twsbi vacuum filling system fountain pen project

[hbquikcomjamesl]

I just had a chance to try the Diamond 530, and see a sample of the new vacuum fill model, at yesterday's pen show in Manhattan Beach, CA. I am duly impressed with both. I particularly liked the o-ring that seals the cap (and also looks like it would prevent the sort of spontaneous unscrewing that's all too common on my flock of Pelikans). Not to mention the fact that the 530 (and presumably also the vacuum) can be easily field-stripped, and comes with a wrench and complete disassembly instructions.

 

Both are just a tad bulky for my taste, but not so bulky as to be a deal-breaker. I'm used to Pelikan M200s.

 

Seriously considering getting one, since my heavily-modified Pelikano has a tendency to dry out if not in constant use. Amber (I'd hardly call it "orange"; it's way too yellow for that), to go with brown ink. Probably would have bought one at the show, if there were any of that color at the show, beyond the one sample. But I'm not exactly thrilled with PayPal, and try to avoid using it whenever possible.

[feimo]

I have to say I don´t like this kind of small and thin grip area, which seems to be almost the same as the one at my TWSBI Diamond 530. Moreover the threads are hurting my fingers during longer writing sessions. I would prefer a wider section without annoying sharp edges.

 

I hope you read this, Speedy, because I really appreciate your work and admire the concept of the Diamond 530. It´s a great pen, but when it comes to writing, I simply choose other, more ergonomical pens. I think I´m not the only one thinking so and maybe you could think about some design changes.

[dnb]

I have to say I don´t like this kind of small and thin grip area, which seems to be almost the same as the one at my TWSBI Diamond 530.... I would prefer a wider section ....

 

I hope you read this, Speedy, because I really appreciate your work and admire the concept of the Diamond 530. It´s a great pen, but when it comes to writing, I simply choose other, more ergonomical pens. I think I´m not the only one thinking so and maybe you could think about some design changes.

 

+1 The length is fine. The diameter of the section means I won't be ordering another. It is unfortunate because it is a very nice pen aside from that.

[YouUlulate]

Eagerly awaiting news of this pen; I can't wait to be able to afford a modern vacuum-filler!

[Jared C]

I didn't realize that new pictures were up...that pen looks awesome. Can't wait for the release.

[axolotl66]

I have to say I find the 530 section just fine. I can understand why a step down to the section might be an issue, but how hard do you have to grip a pen for it to HURT?

 

Love the look of the 700 too, and even bigger than the 530? No need for posting there then! Great colours too. Nice. Can't wait.

Graham

[MarkAL]

Any idea of an ETA?

[englishchese]

Whats the difference between vac and piston and when is it predicted to come out

[Surnia]

Whats the difference between vac and piston and when is it predicted to come out

 

vac uses a long shaft that is pulled out and pushed in, and has essentially the same kind of capacity level you'd expect out of an eyedropper of equivalent size. Piston is... a twist mechanism that raises and drops a piston.

 

ETA is spring.

[WendyNC]

I can understand why a step down to the section might be an issue, but how hard do you have to grip a pen for it to HURT?

 

Graham, the answer to that one is not much if one has arthritic swelling in the joint of one's index finger at the end closest to the nail.

[PeppWaves03]

Isnt this already out? I thought Speedy had one at the LA Pen Show: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/186165-2011-la-pen-show-report/

[Albertine]

Thanks for posting the link to the LA Pen show page...the Vac in the photo is that lovely sapphire blue that everyone has been asking for. Any news on what other colors will be available?

[axolotl66]

I can understand why a step down to the section might be an issue, but how hard do you have to grip a pen for it to HURT?

 

Graham, the answer to that one is not much if one has arthritic swelling in the joint of one's index finger at the end closest to the nail.

Ah, I see the point, yes. Could that be related to the heftiness of the pen too? It is a big pen, my Pelikan M2xxs and M405 are much smaller and lighter.

Graham

[Ernst Bitterman]

Even without the arthritis, it's not so much the force of the grip but the prospect of constant abrasion. A tiny grain of sand in your sock might feel like a jagged metal Krusty-O after an hour's walk....

[axolotl66]

I see, it must get very sore. I guess I am lucky not suffering from that!

Graham

[iltoda]

Hi Speedy,

 

is there any news about VAC 700?

 

Marco

[bassplayrr]

This will most likely be my next pen, so I too am eagerly awaiting updates.

[beginnersmind]

Wow, great looking pen! Amber and smoke (grey) sound exciting! Any idea when this will be available? I LOVE a spring loaded clip! Will this pen have gold nib option?

[FearNot]

Aaaarrrrrrggghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! The pain of waiting!!

[beginnersmind]

I also wanted to give another two cents about this pen. Generally speaking, I do not like demonstrators. One of the things that attracted me to the TWSBI piston filler is it's design honesty. There is no bling, no fancy trim. It is purely about the mechanism and everything is on view, clear to see. If you must have the filler knob and the grip be dark on the vac filler version it would seem more uniform design wise and more in keeping with the honesty of the design to make the dark parts transparent smoke/ dark smoke rather than completely opaque. Just a thought.