How To Properly Load A Dib Pen?

[inkshmear]

So with an hour off this afternoon I finally went ahead an made that oblique pen holder I've been thinking about doing(see attached photo)

I figured for a first try I should be simple, reliable, utilitarian so I used some scrap stainless for the nib holder and a piece of lignum for the handle with a little "old dad's" coat to finish.

A few months ago I inherited a few nibs from my uncle so I've been playing with the following: resterbrook radio pen 910, resterbrook professional A1, Hunt imperial 101

 

Now the problem I keep having is that when I try to write with this setup is that all the ink payload dumps at once if I uses any but the faintest pressure, I get one big splot and a weird twin line from the two nib prongs spread apart(photo attached). I keep trying to dip the nib in different ways to solve this. How do I get the variable width strokes you see in the John Decollibus videos? Has anyone else had this trouble?

Edited August 2, 2010 by inkshmear

[lovemy51]

hello there and welcome to FPN. the problem might be the ink you're using. instead of FP ink, try india ink... it sticks (if that's the proper term) to the nib better. i heard that the nibs need to be cleaned from any oil from the factory that would make the ink run off it (this i'm not sure of). some might even heat up the ink with a lit match stick to burn that oil coating (i've seen someone doing it).

 

 

check out these videos, they might help.

 

 

and this one: http://www.calligraphy-skills.com/calligraphy-tutorial.html (scroll down to #4 where it explains how to use dip pens and the type of inks you can use).

 

i'm sure other members will ring in with more info.

Edited August 2, 2010 by lovemy51

[jbb]

Hi inkshmear. Welcome to FPN. Some dip nibs come with an invisible protective coating that you need to wash or burn off before starting otherwise your ink will blob.

 

 

Dip pen and flexy nibs

Edited August 2, 2010 by jbb

[caliken]

From your photograph, it looks as though any oil has already been removed. You may be holding the pen at too high an angle and gravity is depositing the ink all in one go. Lower the pen to a very shallow angle to the paper and using the lightest possible touch you should be able to produce upward hairlines. Slight pressure is applied on downstrokes only (towards you). With a good, flexible nib this should result in even shaded strokes.

 

caliken

Edited August 2, 2010 by caliken

[Crewel]

I would also suggest Sumi inks. If I recall correctly, this is the ink from the Oriental ink stones. Nowadays, they are available in bottled form for relatively inexpensive price from an arts and craft store. In my limited experience, higher viscosity inks, higher compared to regular fountain pen ink, tend to work best for these nibs. I appeal to those more knowledgeable than me to correct me if I'm wrong.

[txinsk]

I like the advise above I would add the following. You might want to consider what paper you are using as well. That is feathered all the way through the strokes. Some more practice strokes might be advisable too, try to keep the motion fluid and continuous.

 

Rick

 

P.S. the nib would be a R. Esterbrook, the period is small and easy to miss. Everyone I see refers to them as esterbrook.

[jniforat]

you've gotten some great advice!

[inkshmear]

Thank you all for your help, such great ideas from everyone!

 

hello there and welcome to FPN. the problem might be the ink you're using. instead of FP ink, try india ink... it sticks (if that's the proper term) to the nib better. i heard that the nibs need to be cleaned from any oil from the factory that would make the ink run off it (this i'm not sure of).

 

i'm sure other members will ring in with more info.

 

LOL, love the video. Especially in B/W. But she dips just the same as I do

I think I'll try eye dropper technique in the second link

 

From your photograph, it looks as though any oil has already been removed. You may be holding the pen at too high an angle and gravity is depositing the ink all in one go. Lower the pen to a very shallow angle to the paper and using the lightest possible touch you should be able to produce upward hairlines.

 

caliken

 

Since this is my first oblique pen this is quite possible, but it seems unlikely to me when I look at it. I've attached a photo(small this time! sorry about the last post) of me holding it in a standard position

 

 

I would also suggest Sumi inks. If I recall correctly, this is the ink from the Oriental ink stones. Nowadays, they are available in bottled form for relatively inexpensive price from an arts and craft store. In my limited experience, higher viscosity inks, higher compared to regular fountain pen ink, tend to work best for these nibs. I appeal to those more knowledgeable than me to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I guess I'll have to do some research on inks. I've never heard of sumi and definitely not ink stones, it gives me some ideas about homebrew inks...

I'm pretty sure mine are all fountain pen inks(parker quink, mont blanc, scheaffer) because they came with a set of pelikans and yard-o-leds. So I'll be trying some thicker inks for sure, this could be the real heart of the problem.

 

Thank you all again for your great advice

[inkshmear]

forgot the picture