Carene Roller Ball Conversion To Fp

[thx1138]

Hi
I have a marine amber roller ball and Im wondering if I can convert it to a fountain pen by buying a nib, section, and converter?

[Left FPN]

I have just answered this same question through PM to another member.

 

The RB barrel has a brass liner to support a refill. The liner prevents a Waterman standard converter or long refill being fitted. It cannot be removed or more to the point I have never tried removing one.

To overcome this you could use Waterman short cartridges with perhaps a packer in the far end to prevent them coming lose in use.

As for the cap, both RB and FP have nylon plugs at the far end. Each has a different internal shape to either suit an FP or BP section. When an RB cap is fitted, that nylon plug will contact the tip of an FP nib when fitted. In your case you could/must remove that nylon insert. This can be done with a large wood screw or an engineering thread tap. You most probably will have or be able to source the fore much easier. Push it up in and twist clockwise then pull out. It should be fairly easy to remove. The only problem being the nylon insert is there to seal the upper cap and prevent ink dry out so if left unused the pen/ink will dry out quicker.

Using a machine tap.

the 2 different inserts, Left = FP, right = RB.

Hope this helps.

PS....to be honest just buy an FP.

PS...I have repaired your title.

[pajaro]

I would suggest that, given the high cost of a Carene section and nib unit, you just buy the fountain pen.

 

I bought a black fountain pen cap for ten dollars US, and then I bought the black fountain pen barrel for ten dollars US. The nib unit with section cost $129.00. The nib unit is the most expensive part of the fountain pen. I bought the nib unit retail from nibs.com, so you might get a nib unit for less, but it would be at least $75 for a used one. So, this is why I think you could get a better deal on an Amber Marine fountain pen and save yourself the trouble of doing the conversion. Of course, if you are wanting to make the conversion because of the challenge, go ahead. I think you would be better off to sell the roller ball pen and buy a fountain pen.

[thx1138]

Thank you both for your excellent thoughts and pen knowledge.

I suppose I will just have to bide my time till another comes up on special.

[thx1138]

Thanks for all the advice here.

I managed to buy a new Carene marine amber medium fountain pen off ebay.