Typewriters: Understanding Their Parts and Operation

Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Mathematics

Typewriters

A typewriter is a mechanical or electromechanical device with a set of keys that, when pressed, cause characters to be printed on a document, usually paper.

Electric Typewriters

In electric typewriters, the keys are used only to start the electric mechanism. The pressure used by the operator is much smaller than in conventional typewriters, and as a result, the operator can type faster with less fatigue. Another advantage is that each letter or pressure is uniform.

Parts of the Typewriter

  • Row Adjuster: Allows you to enter at any point in the paper and return to the original row.
  • Left Margin Fixer
  • Paper Side Guide
  • Scale to the Side of the Paper Guide
  • Paper Holder
  • Type Guide: Indicates where the next key will hit.
  • Paper Holder Bar: Contains a scale that allows control of the writing point.
  • Rubber Roller Paper Fastener
  • Clip for Envelopes, Cards, etc.
  • Roller
  • Right Margin Fixer
  • Roller Release
  • Carriage Release (Right)
  • Roller Knob (Right)
  • Roller
  • Ribbon Position Regulator
  • Tab Fixer
  • Margin Release
  • Tab Bar or Key
  • Shift Key (Right)
  • Space Bar
  • Shift Key (Left)
  • Caps Lock
  • Backspace
  • Tab Release
  • Repetition Key: Only on electric typewriters.
  • Lid: When opened, allows for cleaning of the type.
  • Guide and Scale for Paper Alignment
  • Line Spacing Lever
  • Variable Line Spacer: Located on the left knob.

Paper Insertion

  • 1. Move the paper side guide to 0.
  • 2. Raise the paper holder bar.
  • 3. Support the paper lightly with your left hand and place it in the back of the machine so that the left side of the paper is against the guide.
  • 4. Turn the right roller knob backward with your thumb, index, and middle fingers of your right hand.
  • 5. When the paper’s position is correct, the left side will remain at zero on the scale. Then, place the paper holder against the paper to keep it firmly against the roller.

Aligning the Paper

After inserting the paper, ensure it is straight. To check, move the roller back several times to see if the edges are aligned. If the paper is not straight:

  1. Lift the paper holder.
  2. Loosen the paper using the paper release lever.
  3. Match the left edges.
  4. Slide the paper release lever to its original position and place the paper clip against the roller.

Correct Position for Typing

Set the text right on your desktop. Rest your fingers lightly on the home row keys (A, S, D, F, J, K, L, Ñ), taking care that your position against the machine is correct:

  1. Keep your back straight and supported on the back of the chair.
  2. Rest your feet firmly on the floor.
  3. Keep your arms relaxed and elbows in a comfortable position near your body.
  4. Keep your fingers slightly bent and hands inclined parallel to the keyboard.

Using the Space Bar

To leave spaces between words or letters, hit the space bar with your right thumb. Always keep the other fingers on the home row keys.

Using the Shift Key

The right shift key is used to capitalize letters corresponding to the left hand, and the left shift key is used for letters corresponding to the right hand.

Writing Capital Letters with Your Right Hand

  1. Position the little finger of your left hand on the shift key, keeping your other fingers on the corresponding home row keys.
  2. Press the shift key.
  3. While holding down the shift key, press the letter to be capitalized, using the corresponding finger of your right hand.
  4. Release the shift key and slide your little finger back to its home row key.