Nib width form - Version 2.0

Be sure you click on the DOWNLOAD button, not the thumbnail image, in order to get the proper dimensions on the final printout.

 

In order to "print 100%" (above), when you print the .pdf file, choose NONE for "page scaling."

 

Fred

What are the reference numbers. A 150 is 150 what?

The measurements are in hundredths of a mm, so 150 is 150/100 mm or 1.5 mm.

HTH, warm regards, Wim

I would write the scale inside the PDF, people may forget

What dimensions would correspond with (American) XF, F, M, B?

This is probably a really dumb question, but:

 

What was the paper size used to create the form on the pdf?

 

E.g. was it American ‘Letter’? Or was it ISO ‘A4’?

 

Because if if it is e.g. ‘A4’, then won't users whose default paper set-up is ‘Letter’ find that, when their machine re-scales the form to fit on their different-sized page, doing so also re-sizes the line widths?

 

Or is there a way around that in the free version of Acrobat/Adobe Reader?

 

 

Cheers,

M.

thanks. for the form

This is probably a really dumb question, but:What was the paper size used to create the form on the pdf?E.g. was it American ‘Letter’? Or was it ISO ‘A4’?Because if if it is e.g. ‘A4’, then won't users whose default paper set-up is ‘Letter’ find that, when their machine re-scales the form to fit on their different-sized page, doing so also re-sizes the line widths?Or is there a way around that in the free version of Acrobat/Adobe Reader?Cheers,M.

 

 

I've been using it with US Letter, or 8.5" X 11" paper, and the results suggest that's what it's calibrated for.

I guess it also depend on what type of (absorbing) paper you use ans what kind of ink.

 

Rgds, The Legend

Thanks so much for the form. I am sure it is going to be very useful.

Thanks very much. This nib width sheet works very well, even to 5/100th of a millimetre. It's also fun to use: kind of an eye resolution test, I guess. Set scaling to none or to 100 % for a precise print. - JG

Thank You very much for this.

So, so ... Well, I tried it ...

It works, very clearly, but we must CAREFULLY (with a magnifying glass) to select paper. In Russia it is not trivial :-).

This would make more sense to me if it were to say this is medium, fine, etc, etc etc

The numbers really mean nothing to me at this point. I have pens I have purchased with no mention of what the nib size is. I was assuming this chart would do that until I saw only numbers and lines.

Ok after reading everyone's replies I assume I am supposed to make a line on the form I print out with the pen nib I want to check or......?

Ray

The problem is there is no standard for what is a F,M,B etc.

Each company does its own thing as to what each letter size actually is.

Example, I measured the width of the tip of 3 pens with a dial caliper; Pilot Metro M, old Parker M, Lamy F. All 3 measured the SAME, 0.028 inch wide.

And to make it worse, some companies have changed the definition over time.

Example, above I mention "old Parker" because I understand that the current Parkers use a different scale. I have also been told that Lamy is the same, the older Lamy nibs are narrower that the current nibs of the same letter grade.

comes in hand when I've bought a pen without nib markings! I can always eyeball it but, this is a much more credible witness and gets right to the point!

Thank you.

This is very helpful.

Tks for post.

Thanks. A useful tool indeed.

Okay I am brand new to using a fountain pen, that said, how do I use the nib width forms? I have two cross pens, how do you know what nib you have?and any and all other info you are willing to take the time to give.

Hi, I've just discovered this forum and it is great! 

Why dont you add the basic printing parameters on the form itself ? i.e. correct paper sheet size : Letter  8,5x11 or A4 and the actual mm/inch scale for printout verification (preferrably horizontal and vertical.

Thanks anyway - very helpful.

M.