Ok. Got The Rapidoeze And The Ultrasonic Cleaner. Now What?

[alexwi]

As I said.

 

The toys are here, I'm ready to put a stubborn Parker 75 nib that I need to take apart through the motions, and am not sure how to proceed.

 

The long story's at https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/336753-parker-75-i-think-i-need-to-remove-the-nib-from-the-feed/

 

The short version is: I have a Parker 75 nib assembly with serious flow problems that I think I need to take apart, but can't (I've done it before, so this part's not new to me). The working theory is that the nib's glued to the feed with India ink and everything pointed to getting Rapidoeze and soak the nib assembly for 7 to 10 days or to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Being the impatient dude I am, and not wanting to miss an opportunity to rationalize an impulsive purchase, I went for the Rapidoeze AND an ultrasonic cleaner ("I know dear, but this thing can make all your jewlery look like new.")

 

They're both here now, but am not sure of whether just put some Rapidoeze on a shot glass, put the assembly in it, and then get that in the ultrasonic cleaner for x minutes (I don't know how long's recommended), or to just soak in Rapidoeze and then the ultrasonic cleaner, or what.

 

I have some work to do and have to spend time with the women, so I can probably keep myself at bay until tomorrow afternoon.

 

Ideas? Instructions? Should I go with my gut?

 

Thanks!

 

Alex

[Chrissy]

I would start with Rapidoeze. Especially if you suspect India ink.

[alexwi]

Rapidoeze for how long before I move on to ultrasound? Or is there any harm in trying rapidoeze and ultrasound at once?

 

The India ink theory is due to the fact that the nib just doesn't budge from the assembly. I know it's a tight fit 'cause I've removed a 75's nib from an assembly before, and it's not a walk in the park, but it's nothing like this one.

 

Thanks!

 

alex

[Tweel]

I would probably put the nib & feed in the corner of a baggie, add enough Rapido-Eze to submerge them, hang the bag by the diagonally opposite corner and let it soak overnight. Then submerge the corner with the nib & feed in the ultrasonic's tank and start cycling it, watching and checking the parts for progress.

[alexwi]

Done. Took all of a few minutes for the nib to start leaking some blue ink, and that's after it already spent one night in 15% ammonia and having been flushed several times with an ear bulb.

[mitto]

I read both the long and short versions of your story.

 

Congrats on the happy ending of the story.

Edited June 12, 2018 by mitto

[alexwi]

Hi Mitto,

 

The story hasn't ended. I've been so busy with work that the nib assembly and the section are still soaking in the Rapidoeze and I haven't had time to even unpack the ultrasonic and start playing with it (very unusual for someone as hedonistic as myself, but life just keeps interrupting).

 

Alex

[Ron Z]

Since others will read this too....

 

Rapidoeze is expensive, so you don't want to use more of it than you have to. A common technique is to use a smaller container, like a pudding cup, measuring cup etc. that will allow the nib and feed to lay flat in the bottom, which is then covered with the cleaner. I like plastic better than glass - less likely to break. Fill the tank of the ultrasonic a little less than full so that when you put the cup in the tank displacement doesn't cause it to overflow. The water and cup will transfer the vibrations to the solution in the cup. I usually use a couple of 3 minute cycles. But if the pen has India ink in it I would not be surprised if it takes some longer soaking to soften it all and remove all of the India ink. If you have to, you can use a very fine guitar string to roto-root the ink that is in the ink channels.

 

I once spent 3 weeks soaking and flushing to get all of the India ink out of a VP filler unit. The ink came out incrementally as each bit came in contact with the Rapidoeze. But I got it all out without any damage to the filler. Which is a round about way of saying take your time and let the cleaner do the work for you.... and don't damage the feed by pushing things.

[alexwi]

Hi Ron,

 

Great tips, especially about the smaller container. I ordered a 25cc graduated cylinder for about $5 from Amazon just for this. I toyed with the idea of getting an even smaller one (10cc), but that would've been too narrow. This one seems to be perfect (inside diameter is about 17mm or, for the isolationists, 11/16").

 

Alex

[praxim]

Glass or the most rigid plastic will transfer the USC waves better than anything softer. The latter will absorb some of the energy. This advice is straight from my USC manufacturer who mostly sells industrial systems.

[CraigR]

Plus 1 for being patient as the parts soak. It has taken a lot longer than I wanted to finally get some parts clean. The last desk drawer pen I found at an estate sale had been sitting in its own inky goo for almost 25 years, according to the estate rep. Took almost 2 weeks of soaking, ultrasound, and rinsing to get it cleaned. Well worth the effort and patience.

[alexwi]

I can't take credit for this. I haven't taken the assembly and section out of the solvent because I haven't had time. Otherwise, I'd be tinkering with it already.

 

I usually say "Please God, give me patience, but NOW!"

 

alex

[alexwi]

Happy ending.

 

21 Days in Rapidoeze and ultrasound, and the pen works wonderfully now.

 

Full details (and photos) in the thread that originated this question - https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/336753-parker-75-i-think-i-need-to-remove-the-nib-from-the-feed/?p=4074332

 

Thank you all for your help and hand-holding!

 

alex