A few weeks ago, I bought what should have been an Olympia SM9 in excellent shape. I've been wanting a SM9 after owning a SM3 and really enjoying that particular typewriter. I've been looking for one and ran across what I thought was going to be a great example of this particular machine. After all, the photos looked great! However, when it arrived at my house, it was in less than ideal condition. As is often the case, the packing job was very poorly done and as a result, I had a typer that looked like it had been dropped. The typewriter was only secured on one side inside of its case and therefore was banging around. Let's just say I was not a very happy person when I surveyed the damage.
Somehow, we've managed to get the typer back in working order all but for the margin release. I'd really like to get that working and wanted to get some help from you typewriter repair experts out there.
Take a look at this video.
Have you tried tightening the set screw that holds onto the rod? That rod should be rotating clockwise a bit, which is what pushes the margin stop forward and releases the margin.
Good luck!
Posted by: Ken Coghlan III | December 07, 2013 at 09:11 PM
I had a similar issue with my SM9;
http://teeritz.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/the-typewriter-collection-no-13-olympia.html
Leatherman Wave tool sorted it out, although now when I get to the end of the line (after tapping Margin Release key)and go to the very edge of the platen, the carriage locks. Still a great typewriter and I think you'll get your problem sorted.
Posted by: teeritz | December 08, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Just did a little video about that rod, and what it operates. Along with what is secured with it.
Posted by: Scott K | December 08, 2013 at 05:58 AM
Ken, I think Heather has tried that. I'll doublecheck and see.
Posted by: Bryan Sherwood | December 08, 2013 at 07:57 AM
Teeritz, I remember reading about your SM9. I'm glad you got it working. I think we'll get this one figured out too. Fingers crossed....
Posted by: Bryan Sherwood | December 08, 2013 at 07:58 AM
Thank you Scott! Very helpful!
Posted by: Bryan Sherwood | December 08, 2013 at 08:54 AM
Gah! Did the video not link on here. Sorry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px7nbkycN-s
Posted by: Scott K | December 08, 2013 at 07:20 PM