Re-Inserting Feed Into Lamy Al Star

[bodah]

Hello all,

I recently pulled out the feed on my Lamy Al Star while trying to change the nib. I was using the tape method and trying to be gentle, but I inadvertently pulled the feed out along with the nib and feel like I am trying to put the toothpaste back into the tube. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Is there a point at which I know it's at the right spot? I am on the verge of just buying a whole new front section from Lamy USA which is near the price of a new pen.

[View from the Loft]

Just make sure you have lined it up correctly ( there are a couple of little grooves in the section thatt the feed goes into to ensure you do this) and gently push it in until it goes no further. A this point, the feed is in the right place, slide the nib back on, and your pen is re-assembled. Most people who swap nibs on Safaris/al-Stars/Vistas have done this at least once.

 

These are pens that I am confident about getting the feed in correctly, so go ahead, take a deep breath, and re-assemble your pen.

 

There are good instructions on The Writing Desk's website if you need better instructions than my sketchy directions.

[estie1948]

I've never done it, so I can't speak from experience. However, the good folks at Goulet Pens (who are members here) have the information you need. They have even put together a video to guide you through it. Check it out at http://www.gouletpens.com/Articles.asp?ID=324

 

All thanks goes to Goulet Pens!

 

-David.

[Ink Sandwich]

It's simple friction fit (with a big F sometimes). Make sure you grab the feed only at the sides, never at the tip, as it bends easily and might get damaged beyond repair.

If you're stuck, better pull it out try again before forcing it in there.

[Mike 59]

Hi bodah, If you mean the feed, rather than the nib, there is only one way of fitting it back, there is a thin rail that only lines up one way, it must be lined up correctly before it will fit together again.

If you hold the section as you would write, (in photo) and hold the feeder with the nib 'flat' to the top, it should be correct like that.

When the feeder is almost back in, there will be a click in the last few mm's.

Edited December 11, 2012 by Mike 59

[bodah]

Thank you all very much for your help. Each and every one of you were very kind to give me the what's what and I appreciate it. I have taken your advice and successfully accomplished the task at hand. Thank you Mike 59 for the picture. A thousand words right?

This was my first attempt at interacting in one of the forums and things worked out really well for me. I think I will stick around. Cheers!

[Mike 59]

Hi bodah, No problem, the people on here have helped me too with the most obscure problems, there is someone who will know the answer to almost anything you can think of, regarding pens, inks, paper etc. It's astonishing how much others know.

[Louisianna911]

Hello FPN, I have just registered with you because your posts have really helped me soooo much! I wish to thank you for this, most sincerely.

I am a Lamy fan, Al Star and Safari. I have different nibs on each pen but recently bought a number of replacement nibs via Ebay which were allegedly genuine Lamy. However, there was no "just slipping on". By the time I had decided this nib wasn't going to fit it was already reasonably jammed. The curved bits that are supposed to slide onto the tracks were far too tight. I ended up trashing the nib (with pliers) and damaging the distal end that sits just behind the nib. Is there any way of knowing which are genuine and which are not? The engraving, structure, breath hole and dividing line all looked exactly like a real one. Thank you in advance.

[tamiya]

Lamy nibs are variable... obviously if you've gotten fresh ones that haven't been on a pen before, they'll usually be tighter than used ones. There is nothing holding them on other than friction.

 

When moving used nibs between pens, its not unknown to have to do some panelbeating to get them firmly attached otherwise they're loose & rocks in its seat.

 

The tension is from a combination of the arch of the nib's top and the angle of the side ledges. Both need to be adjusted in tandem; if the arch is too high the nib can be loose and doesn't wick enough ink.