Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
Ok Parker 51 just landed, along with some Montegrappa burgundy ink.
I don’t think I am doing something quite right.
The pen doesn’t seem to flow particularly well and the writing is quite dry. It is not getting much ink onto the page.
It is, however, getting ink elsewhere. The part underneath the nib is quite wet with in and when I posted the cap it left ink on the barrel.
At the moment it is writing less well than the Parker jotters I have, albeit they are medium nib.
I don’t think I am doing something quite right.
The pen doesn’t seem to flow particularly well and the writing is quite dry. It is not getting much ink onto the page.
It is, however, getting ink elsewhere. The part underneath the nib is quite wet with in and when I posted the cap it left ink on the barrel.
At the moment it is writing less well than the Parker jotters I have, albeit they are medium nib.
Firstly dry the inside of the cap.
The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
K87 said:
Firstly dry the inside of the cap.
The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
I'll give it a go, thanks.The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
But if it doesn't improve it is going back, it's not nice to write with.
To add: I haven't had so much in on my fingers since I was 9.
My fingers frequently look like those of a
1950’s swot. Especially on days when I have filled a pen in a hurry.
I had PH nirvana today
Met up with a mate in London , talked about buying Porsche 993’s, the merits of a 1990’s Porsche vs 1990’s Ferrari, watches and fountain pens all whilst eating a bloody good steak.
1950’s swot. Especially on days when I have filled a pen in a hurry.
I had PH nirvana today
Met up with a mate in London , talked about buying Porsche 993’s, the merits of a 1990’s Porsche vs 1990’s Ferrari, watches and fountain pens all whilst eating a bloody good steak.
Louis Balfour said:
K87 said:
Firstly dry the inside of the cap.
The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
I'll give it a go, thanks.The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
There's a danger you can overfill the 51 if you do the max 4 pumps as directed. I'll go for 4 but before I take the pen clear of the bottle I'll slighlty depress the fill bar to export some ink back into the bottle. I've had the odd ink inside the cap but that's more when then pen has got shaken up or been in my bag on an aircraft and not upright. Otherwise it outs plenty of ink down and is really smooth and a joy to write with. I use Mont Blanc ink in it (showing as expired in 2012 !)
But if it doesn't improve it is going back, it's not nice to write with.
To add: I haven't had so much in on my fingers since I was 9.
Armitage.Shanks said:
Louis Balfour said:
K87 said:
Firstly dry the inside of the cap.
The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
I'll give it a go, thanks.The writing sample doesn't look so bad to me.
Dip the nib into a bottle of ink.
Press the metal bar on the aerometric filling mechanism just a couple of times, Release the metal bar with the nib out of the ink so that you pull some air into the pen. Hold the nib upward for a few seconds and wipe the section clean with a tissue.
The 51 was designed to put enough ink on the page but not too much.
There's a danger you can overfill the 51 if you do the max 4 pumps as directed. I'll go for 4 but before I take the pen clear of the bottle I'll slighlty depress the fill bar to export some ink back into the bottle. I've had the odd ink inside the cap but that's more when then pen has got shaken up or been in my bag on an aircraft and not upright. Otherwise it outs plenty of ink down and is really smooth and a joy to write with. I use Mont Blanc ink in it (showing as expired in 2012 !)
But if it doesn't improve it is going back, it's not nice to write with.
To add: I haven't had so much in on my fingers since I was 9.
I have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
Louis Balfour said:
I've tried everything above and it is no different. The nib seems to drag over the paper, rather than flow.
I have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
Try doing the followingI have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
- down stroke
- up stroke
- left stroke
- right stroke
- four different direction diagonal strokes
x5tuu said:
Armitage.Shanks said:
I use Mont Blanc ink in it (showing as expired in 2012 !)
Ink expires??? Everyday is a school day - where can you find out (I thought the sticker dates on the bottom of MB bottles were manufacture dates?)Louis Balfour said:
I've tried everything above and it is no different. The nib seems to drag over the paper, rather than flow.
I have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
I cannot find any bad reviews of the Montegrappa ink. I have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
However, Parker ink is known to be very easy to get along with.
dapprman said:
Louis Balfour said:
I've tried everything above and it is no different. The nib seems to drag over the paper, rather than flow.
I have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
Try doing the followingI have taken one of my cheapo Parker Jotters and dipped it it in the ink. That too doesn't perform as well as it does with the Parker carts. Could this indicate that the ink is where the problem lies?
- down stroke
- up stroke
- left stroke
- right stroke
- four different direction diagonal strokes
I messaged the seller and he responded:
Good morning. I personally did not think that this pen drags on the paper. I would advise to flush the pen first this can help with ink flow. If you fine that the fountain pen is a little scratchy to write with you can purchase Micro-Mesh Abrasive Polishing Cloth Sheets to smooth the fountain pen nibs, but if you overuse the micro-mesh clothes it can grind down the nib so you would need to use sparingly.
Good morning. I personally did not think that this pen drags on the paper. I would advise to flush the pen first this can help with ink flow. If you fine that the fountain pen is a little scratchy to write with you can purchase Micro-Mesh Abrasive Polishing Cloth Sheets to smooth the fountain pen nibs, but if you overuse the micro-mesh clothes it can grind down the nib so you would need to use sparingly.
Louis Balfour said:
I messaged the seller and he responded:
Good morning. I personally did not think that this pen drags on the paper. I would advise to flush the pen first this can help with ink flow. If you fine that the fountain pen is a little scratchy to write with you can purchase Micro-Mesh Abrasive Polishing Cloth Sheets to smooth the fountain pen nibs, but if you overuse the micro-mesh clothes it can grind down the nib so you would need to use sparingly.
the bottom line is that if you are not happy with your purchase then tell the seller that you want to return it.Good morning. I personally did not think that this pen drags on the paper. I would advise to flush the pen first this can help with ink flow. If you fine that the fountain pen is a little scratchy to write with you can purchase Micro-Mesh Abrasive Polishing Cloth Sheets to smooth the fountain pen nibs, but if you overuse the micro-mesh clothes it can grind down the nib so you would need to use sparingly.
the advice he has provided is sound but you should not have to do this if you do not want to.
K87 said:
Louis Balfour said:
I messaged the seller and he responded:
Good morning. I personally did not think that this pen drags on the paper. I would advise to flush the pen first this can help with ink flow. If you fine that the fountain pen is a little scratchy to write with you can purchase Micro-Mesh Abrasive Polishing Cloth Sheets to smooth the fountain pen nibs, but if you overuse the micro-mesh clothes it can grind down the nib so you would need to use sparingly.
the bottom line is that if you are not happy with your purchase then tell the seller that you want to return it.Good morning. I personally did not think that this pen drags on the paper. I would advise to flush the pen first this can help with ink flow. If you fine that the fountain pen is a little scratchy to write with you can purchase Micro-Mesh Abrasive Polishing Cloth Sheets to smooth the fountain pen nibs, but if you overuse the micro-mesh clothes it can grind down the nib so you would need to use sparingly.
the advice he has provided is sound but you should not have to do this if you do not want to.
The postage was about £10 which surprised me. Maybe it was deliberately a bit punchy to lessen the likelihood of returns.
A side note is that the mechanical pencil works okay, but the “leads” might better be described as “steels” because they are as hard as metal and don’t actually write very well. They are quite thick, but I imagine somewhere I could buy the correct size in a softer grade. Ditto the rubber, which is like rock.
I will try flushing the pen. Is this just a matter of emptying the ink, soaking the nib in warm water overnight, then drawing and expelling water though the pen a few times?
Louis Balfour said:
I agree. The problem with returning it is two lots of postage, unless I can demonstrate that the item is faulty.
The postage was about £10 which surprised me. Maybe it was deliberately a bit punchy to lessen the likelihood of returns.
A side note is that the mechanical pencil works okay, but the “leads” might better be described as “steels” because they are as hard as metal and don’t actually write very well. They are quite thick, but I imagine somewhere I could buy the correct size in a softer grade. Ditto the rubber, which is like rock.
I will try flushing the pen. Is this just a matter of emptying the ink, soaking the nib in warm water overnight, then drawing and expelling water though the pen a few times?
OkThe postage was about £10 which surprised me. Maybe it was deliberately a bit punchy to lessen the likelihood of returns.
A side note is that the mechanical pencil works okay, but the “leads” might better be described as “steels” because they are as hard as metal and don’t actually write very well. They are quite thick, but I imagine somewhere I could buy the correct size in a softer grade. Ditto the rubber, which is like rock.
I will try flushing the pen. Is this just a matter of emptying the ink, soaking the nib in warm water overnight, then drawing and expelling water though the pen a few times?
These are things that the seller should have sorted out before he sent the pen to you.
Pencil first.
The rubber is 60 years old, hardening of the rubber is to be expected.
I dont know the grade of lead, if you want something softer then that is your call.
Pen
I am not an expert on ebay policy but I would have thought that the seller should pay for the postage if the pen is not as described, i.e. perfect working order and if that means inky fingers then it is not what you expected. my 51 pens do not leak into the cap.
I am an awkward sod, if I buy something on amazon, eBay or anywhere else and rely on the sellers description it has to go back, otherwise you are going to be cheesed off with this set for a long time to come, so you need to make the decision, keep it and fix it or send it back.
51 aero pens are easy to flush, squeeze bar filler in a bowl of water, tepid will do, do it many times.
You can go to an ammonia solution or an ultrasonic clean but unless the flow is really bad, which I haven't seen from your pics, then this should not be needed.
Parker 51 pens were produced at a time when people didn't want a lot of ink on the page, no one was using ballpoints and they wanted a pen that didn't smudge and you could turn the written page without waiting for the ink to dry.
Honestly, you sound like the pen is a disappointment to you, send it back.
K87 said:
Louis Balfour said:
I agree. The problem with returning it is two lots of postage, unless I can demonstrate that the item is faulty.
The postage was about £10 which surprised me. Maybe it was deliberately a bit punchy to lessen the likelihood of returns.
A side note is that the mechanical pencil works okay, but the “leads” might better be described as “steels” because they are as hard as metal and don’t actually write very well. They are quite thick, but I imagine somewhere I could buy the correct size in a softer grade. Ditto the rubber, which is like rock.
I will try flushing the pen. Is this just a matter of emptying the ink, soaking the nib in warm water overnight, then drawing and expelling water though the pen a few times?
OkThe postage was about £10 which surprised me. Maybe it was deliberately a bit punchy to lessen the likelihood of returns.
A side note is that the mechanical pencil works okay, but the “leads” might better be described as “steels” because they are as hard as metal and don’t actually write very well. They are quite thick, but I imagine somewhere I could buy the correct size in a softer grade. Ditto the rubber, which is like rock.
I will try flushing the pen. Is this just a matter of emptying the ink, soaking the nib in warm water overnight, then drawing and expelling water though the pen a few times?
These are things that the seller should have sorted out before he sent the pen to you.
Pencil first.
The rubber is 60 years old, hardening of the rubber is to be expected.
I dont know the grade of lead, if you want something softer then that is your call.
Pen
I am not an expert on ebay policy but I would have thought that the seller should pay for the postage if the pen is not as described, i.e. perfect working order and if that means inky fingers then it is not what you expected. my 51 pens do not leak into the cap.
I am an awkward sod, if I buy something on amazon, eBay or anywhere else and rely on the sellers description it has to go back, otherwise you are going to be cheesed off with this set for a long time to come, so you need to make the decision, keep it and fix it or send it back.
51 aero pens are easy to flush, squeeze bar filler in a bowl of water, tepid will do, do it many times.
You can go to an ammonia solution or an ultrasonic clean but unless the flow is really bad, which I haven't seen from your pics, then this should not be needed.
Parker 51 pens were produced at a time when people didn't want a lot of ink on the page, no one was using ballpoints and they wanted a pen that didn't smudge and you could turn the written page without waiting for the ink to dry.
Honestly, you sound like the pen is a disappointment to you, send it back.
I might try flushing it and buying some MB ink. If that doesn’t work I will return it and start looking at MBs.
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