Here is my method for packing a portable typewriter. I realize many of you simply do not ship enough to warrant such packing methods/materials but the fundamentals are still there! Air Paks pop and newspaper flattens out, but foam nuts(even when they crumble) will continue to provide protection.
In this example I am using a LC Smith Corona Four. The Corona Four does NOT lock into the base and will come loose during shipping if not properly packed. Major cosmetic and mechanical damage can occur! The same is also true with models where they do lock into the base. I've received severely damaged typewriters of every brand and it's usually due to a lack of proper packing.
1. First, move both margins to the center position. This will "lock" the carriage from moving left to right during shipping. Some models have a carriage lock and it should always be engaged during shipping. I like to use clean paper towel to protect the front and rear decals during shipping.
2. Use clean paper towel inside the type basket so the type bars don't fly around, jam or get damaged. I then cover the entire top of the typewriter with paper towel to protect the finish. Then cover with a folded sheet of 1/2" bubble wrap.
3. There should be enough bubble wrap inside the case so that a little pressure has to be applied to close and latch the case. This will insure the typewriter can't move at all during shipping and is a very important step in packing!
4. Now it's time to wrap the case in 1/2" bubble. I like to use an approximate 3" layer of clean bubble and secure it with tape across the middle as well on each end. This will create thick corner pads that will help keep the typewriter in place inside the box.
5. I am using a 20" x 20" x 16" double walled box. When taping the box it is very important to tape all the flaps. This will make the top and bottom stronger and less likely to pop open during shipping. I use a 3" filament tape with a 275 lb. shear rating. It's very expensive but insures the box will remain sealed regardless of the way it's handled.
6. Now here is a little trick that can really help, especially with a heavy typewriter! I put about 3" of foam nuts in the bottom of the box. I then place a 20" x 20" (or size appropriate) cardboard divider on top of the foam nuts. This will give a spring like cushion and prevent the typewriter from settling to the bottom of the box during shipping.
7. It's now time to fill the void with foam nuts. I use enough so that pressure has to be applied to close the flaps. Then tap the inside walls of the box to insure they have settled nice and tight prior to sealing the box. This is another important step!
8. Seal the inner flaps and the outer flaps making sure they overlap the bottom tape. I like to use 3" x 5" "Delicate Instruments" stickers and have gotten far better handling with them than with standard "Fragile" stickers. Use one on top over the tape seam(to show if the box has been opened prior to delivery)and one on all four sides. Again, they are double the expense but I feel they are worth it.
Now your typewriter is ready to be shipped and you can rest easy knowing it will arrive in good condition. I've been using this same technique for 3 years and it's a proven system. I spare no expense in making sure each typewriter I sell is packaged with precision and care! You should too ;-)