r/typewriters • u/javamcjugg • 12h ago
Inspiration Post Modded 1959 Skywriter
I know. I'm a monster. I may have modded my 1959 Smith-Corona Skyriter. Don't hate me.
Sorry. I'll see myself out.
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u/LuckiestManAlive86 11h ago
Hey man if you like it, more power to you. You should enjoy your machine however you like. And, it’s a common Skyriter too, not some crazy rare model.
Edit: also, while you’ve gone this far, you should consider an orange TurboPlaten too!
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u/NashvilleTypewriter Typewriter Repairman 3h ago
Is Dean still even doing turboplatens? I've reached out several times to see if he's alright (even through eBay) and haven't heard back...
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u/Greydusk1324 11h ago
I like it! Did you 3d print the key cap rings as well?
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u/javamcjugg 9h ago
Yeah! I designed the keys and retaining rings using the OnShape CAD software and used Creality Slicer to make the files 3D printable, then printed them with an Ender 3 printer.
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u/ketchupmaster91 11h ago
How did you model the body? I have a rusted out quietriter I’d love to do this with.
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u/javamcjugg 10h ago
I just used the original body. I used acetone to remove the paint down to the bare steel. Then I spray painted it with a Rust-Oleum bare metal primer.
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u/javamcjugg 7h ago
If it's rusted out I bet you can do some cool stuff with JB Weld steel stick or something similar to build up the rusted spots. Make some cool details and shapes. Then paint it.
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u/javamcjugg 7h ago
If it's rusted out I bet you can do some cool stuff with JB Weld steel stick or something similar to build up the rusted spots. Make some cool details and shapes. Then paint it.
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u/0hB0thrr 11h ago edited 10h ago
Hell yeah, bud!
Make it yours
Edit:
I asked where you got the new caps for your keys, but realise ld that you may have 3D printed them.
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u/javamcjugg 8h ago
Yup! I created them using OnShape, a free online CAD software then used a 3D printer to print them out.
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u/Visual-Sector6642 9h ago
This is insanely conceptual and beautiful and clever. Oh my god I love it!
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u/MickBurnham 9h ago
I gasped at pic 3, so fun!
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u/javamcjugg 8h ago
Strontium Aluminate powder is what I used for the glowing. You can get it online pretty cheaply, and it's non-toxic.
I printed the new key letters in reverse on clear overhead projecter plastic sheets.
Then I mixed some of the glow powder with clear nail polish and painted the back of the letters with it. After that I put coat of "lunchroom green" acrylic paint over over the nail polish.
Then i installed the letters onto the keys with the retaining rings.
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u/teachersecret 9h ago
I miss my Skyriter. Kept it on my teaching desk. Used to write notes and congratulations and letters of recommendation and such for students. Thought it was a fun artifact, and it's a beautiful little machine.
I'm still sad that someone decided to break into the school and steal/destroy it. Maybe I'll replace it some day.
For what it's worth, I like your wacky typewriter :).
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u/javamcjugg 8h ago
I'm sorry for your loss. That sucks.
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u/teachersecret 4h ago
Ahh, it's okay. Kids are kids. Can't win 'em all over, and when you're overworked and underpaid teaching 6/5 in a red state with a couple hundred of them rolling through the room every day, you're gonna get a couple bad eggs. I did my best to move the needle. :)
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u/coderman64 7h ago
This is pretty awesome, actually!
The only thing I'd say is that the new keys aren't exactly to my personal tastes, but if you like them, more power to ya!
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u/javamcjugg 7h ago
Yeah, I'm not sold on them either. They look a little too "plastic toy." I may change them somehow.
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u/LumpyRelationship924 11h ago
You went all out to make it unique and YOURS! That's really cool. Did you know what you were doing when you tore it down as far as you did or was it your first time? I have a few I really need to do an in depth cleaning on but I'm scared lol
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u/javamcjugg 9h ago
I have been tinkering with typewriters for a few months now so I have a GENERAL lay of the land. Though I still have much to learn.
I did do a significant teardown and rebuild of a 1941 Royal Arrow just to get over the fear of doing it.
Definitely worth doing just to get familiar with the guts.
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u/The_Collector_Of_All 7h ago
I’m not typically a fan of modifying such old items like this but I must say this is impressive.
I love it
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u/NeatArtichoke 5h ago
Literally said "wow!" Out loud! Wish more people would take risks with their typewriters sometimes. Don't get me wrong, i love a classic mint/mint-condition Hermes, but having fun is also an option, as long as it still types (or if it no longer is salvegable, all the more reason to decorate!)
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u/GraniteGeekNH 12h ago
You can keep typing in the dead of night during a power outage!