What Pens Are You Using Today?

[helius]

Today, I managed to leave home without bringing ANY pens! :bonk: :bonk: :bonk:

 

It's a good thing I have a Parker Reflex as a backup... :bunny1: :bunny1: :bunny1:

 

 

ViolinWriter/Elizabeth, you'd probably get more help in the "Repairs Q&A" and/or Parker fora...

[jd50ae]

M800 and Vortex

[rroossinck]

Today, it's my black VP w/PR Burgundy Mist, a Levenger True Writer w/MB British Racing Green, and my Pelikan M200 w/Pelikan Royal Blue.

[pigpogm]

I hope I am posting this in the right (write?) spot.

 

Not really, Elizabeth, but I doubt anyone will mind if I have a stab at answering here anyway. (It probably should really have been a new topic in either the Parker forum or Repairs. I know some places don't like people starting too many new topics, but that doesn't seem to be the case here on FPN.) I should probably point out that I'm no expert, just bouncing back what I've learned here myself, and I stand to be corrected if any experts jump in and call me an idiot

 

The first question is to see if it's a Vacumatic or an Aerometric. Vacumatics have a screw-off section near the end of the barrel, at the opposite end to the nib - maybe an inch from the end. Aerometrics don't have that, and there's no break in the barrel until the shiny "clutch ring" that the cap grips on to.

 

If it's a Vacumatic, it may well not work - they don't love being left, and the rubber can deteriorate. May be best to get it passed on to someone to service. Someone else can probably tell you better than I can how to test it, but basically, you dip the nib, and pump the button on top. Emptying it is less fun.

 

If it's an Aerometric (and it most likely is - there were more of them), the barrel should unscrew reasonably easily, showing the filler - a rubber sac in a case, with a push-bar to squish it for filling. Some here will say that any pen should be serviced after being left for years, but I wouldn't worry too much about an aerometric 51 - they're sturdy things, and it will probably work fine after a good flushing.

 

Flush it thoroughly with lots of water, until it runs almost clear. When it's coming reasonably clear, it might be worth wrapping it in some tissue (so you don't redecorate), and 'flick' ink out through the nib - hold it nib outwards, and use a flicking motion to 'throw' the water out through the nib. Usually this will get some more ink out of the collector. Try not to let go at an unfortunate moment - it would be unfortunate.

 

Once it's reasonably clean, fill and go. Most fountain pen inks will probably work just fine. Some people say that some inks don't work so well in some 51s - I think OldGriz says some are problematic with Noodler's, for example. It's not a set rule, though - I've got an Aerometric 51 that works just great with Noodler's.

 

Then, just enjoy your pen - you don't get much line variation with a 51, but they're wonderfully reliable pens, and very easy to use and get on with. Have fun!

 

:bunny1:

[gylyf]

Old-school blue M400, with the cap from an M215, the cap insert with engraved Pelikan logo from the M400, and a lovely Binderized F nib, with Diamine Prussian Blue. It's a Franpelikenstein... Best,

David

[jd50ae]

M800 and XEZO

[futhark]

At home with a black English Parker 61 with Parker Permanenent Blue in it and a US blue Parker 21 with Waterman South Seas Blue. It's a Parker kind of day.

[Taki]

Parker 51 Cordvran vac with Waterman Havana.

[shalley]

I use the silver pen every day, and I just got the other. I have no clue what they are, but they are my favorites out of many.

Edited January 14, 2007 by shalley

[Maja]

I use the silver pen every day, and I just got the other. I have no clue what they are, but they are my favorites out of many.

Hi shalley,

They look like a Duke 'Mini Torpedo' (top pen) and a Uranus 309 'Silver Ribbon'

(photos and info at Hisnibs.com---no affiliation to seller). I have the 'Mini Torpedo' and it's a nice little writer (I wish it came in a larger size---that finish on the pen is really lovely )

[seymour]

Hi

 

I use a Parker 180 (black ink) and a Waterman Hemisphere (blue ink)

 

Have a good day

 

Chaim

[jd50ae]

I use the silver pen every day, and I just got the other. I have no clue what they are, but they are my favorites out of many.

Gifts from her wonderful and loving and generous husband.

[jd50ae]

Sailor and M800

[helius]

Visconti Wall Street with Aurora Black ink. Still learning to keep the pen in its small sweet spot. :)9 :)9 :)9

[johnr55]

Home office day today-

 

Sheaffer Conaisseur black w/Florida Blue

Sheaffer school pen, fine nib, black Skrip cartridge

Sheaffer Stylist chrome/black, Aurora black

[Taki]

Parker 51 Cordvan Vac with Waterman Havana

Pilot decimo pink with Ryan's Blackberry(Quinberry?) mix.

[Macuser]

Blue Carbonesque VP, filled with Noodlers Midnight Blue.

My boss is flying in from Chicago today for my review, so I needed to bring a "power" pen!

[jd50ae]

Hand Made and M800

[helius]

Conklin Mark Twain Crescent with PR Sonic Blue. :)9 :)9 :)9

[guitarman19853]

i'm carrying with me today:

Danitrio Tactical Carry II with Noodler's Aircorp Blue-Black

Waterman Phileas with Waterman Florida Blue

Lamy Safari with Noodler's Red-Black