Visit To Francis G’A Workshop

[siamackz]

As some of you might know, I have an interest in vintage pen restoration. I have learned many things from the several generous members we have here, but especially Francis Goossens or Fountainbel. He has been a patient and kind mentor to me, always answering my questions (no matter how elementary), sharing his deep knowledge fully, honestly, and without hesitation.

 

I was on a work visit to the Netherlands and so I thought it would be pretty amazing if I could connect with Francis in person. And so I did! I had the privilege of visiting his workshop in Belgium yesterday and spending the day with him working on some advanced vintage Montbalc repairs. I was also served a delicious lunch prepared by his wife and enjoyed the many coffees she served us while we were busy working on pens!

 

He shared many repair tricks and strategies with me, but thats not all, he sent me back with a Tibaldi barrel for one of my vintage pens that he made from scratch in front of my eyes! Just like that! What a guy! What a day!

 

Here are some pics of his workshop, and then him making my Tibaldi barrel...

[AndyLogan]

Nice Siamackz!

[fabri00]

Nice myford lathe.

[Wahl]

The pen community has a lot of very nice persons.

[zaddick]

Thanks for the photos. You are lucky to have had such an educational visit.

[markiv]

Francis is the man

[Boris-Ludwig]

Nice workshop, Francis.

 

Like anything, Siamackz, the pen fancying we have in common is great, but along the way the camaraderie we develop with others through that common endeavor is a good in its own right!

 

I've never had the pleasure of using a Myford 7.

[pankaj]

Lucky you Siamack ! Wow trip . A life time experience .

 

That aside it shows how keen you are in your repair work which is not a profession but just passion. Else one can hardly dedicate time for such a thing in the middle of a pressing business trip. That's great !

[siamackz]

Thanks All! And yes, Francis is truly one of a kind!

[fountainbel]

The meeting pleasure was mutual Sia, I've really enjoyed your visit !

Your profound knowledge on Vintage Montblanc pens - which you've gained within a few years ! - truly amazed me.

Congratulations, I really expect you will become a top repairer within a few years!

Francis

[siamackz]

The meeting pleasure was mutual Sia, I've really enjoyed your visit !

Your profound knowledge on Vintage Montblanc pens - which you've gained within a few years ! - truly amazed me.

Congratulations, I really expect you will become a top repairer within a few years!

Francis

As always, thanks for the encouragement Francis!

[specialk0449]

Francis does great repair work and is a fine gentleman. Highly recommend him.