A Demonstrator Question

[WLSpec]

So I'm pretty new to demonstrators, most of my pens are not translucent, but recently I developed a liking for them and I purchased myself a SailorxNagasawa Profit Proske Demonstrator with gold trim and a zoom nib! It is great, but I have one question that I would like to know about demonstators in general. I cleaned the pen out after dipping it (just came in the mail today and I wanted to pre-clean before truly inking it up) and when I was finished, I noticed some either water or ink (I think water) that was left behind in the section (between 2 pieces that didn't seem removable from each other). I don't think this really matters, but because the pen is a demonstrator it is VERY annoying. I just want to get rid of it: So my questions:

 

1. Does this happen to you all (water left behind in demonstrator that is very annoying to look at)

 

2. How can I fix it? (I really, REALLY want to get rid of it). Hopefully there is a way.

 

Thank you for any answers.

 

In the picture below you can see it against the black part inside of the clear section (between the black and the clear)

 

As it is drying the water is clearing up a little, but how do I get rid of all of it?

Edited January 4, 2020 by WLSpec

[Olya]

Unfortunately that is the way demos are. Nothing you can do about it. Ink will be seen the same way. I think if you use a converter it's even "worse" (at least from the start), because the inhaling and expelling of the ink floods the feed better.

 

I only have a couple of demos and those are pretty much enough for me.

 

They also made me realize how long it takes for water to really dissipate after cleaning (for storage).

No water on the tissue? Great. But you see water like in your pic and later heavy condensation, it really takes a pen about 48 hours untill all water has evaporated from the section.

 

That's how you'll get rid of it. Let it air dry, uncapped and best barrel unscrewed as well, for 48hrs.

 

You'll also see that ink gets in all nooks and cranies and in some cases, no matter how hard you flush, it stays there.

Then there's the stains.....

Edited January 5, 2020 by Olya

[Freddy]

Make like a thermometer with paper towel...live with..and or get yourself a Salad Spinner Centrifuge...follow the url....

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/12704-drum-roll-the-salad-spinner-centrifuge/

 

Fred..

who doesn't feel your pain..but..hopes that the above was helpful in some way...............

Edited January 5, 2020 by Freddy

[silverlifter]

Demonstrators were invented so sales people understood how the filling systems worked. Now, their primary function is to drive OCD people, like me, insane...

[WLSpec]

Demonstrators were invented so sales people understood how the filling systems worked. Now, their primary function is to drive OCD people, like me, insane...

So true. Thank you all for the responses, I think I will stick to letting it air dry. I put the nib on a paper towel with the pen propped up and now I wait...

 

 

Despite the annoyances, though, demos look VERY cool. Seeing the ink in them is awesome. Now I want a demo eyedropper to see ALL of the ink! Moonman M2 or C1 might be on its way soon...

[BDarchitect]

I have experienced the same issue, and agree it is annoying. If you are willing to pull the nib and feed out of the end of the section, you can dry it off then. In the future, to avoid this problem you cannot dip the nib in an ink bottle past the rim of the section, otherwise it is likely going to happen again. You will need to fill the converter with a syringe or use only cartridges. Alternatively, and others can speak to this, you might apply some silicone around the feed at the point where it will meet the end of the section to help prevent any fluids from being drawn up between the two.

[WLSpec]

I have experienced the same issue, and agree it is annoying. If you are willing to pull the nib and feed out of the end of the section, you can dry it off then. In the future, to avoid this problem you cannot dip the nib in an ink bottle past the rim of the section, otherwise it is likely going to happen again. You will need to fill the converter with a syringe or use only cartridges. Alternatively, and others can speak to this, you might apply some silicone around the feed at the point where it will meet the end of the section to help prevent any fluids from being drawn up between the two.

I did pull the nib and feed out, it is between 2 other pieces unfortunately.

 

Thanks for the other advice though!

[WLSpec]

Elaine asked if I could post this at some point. People laugh when I pull it out at a pen show, but this thing WORKS, and I use it all the time.

 

I have to give the left coast repair guys credit for the basic idea. But I just couldn't get into the idea of having to stuff a piece of PVC pipe with paper towels etc every time I want to use it, so took their basic idea and modified it.

 

Starting with a with a basic salad spinner (note: the outer basket is a closed bowl)...

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/pix/centoutside.jpg

I used the spout of a long, narrow plastic funnel from an auto parts store or Wal Mart to hold the pen. Using an Xacto saw, part of the spout was cut away so that I could grab the end of the pen. Note the notch to fit over the pivot point in the middle. Note too, that the holder sits on top of a ridge in the basket. More on that later.

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/pix/centmount.jpg

 

I drew a bead of hot glue on a ridge, and set the funnel spout on the hot glue. The put a blob of glue on either side, and finally tye-wrapped it in place for extra security. This is a view from the under side.

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/pix/centunder.jpg

 

One other important item - the end ouf the spout is lined up with a solid, wide piece in the basket (just happens to be at the end of the rib). This stops smaller pens and things like 75 or 51 sections from flying out through the holder, and the nib through the holes in the basket. The nib will press against the plastic tab, but that's OK.

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/pix/centend.jpg

 

Here's a picture of a Sheaffer Flat top in the centrifuge. OH, one other thing. The holder goes in the basket not on the top of the centrifuge!

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/pix/centandpen.jpg

 

At the end of the day, just rinse the thing off and let it dry. Have fun!

Oh, thanks Fred! This actually seems like a very fun project, I don't know if I can use my salad spinner but we shall see!

[A Smug Dill]

@WLSpec I have the exact same pen, and encountered the same issue. Two learnings:

 

• Wanting, and then gaining by employing a demonstrator pen, the ability to see the pen's internal workings and/or ink sloshing around in the clear-walled reservoir, cannot be decoupled from also more readily seeing staining, scratches, hazing and other cosmetic imperfections, as well as visible signs of use (such as ink settling between two components).
• The metal connector on that pen can be unscrewed from the clear plastic section, this allowing you to clean between them, in a way that cannot be accomplished by just pulling out the nib and feed.

[WLSpec]

@WLSpec I have the exact same pen, and encountered the same issue. Two learnings:

 

• Wanting, and then gaining by employing a demonstrator pen, the ability to see the pen's internal workings and/or ink sloshing around in the clear-walled reservoir, cannot be decoupled from also more readily seeing staining, scratches, hazing and other cosmetic imperfections, as well as visible signs of use (such as ink settling between two components).
• The metal connector on that pen can be unscrewed from the clear plastic section, this allowing you to clean between them, in a way that cannot be accomplished by just pulling out the nib and feed.

 

Oh, thank you! How can the metal connector be unscrewed? (I tried, probably didn't give it enough force)

[A Smug Dill]

Oh, thank you! How can the metal connector be unscrewed? (I tried, probably didn't give it enough force)

 

[WLSpec]

 

Thank you. I will try this out.

[WLSpec]

Update: The trick worked! I when I took out the metal piece I was able to remove the clear piece on the section and clean in it. Thank you, A Smug Dill!