Split Parker Vacumatic Desk Pen

[DrRoger]

Apologies in advance if this doesnt belong here but on visiting my office today I found my Vacumatic desk pen split about an inch along the barrel - I can see the breather tube which appears to be intact. My question is:

Can anyone repair the barrel so I can use the pen again?

Further:

Is there anyone located in the UK/EU who might be able to do the repair?

Nothing on the pen is shattered nor missing.

Advice would be very welcome as my fear is that the pen cant be repaired.

Thanks.

Roger

[Ron Z]

The question is why did the barrel split on its own. Unless the stresses that caused a 1" long split released, it could happen again even if the barrel is successfully solvent welded. It may be more efficient to replace the barrel.

[DrRoger]

A good point Sir, I think it might have been done over the weekend by persons unknown as they say. The whole barrel is as if sawn through, hence I have a barrel with the desk taper attached and rest of the pen in the trumpet. My guess is someone tried to pick the pen & stand up as one & the break occurred then.

I’m assuming the barrel can be replaced but also that it’d be costly?

[DrRoger]

Btw sorry I can’t photo the pen at the moment - my iPhone camera isn’t working (there’s a theme here) and I’m no likely to be back in office again today.

[Ron Z]

Oh, it delaminated, as in it came apart an inch up the barrel where the strips meet, not that the barrel has an inch long split....

 

It can be solvent welded, but again, I wouldn't want to just apply the solvent to the pieces, and the jam them together. Tough to get the barrel to line up perfectly, and I wouldn't trust the repair to hold together as you write. I usually machine a bushing out of a piece of celluloid barrel to straddle the break, and then bore out the barrel halves to take the bushing. That reinforces the repair, and helps the halves to line up properly. Buying a barrel would be cheaper.

 

....and no, you can't just superglue them together. It won't hold, and the contamination would prevent a good solvent weld later on.

[DrRoger]

I think you’re right re getting a barrel - the question is where from I guess. Might it be possibly best to buy a whole new vac then put the desk taper on that (though the nib is so good it needs saved.) The only vacs I have are different colours so I guess it’s time to start a new search. Thank you for your advice, I’m grateful for your help and time.

[Ron Z]

A picture, when you can get one will help.

[Parker51]

Vacumatic Desk pens are available and some have rather bad nibs, so donor pens are available. Also, there is a person, Rishard Lott, that comes to pen shows here with a large amount of vintage parts that might have what you need. He is a true treasure, providing a very valuable product at I am certain no profit. I was able to get a Vacumatic barel from him for a very nominal cost, as well as other parts for other pens at a nominal,amount.

[DrRoger]

Well, I was going to take a photo of the pen today - got to my office & it’s not repairable at all given the pen appears stamped or stepped on. Can’t quite get why anyone would do that accidentally and not leave a post it to say sorry. I’m grateful to you all for comments and advice - I’m sorry that it has all gotten to this point since I feel I’ve wasted your time. Apologies. Roger

[FarmBoy]

I believe it could be fixed based on the description. If not the filler nib and section are with saving.

[DrRoger]

I believe it could be fixed based on the description. If not the filler nib and section are with saving.

I don’t think the nib can be saved as, along with the rest of the pen, it was stomped or stepped on v hard and is now just fragments. Whoever had done this didn’t leave a note or anything (beyond the shattered pen) I have the base only now & will be taking any writing equipment in my briefcase.

[FarmBoy]

Seems as though it was intentional. Save the filler.

[nsalvut]

That's horrible. I'm really sorry for your loss. I wish we could see photos.