunt for cheap gems. Some end up total failures, but I’ve been very lucky, too.

My “prize” is my 1968 Hermes 3000 for $50! The margin indicator ribbon is broken, but it is otherwise exceptional.

… I feel ya, friend …

That’s an excellent machine - I do not yet have an older black-bodied SM … and do want one eventually.

That’s the thing - those Sterlings are just super reliable machines. Their entire production run was solid. As long as the segment is clean and un-gunked, they’ll type well into the next century. Easily.

Not all plastic bodies are bad - as long as there is a good metal frame in there.

Brother made some great machines … and some not-so-great machines. I’ve had both. I gave away a couple of less good ones, but love my Webster.

Well, the “Dorachiver,” as I call it, has been a phenomenal machine - the larger 12pt typeface is clear and bold.

I can’t remember if Kmart machines were made by SMC or Brother.

I have a ‘50s Silent and Clipper, and both are just rock solid typers. Absolutely zero fanciness, just reliable typing.

With Olivettis, generally speaking, nearly all pre-70s machines have metal bodies, and many after too. My only plastic body one is a ‘70s Dora, sold as Sears Achiever.

Thank you for the mention.

Went to bed at 1AM. Quality night of sleep. Needless to say … caffeine or death!

#typewriter #poetry

Very much agree.

Indeed. Bukowski was far from a saint, and was definitely a dark character, but he understood what it meant to be a writer, and how nothing else truly matters when you are. I know, for me, when I don’t write, I am not a well person - things fall apart within. Writing is breathing, words are oxygen.