Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
markoc said:
Thanks Robbo. Using Mont Blanc ink and the correct converter - think my issue is technique. Will try drawing a small amount of air and report back!
Good luck with it. Make sure that the converter is pushed home as far as it will go, and then just try off any excess ink from the feed at the back of the nib, should be ok.CandC said:
While talking about Parker pens....
Whoops!
Although to be fair, I've only got 1 other 61, and that is the old style capillary filler, it's black and is missing the arrow near the nib.
Pics from eBay listing.
2 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
Whoops!
Although to be fair, I've only got 1 other 61, and that is the old style capillary filler, it's black and is missing the arrow near the nib.
Pics from eBay listing.
2 by conradsphotos, on FlickrRobbo27 said:
Is the nib okay on that 61 C&C, it looks to be a little far forwards, as if its not sitting properly in the section.
Hi Rob,When it arrived, yes, the nib wasn't right - sticking out way too far.
I removed the aerometric filler and managed to unscrew the connector, which freed the collector, nib holder and nib to come out ok. It seems that the nib was not seated properly on the collector - slightly to one side, and so the small locating lug on the nib wasn't "at home" in the slot in the translucent plastic nib holder.
A little bit of adjusting got it to seat properly and when re-assembled, it looks fine. Doesn't appear to be any damage on the nib at all (apologies for the rubbish photo taken with the phone).
Untitled by conradsphotos, on FlickrRobbo27 said:
As with all 61s have a look for cracks in the section, if they are there and not disclosed by the seller, I would reject the pen.
The removal of the hood on a 61 is not easy, they are fragile and were meant to go back to Parker for attention, it is easy to use too much force in trying to open the pen and wreck a pen.
The hood came off ok - I was very careful to limit the pressure used to loosen/unscrew the connector.The removal of the hood on a 61 is not easy, they are fragile and were meant to go back to Parker for attention, it is easy to use too much force in trying to open the pen and wreck a pen.
I've also had a good look at the section and the rest of the body and can't see any evidence of cracks with a 10x loupe.
Just need to sand out the scratches, polish it all up and put some ink in it!
A couple of months ago I bought a handful of pens
I had made sure they were working but nothing much more, a wash and a light polish.
Four of the pens, a blue Duofold, Parker 51 Vac, Parker 51 Aero and a Parker Vacumatic were ok but could be improved upon.
I wanted to see if they be made to look better and remove any microscratches without using the normal kit of micromesh sheets, just what happened to be in the house.
I used kitchen towels to apply metal polish, a tiny amount on a dry towel, buffed it for a minute, I then used VW glass polish - which I am not sure did anything, and finally W5 furniture polish from Lidl, chosen because it had a lot of wax in the product, much better than others. (This was a tip from a man who polishes granite worktops in kitchens for a living, he swears by the stuff).
I hope the camera can pick up the improvement, all the pens shine very nicely indeed.
I had made sure they were working but nothing much more, a wash and a light polish.
Four of the pens, a blue Duofold, Parker 51 Vac, Parker 51 Aero and a Parker Vacumatic were ok but could be improved upon.
I wanted to see if they be made to look better and remove any microscratches without using the normal kit of micromesh sheets, just what happened to be in the house.
I used kitchen towels to apply metal polish, a tiny amount on a dry towel, buffed it for a minute, I then used VW glass polish - which I am not sure did anything, and finally W5 furniture polish from Lidl, chosen because it had a lot of wax in the product, much better than others. (This was a tip from a man who polishes granite worktops in kitchens for a living, he swears by the stuff).
I hope the camera can pick up the improvement, all the pens shine very nicely indeed.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Saturday 17th June 08:12
Top left is a Parker Vector
Bottom left is a Sheaffer (as far as I can see,) Could be a Messenger pen which is an own brand of WH Smiths if there is no white dot.
Top right is a Platignum
Middle right is a Parker 15
Bottom right, not sure, Parker cap but I dont recognise the nib and section as being Parker.
if you want to get them back up and writing please feel free to ask, although I dont think it will take much more than a rinse under the cold tap.
You could do with buying a packet of Parker cartridges, should cost a couple of pounds and I think that model of Sheaffer takes international cartridges, just check that the ends of the nibs look good, no point wasting your money on cartridges if the nib isnt serviceable. I would have thought that WH Smiths would sell the cartridges, Platignum have their own cartridges and are harder to find.
Bottom left is a Sheaffer (as far as I can see,) Could be a Messenger pen which is an own brand of WH Smiths if there is no white dot.
Top right is a Platignum
Middle right is a Parker 15
Bottom right, not sure, Parker cap but I dont recognise the nib and section as being Parker.
if you want to get them back up and writing please feel free to ask, although I dont think it will take much more than a rinse under the cold tap.
You could do with buying a packet of Parker cartridges, should cost a couple of pounds and I think that model of Sheaffer takes international cartridges, just check that the ends of the nibs look good, no point wasting your money on cartridges if the nib isnt serviceable. I would have thought that WH Smiths would sell the cartridges, Platignum have their own cartridges and are harder to find.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Monday 19th June 17:51
Robbo 27 said:
Looking forward to seeing the results on the Duofold.
AlexC1981 said:
How did the work go on your Senior Duofold? Been waiting for an update
Did you ever get the feed out?
Ok got the new sac on it, all cleaned up and back together.Did you ever get the feed out?
Original ebay ad:
ebay_ad_LC by conradsphotos, on FlickrJust delivered, before starting.
Needless to say the sac was perished solid.
before2 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
before1 by conradsphotos, on FlickrFinally got the nib and feed cleaned up after weeks of soaking and then taking it apart. Even after soaking, the centre channel was still totally blocked with solid india ink when I got it apart, so cleaned it with a modified cocktail stick then soaked a bit more.
Nib_and_Feed by conradsphotos, on FlickrPen in bits, but with new sac on.
parts1 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
parts2 by conradsphotos, on FlickrI had a hard time deciding whether to go with a silicone or rubber sac, but decided silicone in the end.
Main reason was that although this example seems to have a pretty good colour match with the cap and barrel, they are apparently susceptible to discolouring as the rubber sac gives off fumes over time, so this ended up being the deciding factor.
Downsides of silicone are that ideally this needed a size 20 sac, and the biggest silicone one available seems to be 18.5 - it works ok, and I don't mind filling up slightly more often with a smaller ink capacity.
Also Rob mentioned there can be some issues with surface tension and silicone, but I figured this would be minimised with a large sac.
Final downside is that silicone is slightly porous to air, so there is the possibility of the pen flooding if stored nib downwards. This isn't an issue for me as I always store my pens nib upwards.
Final polish with micro-gloss.
I haven't actually put any renaissance polish on it yet - will probably do so, but looks pretty good even without.
after2 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
after1 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
after3 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
after4 by conradsphotos, on FlickrInitial filling (with Graf von Faber Castelle "Moss Green" - obviously), and it writes ok, although one of the tines is very slightly lower than the other so I'll sort that next, then do a little gentle smoothing. Ink flow is good though.
Will put up a couple of pics with some writing when finally finished.
Overall, pretty happy though. It's a nice larger size and I can see myself using it a fair bit. I love the fact it's likely 90+ years old.
Decided to stay up and finish it off.
Nib now straight and writing smoothly in all directions, and put a bit of renaissance polish on it for good measure.
I think the ink suits it nicely.
final1 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
final2 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
final3 by conradsphotos, on Flickr
Nib now straight and writing smoothly in all directions, and put a bit of renaissance polish on it for good measure.
I think the ink suits it nicely.
final1 by conradsphotos, on Flickrfinal2 by conradsphotos, on Flickrfinal3 by conradsphotos, on FlickrYou have really done a great job on that pen, very impressive. I can count on one hand the number of Jade Duofolds that I have seen where the barrel has not either darkened to near black or dark brown, so I can understand why you went to silicon.
There can be an issue with the ink being held at the top of the silicon sac, possibly fixable with a detergent wash through of the pen and sac.
Nice work, going to have a nother look at the pics!
edit
The Jade Duofolds normally discolour like this:
There can be an issue with the ink being held at the top of the silicon sac, possibly fixable with a detergent wash through of the pen and sac.
Nice work, going to have a nother look at the pics!
edit
The Jade Duofolds normally discolour like this:
Edited by Robbo 27 on Tuesday 20th June 06:00
Robbo 27 said:
Nice work
Sway said:
That duofold is stunning
Thanks both. On another note, my next one is (just for a change) another Parker.
This time a Vacumatic - fortunately the diaphragm seems to be ok so I'm not yet needing to venture into the fun world of Vac diaphragm replacement, but I do have a couple of questions about the pen...... first a couple of pics....
Original advert. Overall seems in pretty good condition. I really like the clip with the blue diamond re. lifetime guarantee (would like a 51 Vac with the blue diamond cap also at some point)
vac_orig_ad by conradsphotos, on FlickrFeed out of alignment
vac_feed_misaligned by conradsphotos, on FlickrClogged feed and missing breather tube
vac_clogged_feed by conradsphotos, on FlickrOk, firstly the feed is out of alignment with the nib and looks like the nib doesn't stick out far enough past the end of the feed.
I read up that one should not take the nib out unless really necessary as it's tricky to get back in place. Obviously, I've gone ahead and knocked the feed and nib out as it needs sorting, but any idea why people have said it's difficult to put it back (not tried yet, as cleaning the feed)?
The other question is regarding the missing breather tube. I've looked at what I believe to be the usual websites for spare parts, and cannot find anyone selling spare breather tubes (apart from ones for a 51 Aerometric, which is really long).
So is there anywhere I should check out?
If not, David Nishimura's site seems to sell thin walled Teflon tube that they say can be used to make breather tubes for all sorts of pens (including Vacs). I assume that apart from tapering the end so it fits snugly in the feed, as far as the length goes, I should make it as long as possible, but ensuring there is still good clearance from the diaphragm when the filling mechanism is operated?
Any thoughts/advice welcome as always.
[quote=C&C]
Thanks both.
On another note, my next one is (just for a change) another Parker.
This time a Vacumatic - fortunately the diaphragm seems to be ok so I'm not yet needing to venture into the fun world of Vac diaphragm replacement, but I do have a couple of questions about the pen...... first a couple of pics....
Original advert. Overall seems in pretty good condition. I really like the clip with the blue diamond re. lifetime guarantee (would like a 51 Vac with the blue diamond cap also at some point)
vac_orig_ad by conradsphotos, on Flickr
Feed out of alignment
vac_feed_misaligned by conradsphotos, on Flickr
Clogged feed and missing breather tube
vac_clogged_feed by conradsphotos, on Flickr
Ok, firstly the feed is out of alignment with the nib and looks like the nib doesn't stick out far enough past the end of the feed.
I read up that one should not take the nib out unless really necessary as it's tricky to get back in place. Obviously, I've gone ahead and knocked the feed and nib out as it needs sorting, but any idea why people have said it's difficult to put it back (not tried yet, as cleaning the feed)?
The other question is regarding the missing breather tube. I've looked at what I believe to be the usual websites for spare parts, and cannot find anyone selling spare breather tubes (apart from ones for a 51 Aerometric, which is really long).
So is there anywhere I should check out?
If not, David Nishimura's site seems to sell thin walled Teflon tube that they say can be used to make breather tubes for all sorts of pens (including Vacs). I assume that apart from tapering the end so it fits snugly in the feed, as far as the length goes, I should make it as long as possible, but ensuring there is still good clearance from the diaphragm when the filling mechanism is operated?
Any thoughts/advice welcome as always.
[/quote]
Good Grief.
My favourite pen.
This thread never fails to surprise and delight.
People generally say dont disturb the nib and feed on any pen unless you have to, feeds can get broken or too much force on the nib alters it and so on. In this case you had no choice, if the tube had been in place then it would have been more difficult.
No special techniques on setting up the nib and feed. the Vac nibs can be a bit stiff unless yours is a canadian model which flexes a bit more, but thats fine, this is one pen that isnt all about the nib. Yours looks to be a little broader than the usual Fine.
The length of the tube that you need isnt that great, around 1.25 inches into the barrel, that all.
Whilst the pen is apart use a cotton bud with some suitable detergent, and then a tissue, on the inside of the barrel will help to to improve clarity, and you can also feel if the diaphragm is working properly.
I cannot see any cracks on the lip of the cap, which is good. The seller obviously knew how to polish the pen too.
I have asked a friend of mine who fixes my Vacs on where he gets his breather tubes.
Thanks both.
On another note, my next one is (just for a change) another Parker.
This time a Vacumatic - fortunately the diaphragm seems to be ok so I'm not yet needing to venture into the fun world of Vac diaphragm replacement, but I do have a couple of questions about the pen...... first a couple of pics....
Original advert. Overall seems in pretty good condition. I really like the clip with the blue diamond re. lifetime guarantee (would like a 51 Vac with the blue diamond cap also at some point)
vac_orig_ad by conradsphotos, on FlickrFeed out of alignment
vac_feed_misaligned by conradsphotos, on FlickrClogged feed and missing breather tube
vac_clogged_feed by conradsphotos, on FlickrOk, firstly the feed is out of alignment with the nib and looks like the nib doesn't stick out far enough past the end of the feed.
I read up that one should not take the nib out unless really necessary as it's tricky to get back in place. Obviously, I've gone ahead and knocked the feed and nib out as it needs sorting, but any idea why people have said it's difficult to put it back (not tried yet, as cleaning the feed)?
The other question is regarding the missing breather tube. I've looked at what I believe to be the usual websites for spare parts, and cannot find anyone selling spare breather tubes (apart from ones for a 51 Aerometric, which is really long).
So is there anywhere I should check out?
If not, David Nishimura's site seems to sell thin walled Teflon tube that they say can be used to make breather tubes for all sorts of pens (including Vacs). I assume that apart from tapering the end so it fits snugly in the feed, as far as the length goes, I should make it as long as possible, but ensuring there is still good clearance from the diaphragm when the filling mechanism is operated?
Any thoughts/advice welcome as always.
[/quote]
Good Grief.
My favourite pen.
This thread never fails to surprise and delight.
People generally say dont disturb the nib and feed on any pen unless you have to, feeds can get broken or too much force on the nib alters it and so on. In this case you had no choice, if the tube had been in place then it would have been more difficult.
No special techniques on setting up the nib and feed. the Vac nibs can be a bit stiff unless yours is a canadian model which flexes a bit more, but thats fine, this is one pen that isnt all about the nib. Yours looks to be a little broader than the usual Fine.
The length of the tube that you need isnt that great, around 1.25 inches into the barrel, that all.
Whilst the pen is apart use a cotton bud with some suitable detergent, and then a tissue, on the inside of the barrel will help to to improve clarity, and you can also feel if the diaphragm is working properly.
I cannot see any cracks on the lip of the cap, which is good. The seller obviously knew how to polish the pen too.
I have asked a friend of mine who fixes my Vacs on where he gets his breather tubes.
This is a black vac, cleaned on the inside so that you can see the end of the tube, you only want about 0.25 inch clearance between the extended diaphragn and the end of the tube. assuming yours is the Standard vac, I would start off ot 1.5 inches, in length and I dont think you will be far out.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for the info - particularly re. cleaning the inside of the barrel to improve visibility, and confirming the approach re. determining the length of the breather tube.
Although the red tube on WD40 cans may work, I think I'd prefer a neutral/translucent tube if at all possible! I'm already using one tube from a WD40 can glued to a plastic syringe for washing out converters, filling cartridges etc!
Thanks for the info - particularly re. cleaning the inside of the barrel to improve visibility, and confirming the approach re. determining the length of the breather tube.
Although the red tube on WD40 cans may work, I think I'd prefer a neutral/translucent tube if at all possible! I'm already using one tube from a WD40 can glued to a plastic syringe for washing out converters, filling cartridges etc!
[quote=C&C]Hi Rob,
Thanks for the info - particularly re. cleaning the inside of the barrel to improve visibility, and confirming the approach re. determining the length of the breather tube.
Although the red tube on WD40 cans may work, I think I'd prefer a neutral/translucent tube if at all possible! I'm already using one tube from a WD40 can glued to a plastic syringe for washing out converters, filling cartridges etc!
[/quote]
Perhaps can anyone think of another spray tube similar to the WD40
something like this perhaps.
Thanks for the info - particularly re. cleaning the inside of the barrel to improve visibility, and confirming the approach re. determining the length of the breather tube.
Although the red tube on WD40 cans may work, I think I'd prefer a neutral/translucent tube if at all possible! I'm already using one tube from a WD40 can glued to a plastic syringe for washing out converters, filling cartridges etc!
[/quote]
Perhaps can anyone think of another spray tube similar to the WD40
something like this perhaps.
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