Swapped Pilot Plumix Nib On A Metropolitan, Now It Skips

[cam94z28]

I had an unfortunate mishap with my Pilot Metropolitan at work, and destroyed the nib. I dropped it (cap off), onto a tile floor, it bounced off the nib and "double-tapped", bending it in two different directions. Needless to say, the nib was mangled. Wanting to try a different type of nib, and not willing to buy another metropolitan, just to cannibalize, I decided to buy a plumix and swap the nibs.

 

I did not try out the Plumix first. I immediately dismantled it, cleaned both pens with plain water, and re-assembled the plumix nib and feed together on the Metro, using the same half-spent black cartridge I was using previously.

 

After the first few strokes I noticed it would randomly skip on the first 1/10 inch or so of a downstroke, and randomly on side strokes, then start flowing. Now, I have never used an italic/stub nib before, so maybe I'm doing something wrong. I was trying to keep the nib flat and straight on the paper, and not roll it to one side. I was also writing very slow. Even so, it was still acting up.

 

I've read reviews where many people have said the plumix nib is one of the smoothest Pilot nibs out there. While actually flowing I would say its very smooth, but the skipping issues ruin the experience.

 

I do not have a loupe, but I do have an SLR camera, and multiple lenses, so I tried the "reverse-lens" trick. It was hard to see, as I probably shouldn't have used a 28-200mm zoom lens (very small opening at infinity focus), but I could not see any misalignment of the tines.

 

I did end up buying another metro to use as-is, and both Mediums are/were buttery smooth. It's a shame I'm having trouble with their stub.

 

Any ideas?

[ac12]

You really need a loupe to see what is going on with the nib in terms of alignment of the tines.

 

What ink are you using?

[cam94z28]

You really need a loupe to see what is going on with the nib in terms of alignment of the tines.

 

What ink are you using?

I think my "lens loupe" was enough to check the alignment. I had to struggle to get the nib in focus, but once I did, it was very clear. I angled it both dead on, and slightly upwards, showing the edge of the tip, and the slit along the top of the nib. They were perfectly straight as far as I could tell. I couldn't really see a gap where the tines meet (maybe there isn't one), and I think that might be part of the problem.

 

I am using the Namiki Black cartridge that came with my Metropolitan.

Edited July 6, 2015 by cam94z28

[Betweenthelines]

I ran into the same problem when I swapped over the plumix nib - was skipping like mad, but I just took it out and never bothered to try to fix it. However, if I -were- to be bothered, what I would do is widen the gap between the tines with some brass shims to increase flow, as I recall it was writing pretty dry. I would try that if I were you.

[musicman123]

It could be that the angle of which you are holding the stub could be a little off. The stub should be flat on the page and should not have any angle at the point of contact.

 

Another thing is that the nib could be a little dry, leading to reduced flow and therefore skipping. You should try running a thin brass shim between the tines to increase flow.

[fly_us]

first, check the space between the feed and the nib, is it too wide?

2nd, check the space between tines, is it too tight? did the 2 tips touch each other or too far away to each other?

[bokchoy]

I had persistent skipping problems with my Plumix nib too. I eventually found a loupe and determined that the tines were to close together. Since I had no brass shims and the Plumix is relatively inexpensive, I used a razor blade . It has a buttery, wet flow now.