Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
[quote=AllyM]This thread has made me dig out the Lamy Safari. However…
Can someone tell me how to fill the converter from a half-empty ink bottle? (Without tipping it out and/or covering myself in ink)
Some designs of ink bottle are worse than others, especially with a large nibbed pen.
You can remove the converter from the pen and fill it directly, not ideal but it works.
You can decant the ink into a better shaped bottle that is designed to be tipped, such as this Waterman style bottle, commercially available for less than £1.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/WfUn7hb2[/url]
Use something like an egg cup, shot/sherry glass, 35mm film container or something similar, even one of the tiny glass jars that contained jam/honey.
Best of all is better designed ink bottle such as produced by Montblanc, even empty bottles command a price however.
Can someone tell me how to fill the converter from a half-empty ink bottle? (Without tipping it out and/or covering myself in ink)
Some designs of ink bottle are worse than others, especially with a large nibbed pen.
You can remove the converter from the pen and fill it directly, not ideal but it works.
You can decant the ink into a better shaped bottle that is designed to be tipped, such as this Waterman style bottle, commercially available for less than £1.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/WfUn7hb2[/url]Use something like an egg cup, shot/sherry glass, 35mm film container or something similar, even one of the tiny glass jars that contained jam/honey.
Best of all is better designed ink bottle such as produced by Montblanc, even empty bottles command a price however.
w1bbles said:
Well it's definitely nothing special but here you go! It's currently burgundy ink-encrusted so apologies for presentation...
I'm only knowledgeable about Sheaffer models that have the inlay nib, so I don't know which model that is now. Sorry!
Edited by Clockwork Cupcake on Tuesday 27th February 09:31
Clockwork Cupcake said:
w1bbles said:
Well it's definitely nothing special but here you go! It's currently burgundy ink-encrusted so apologies for presentation...
I'm only knowledgeable about Sheaffer models that have the inlay nib, so I don't know which model that is now. Sorry!
More info on TRZ and Fashion here.
Clockwork Cupcake said:
dapprman said:
Was going to ask where you got the 95th Anniversary from
Also AliExpress. I neglected to post a direct link. Nice looking pen.
No way I am going to take a punt on it from AliExpress though.
dapprman said:
Clockwork Cupcake said:
dapprman said:
Was going to ask where you got the 95th Anniversary from
Also AliExpress. I neglected to post a direct link. Nice looking pen.
No way I am going to take a punt on it from AliExpress though.
I've previously bought several pens from eBay sellers in Japan with no issues, some fairly expensive ones, a few of which were Pilots, including White/Silver striped Pilot Namiki with 18k nib, and a new Pilot Murex:
Untitled by conradsphotos, on FlickrC n C said:
Clockwork Cupcake said:
w1bbles said:
Well it's definitely nothing special but here you go! It's currently burgundy ink-encrusted so apologies for presentation...
I'm only knowledgeable about Sheaffer models that have the inlay nib, so I don't know which model that is now. Sorry!
More info on TRZ and Fashion here.
I thought the Fashion was only in pastel colours to appeal to a different demographic than the regular customer base.
We dont look at modern Sheaffers enough as viable alternatives.
K87 said:
AllyM said:
This thread has made me dig out the Lamy Safari. However…
Can someone tell me how to fill the converter from a half-empty ink bottle? (Without tipping it out and/or covering myself in ink)
Some designs of ink bottle are worse than others, especially with a large nibbed pen. Can someone tell me how to fill the converter from a half-empty ink bottle? (Without tipping it out and/or covering myself in ink)
You can remove the converter from the pen and fill it directly, not ideal but it works.
You can decant the ink into a better shaped bottle that is designed to be tipped, such as this Waterman style bottle, commercially available for less than £1.
url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/WfUn7hb2[/url]Use something like an egg cup, shot/sherry glass, 35mm film container or something similar, even one of the tiny glass jars that contained jam/honey.
Best of all is better designed ink bottle such as produced by Montblanc, even empty bottles command a price however.
Dutch site but available elsewhere I believe
https://akkermandenhaag.nl/collections/alle-inkt-e...
Hi All - something thats bugged me for a while (i have a fountain pen, but im not an aficionado at all)....
My pen (Montblanc) has a piston ink container. I cannot write for very long without having to push the piston down a little.
Should I be able to "fill and forget" until the ink genuinely runs out? Or is this constant push-down normal?
Assuming its not norma, am I filling it wrongly somehow (i dip my nib and retract the piston) or is the pen in need of some basic adjustments maybe?
Thanks
My pen (Montblanc) has a piston ink container. I cannot write for very long without having to push the piston down a little.
Should I be able to "fill and forget" until the ink genuinely runs out? Or is this constant push-down normal?
Assuming its not norma, am I filling it wrongly somehow (i dip my nib and retract the piston) or is the pen in need of some basic adjustments maybe?
Thanks
K87 said:
AllyM said:
This thread has made me dig out the Lamy Safari. However…
Can someone tell me how to fill the converter from a half-empty ink bottle? (Without tipping it out and/or covering myself in ink)
Some designs of ink bottle are worse than others, especially with a large nibbed pen. Can someone tell me how to fill the converter from a half-empty ink bottle? (Without tipping it out and/or covering myself in ink)
You can remove the converter from the pen and fill it directly, not ideal but it works.
You can decant the ink into a better shaped bottle that is designed to be tipped, such as this Waterman style bottle, commercially available for less than £1.
Use something like an egg cup, shot/sherry glass, 35mm film container or something similar, even one of the tiny glass jars that contained jam/honey.
Best of all is better designed ink bottle such as produced by Montblanc, even empty bottles command a price however.
FredAstaire said:
Hi All - something thats bugged me for a while (i have a fountain pen, but im not an aficionado at all)....
My pen (Montblanc) has a piston ink container. I cannot write for very long without having to push the piston down a little.
Should I be able to "fill and forget" until the ink genuinely runs out? Or is this constant push-down normal?
Assuming its not norma, am I filling it wrongly somehow (i dip my nib and retract the piston) or is the pen in need of some basic adjustments maybe?
Thanks
You should definitely be able to "fill and forget" until the ink runs out. My pen (Montblanc) has a piston ink container. I cannot write for very long without having to push the piston down a little.
Should I be able to "fill and forget" until the ink genuinely runs out? Or is this constant push-down normal?
Assuming its not norma, am I filling it wrongly somehow (i dip my nib and retract the piston) or is the pen in need of some basic adjustments maybe?
Thanks
In terms of filling, you are doing it correctly.
What type of ink are you using? If it's an ink that is not reknown for being free-flowing, it may have clogged your nib/feed. Inks with glitter particles (like some of the Diamine ones) are particularly bad for this.
Whilst the pen may need some adjustment, it is also likely that some ink may have dried in the nib, and this isn't being removed with your use of the pen - particularly if it doesn;t get used very regularly.
The first thing I'd suggest is to give it a really good soak, and flush with clean water.
Empty as much of the ink as possible from the pen using the piston and then put the nib in a glass of clean water, and repeatedly fill the pen with water, then empty it by using the piston, maybe 5 or 10 times.
Then stand the pen in a glass with just enough water in the bottom to cover the nib, and leave it for a while - maybe an hour or two.
Then repeat the flush with clean water a few times, empty the water a final time with the piston, dry the nib with blotting paper/kitchen towel, put some ink in, and see if this improves the flow.
If it doesn't, it might be that the nib needs some slight adjustment - if the tines of the nib are too close together, this can impede the ink flow. It can be a simple thing to use a very thin brass sheet to slightly widen the gap, but if you're unsure, it would probably be a good idea to take it to a pen dealer/repairer for them to do it for you.
FredAstaire said:
Hi All - something thats bugged me for a while (i have a fountain pen, but im not an aficionado at all)....
My pen (Montblanc) has a piston ink container. I cannot write for very long without having to push the piston down a little.
Should I be able to "fill and forget" until the ink genuinely runs out? Or is this constant push-down normal?
Assuming its not norma, am I filling it wrongly somehow (i dip my nib and retract the piston) or is the pen in need of some basic adjustments maybe?
Thanks
You should be able to fit and forget until the ink runs out, with any pen.My pen (Montblanc) has a piston ink container. I cannot write for very long without having to push the piston down a little.
Should I be able to "fill and forget" until the ink genuinely runs out? Or is this constant push-down normal?
Assuming its not norma, am I filling it wrongly somehow (i dip my nib and retract the piston) or is the pen in need of some basic adjustments maybe?
Thanks
I need to check with you as to which Montblanc you own. is it a pen with a piston fill converter, inside the pen,or
do you twist the knob at the end of the barrel and pull the piston inside the pen up and suck in the ink, these are usually 146 and 149 models.
In each case the problem is the flow of ink and you start the process with a good flush, use the piston of its a 146/9 and flush it in warm water with a tiny amount of washing up liquid. Keep going until the water is clear. Similar process if its a piston converter but I would remove the converter and flush water through either under a cold tap or using a means to pump water through the nib.
Place the pens nib down on a piece of kitchen towel and leave to drain, ideally overnight.
If your pen has a piston converter consider putting it to one side and fitting an international cartridge. Use two, one goes pointy end into the barrel the other is fitted as normal into the section so that their backsides sit )(.
If the pen is a 146/9 just inspect the nib, is it clean is the slit even and parallel, is there any muck between the nib and the feed? Assuming all is good and just leave the pen to dry out.
Use a good and simple ink for the 146 or the ink in the cartridge.
Fill with ink.
Return the pen nib down to the kitchen paper and ink should soon flow to the paper by capillary action.
9/10 this will cure the problem. for that 1/10 you may need to adjust the gap between the feed and the nib and that is simple but is something best left to the experts, you can use MB or we can suggest someone.
C n C said:
There are a few new ones on eBay for under £100 delivered, from Japan, and USA.
I've previously bought several pens from eBay sellers in Japan with no issues, some fairly expensive ones, a few of which were Pilots, including White/Silver striped Pilot Namiki with 18k nib, and a new Pilot Murex:
Untitled by conradsphotos, on Flickr
If you're after more there is now a Hong Kong company who've moved/part-moved to the UK and have been at the last few London Pen Shows. I bought a 1970s Sailor from them - Vitstyle. Only issue I had was they included a mini-converter, but the Sailor pocket pens of this period used narrower ones you can no longer get (cartridges work as it is the metal securing band on the cartridge that is too wide). Not sure if they discount at the shows, unlikely to have time to look this time as I have a table again to try and help reduce my pen collection size (sold 11 last time, then bought a new ScriBo....)I've previously bought several pens from eBay sellers in Japan with no issues, some fairly expensive ones, a few of which were Pilots, including White/Silver striped Pilot Namiki with 18k nib, and a new Pilot Murex:
Untitled by conradsphotos, on FlickrThanks to Cnc and K87 for your help.
Pen is a Meisterstuck with piston converter, I dont know if it has a specific model number. Using Mont Blanc Royal Blue ink.
I will have a go at flushing through as you describe and see how I get on. And I think I have some cartirdges in the box it came with, so i will give them a go too, to see if that makes a difference. I think it has done it ever since i had it, but i wouldnt stake my reputation on it.
Pen is a Meisterstuck with piston converter, I dont know if it has a specific model number. Using Mont Blanc Royal Blue ink.
I will have a go at flushing through as you describe and see how I get on. And I think I have some cartirdges in the box it came with, so i will give them a go too, to see if that makes a difference. I think it has done it ever since i had it, but i wouldnt stake my reputation on it.
FredAstaire said:
Thanks to Cnc and K87 for your help.
Pen is a Meisterstuck with piston converter, I dont know if it has a specific model number. Using Mont Blanc Royal Blue ink.
I will have a go at flushing through as you describe and see how I get on. And I think I have some cartirdges in the box it came with, so i will give them a go too, to see if that makes a difference. I think it has done it ever since i had it, but i wouldnt stake my reputation on it.
Ok Fred, sounds good. Pen is a Meisterstuck with piston converter, I dont know if it has a specific model number. Using Mont Blanc Royal Blue ink.
I will have a go at flushing through as you describe and see how I get on. And I think I have some cartirdges in the box it came with, so i will give them a go too, to see if that makes a difference. I think it has done it ever since i had it, but i wouldnt stake my reputation on it.
Warm water, and time should fix it.
Let us know how you get on.
If that doesnt work, I would try and swap the ink, MB Royal Blue is good but something like a Parker or Waterman ink may be better
Edited by K87 on Tuesday 27th February 16:03
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