So, You Wanna Buy a Typewriter...
A guide to finding your writing sidekick
When people discover I typewrite all my first drafts, the most-commonly-asked question is, “Wait, what?” and many times followed by, “Where can I get one?!”
If you are considering buying a typewriter—something I highly recommend—this guide is for you.
Typewriter Choices & Differences
When choosing a typewriter, it’s easy to swoon over how one might look (case in point: swoon-worthy Galaxie pictured further below). Finding a machine that is easy on the eyes is a consideration, sure, but it’s not the only one.
Before you begin your search, ask yourself, “Where will I be using it? Do I have a dedicated space at home where all my writing happens? Or do I plan to write in different locations, maybe even outside of the house? Also, what sort of typing experience do I want to have?”
With your answers in mind, here are the main types of machines you'll likely choose from. You can find each still readily available online or “in the wild.”
The Standard
Plan to do all your writing at home, in the same space every time? A standard typewriter could be perfect for you. It’s similar to the modern-day desktop computer in that you set it up in one spot and that’s where it lives until the furniture is rearranged.
These models are large, hefty, dependable, and made for substantial use. Their mechanics offer a smooth typing experience and are commonly recommended as the go-to for writers.
When it comes to comfort, the standard won’t slide on most surfaces as you type. Plus, your neck and back will love looking at eye-level paper.
Standards are known to be loud, however, so if you don’t find that endearing, it could be a deal breaker.
The Portable
Want the option to write at home, in a cafe, or even in a treehouse? Then the portable typewriter is the choice to consider.
More lightweight than the standard, these also include a case, making them easy to carry and also store when not in use. Not to be confused with the lightweight laptop of today, they still need some muscle when transported from one place to another.
Weighing less, they can drift on smoother surfaces while in use. A typewriter mat—similar to a yoga mat—is a quick and affordable way to keep typewriter feet in place.
Some writers don’t find portables as lux as standards, but they are my personal favorite, hands down.
The Ultraportable
Also known as the featherweight, these machines are handy for travel and shorter writing projects. While they are the smallest and the lightest, they are not usually the best choice for writers, as their design isn’t intended for prolonged writing sessions.
The Electric
Electrics are a favorite of writers when transitioning from a computer to a typewriter. The feel and speed are reminiscent of the computer-keyboard experience. You’ll find these can vary wildly in size (with the IBM Selectric being the grandmama of them all). I don’t personally use an electric typewriter, simply because I don’t want to worry about having to plug anything in.
Which one sounds like the best choice for you?
Where to Buy
Next, know that where you purchase your typewriter will make the biggest impact on its cost.
Generally speaking, it is possible to get a reliable machine between $100 and $250. At a thrift store, you can even find one for as low as $25 (or less). Local online classifieds and social media marketplace prices are often on the lower side, too.
HOWEVER…
If you have a typewriter shop near you, or in traveling distance, you are the luckiest duck to ever be a duck. (If not, don’t fret, a little further below I share several recommendations for reputable dealers who ship.)
Will a machine cost more from a reputable typewriter dealer? Yes. Is it worth it? 1000x yes!
A professionally-serviced machine will be fully cleaned, repaired, restored, and ready to write! This isn’t always the case with typewriters found in the wild for “a steal of a deal.” What’s that saying? Oh, yes: You get what you pay for.
Now, could you clean, repair, and restore a typewriter yourself (after watching many tutorials on YouTube)? Yes, in theory, you could (and I have). However, I’m willing to bet that if you are still reading, you want to be known for your writing, not your ability to repair typewriters. You want to get words on the page. Write now. (See what I did there?)
What to Look For
Whether you set out to find a typewriter online or in person, there are many things to consider. Each make and model may have slightly different features. It’s also not uncommon for a typewriter to have a quirk or two. (Be honest with yourself about your tolerance for quirks.)
The In-Person Purchase
Here are the major things to check when finding a typewriter IRL:
First, is anything broken, cracked, or rusty? If yes, pass on it and find another typewriter. If no, continue on with this checklist.
The carriage: Does it move back and forth freely and smoothly? Does the paper advance up when the release lever is pressed? Does the release lever stay clear of the typewriter body?
The platen: Does it have any cracks or dents? Is it hard? (You actually want it to have a bit of “give” to withstand the repeated strikes of the type slugs.) Does the paper load easily?
The keys: Does every single key engage and return quickly? Do any of them stick? Are any type slugs missing?
The backspace (the key with the arrow on it): Does it move the carriage back one space when pressed?
The tab key: Does it advance to the next tab setting when pressed?
The bell: Does it ring when the carriage is advanced to the margin setting farthest to the right?
The ribbon: Does the vibrator go up and down when the keys are pressed? Does it advance when typing? Does the ribbon reverse work?
The paper release: Does it ease the tension on the platen, allowing the paper to be released or moved around?
The shift key: Do the characters align when typed in both lowercase and uppercase?
The Online Purchase
As you’ve probably gathered by now, I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing your typewriter from a reputable dealer. When buying online, this is even more important, because you can’t test the machine for yourself. You have to rely solely on the information provided by the seller.
Here are several reputable typewriter dealers I highly recommend:
John Lewis Mechanical Antiques (my go-to shop here in ABQ)
Okay, understanding that you are a grown person with full autonomy to make your own damn choices and may want to take a chance and buy from a non-professional (you’ve been sufficiently warned) on a site like eBay, I still have you covered, friend. Here are some additional major things to be on the lookout for:
Seller Information
This is your first stop. What kind of reviews/feedback has the seller gotten from previous buyers? Read the reviews, both negative and positive.
Also, how many sales has this seller completed? If this is their first listing, find a different machine. You don’t want to be the first sale and possibly fall victim to the very long list of things that could go wrong in that scenario.
Photos
Are the posted pics taken from a distance? If so, you aren’t able to see any damage, such as dents and cracks.
And are they taken without flash? Photos with flash will amplify dirt on a typewriter. If you see dirt on the outside, it’s nearly a guarantee that the inside will contain a fair amount, too. Dirt on the outside won’t necessarily affect functionality, but dirt on the inside? It will likely need some cleaning to function properly and avoid issues.
How many photos are available? If there is only one photo, this is a pretty good sign the machine is being sold by someone who doesn’t have much knowledge of its mechanics. You want to have access to photos from different angles to check for dirt and damage.
When buying online, remember that the more information you have the better. If the seller has positive feedback and several clear photos, it’s perfectly okay (encouraged even!) to ask additional questions about the machine’s history (how long they’ve had it or where they acquired it), its use (recently tested, at the very least), and/or what else, if anything, is included (the original manual or case, for instance).
And there you have it! I hope this guide is handy as you look for your own typewriter sidekick. Also, please remember that no tool—even a rad typewriter—is going to be the magic bullet that makes you a writer who writes. Only YOU can make that happen.
(Type)write on,
Woz
P.S. Did you know I wrote a whole book about using a typewriter to write first drafts? I did! If you liked this guide, you might dig my book, too.
I think I'm too late to this post! The book is out of stock but it sounds like exactly what I need. And thanks for this post. :-)
This is so helpful! Thank you!