Re-Starting A Poor-Writing Pen

[minddance]

These two pens are:

 

Duke 559 (push cap) with Diamine cartridge

Jean Lepine (also push cap) with dbl length Pelikan 4001 cartridge

 

These are both heavy pens with a brass "chassis". I had not used them for years because they are heavier than I had liked. But I've had a recent change of heart and like heavy pens at home (I still carry lighter pens). So I grabbed these two. At the same time I thought I'd also give cartridges another chance. The Lepine gave no choice, they don't take converters easily.

 

Alan

Thank you Alan for the information. Edited September 24, 2018 by minddance

[MYU]

Storing pens nib-up will promote dry-out. All the ink gradually seeps backward off the feed and then it doesn't take much for the remaining ink in the nib to dry out, where it meets the feed. It's just enough that putting the pen nib down impedes the flow, so you have to "prime" the nib a bit. Depending upon the viscosity and composition of the ink, a slight concentrated layer of ink may remain stuck to the surface inside the feed. If it happens a few times, it can become too thick to allow any passage and then you've got a totally dried out nib/feed.

 

This is why it is best to store a fountain pen horizontally. However, it's also possible for some pens to handle nib-down storage without leaking into the cap.

 

I find of all my pens, the worst is the Vanishing Point. The trap door just isn't all that tight of a seal. I'm seriously thinking of looking into a rubber cap to put on the end and see if it helps.

 

My absolute best pen thus far is a rOtring 700. I've had this with a long international cartridge installed, practically full, and it'll last 3 months or more without drying out. And I'm talking putting the nib to paper and it starts right away. The ink will tend to dry out, as the level will go down, but somehow the nib and feed remain wet.

[Precise]

I made a block full of holes and angled it about 10 degrees from horizontal just to keep pens from falling out. I've usually put pens in the holes such that the tip is just slightly higher than horizontal.

 

Occasionally I'll put a stingy pen in its hole in the opposite direction, so the nib is slightly lower.

 

Alan

[Tom Kellie]

I am happy I haven't got pens that misbehave.

 

~ mitto:

 

Nor do I.

When I read these posts I imagine what it must be like as I've never experienced such issues.

Tom K.

[Precise]

MYU wrote:

 

"I find of all my pens, the worst is the Vanishing Point. The trap door just isn't all that tight of a seal. I'm seriously thinking of looking into a rubber cap to put on the end and see if it helps."

 

A patch of masking tape works.

Edited October 20, 2018 by Precise

[Precise]

Another way to get a stingy pen writing again:

 

Grip the pen with a paper towel or napkin over the nib. Then swing your arm in a wide arc so that centrifugal force pushes the ink towards the nib.

 

This is also my favorite way to start a cartridge.

Edited October 20, 2018 by Precise

[ac12]

I keep an inkwell of water at my desk to dip fussy pens into.

However, some inks (like Liberty's Elysium) needs regular flossing of the nib, as the ink accumulates and dries in the nib slit and eventually jams it. Dipping in water does not help the slit.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I have a German postal rubber cup with a sponge I wet up every three or four days. We still have lick them stamps.

Such rubber cups might be found on Ebay. Sponge can be cut to fit, if old or empty.

 

One can use a shot glass with just enough water in it to wet the tip of the nib.

 

I often have 17 pens inked so sooner or later there will be a dry one.

Edited October 26, 2018 by Bo Bo Olson