Lamy AL-star Instructions

[wiz561]

Hi,

 

I finally broke down and decided to get a fountain pen. After reading some reviews, it seems like this is a good beginner pen, and that is why I purchased it.

 

One thing I don't like about the pen is that mine did not come with any instructions. Do fountain pens normally come with something that explains how to use and maintain the pen?

 

My next question is a little related to the above. I didn't use my pen for about two weeks, and now it will write but then the ink will stop flowing. If I put the cap on and tap the pen, it will start writing again, but stop shortly after. I'm thinking that maybe some ink has dried in the nib and prevents the ink from flowing now. I've seen a number of web pages that talk about taking the nib out and cleaning it, but can you do this with an AL-Star? If so, how do you remove the nib?

 

Thanks for any help!

[Malcolm]

I would say generally your pen will not come with instructions, unless it uses some sort of non-standard or innovative filling mechanism. Fountain pens are generally simple enough that people either know how they work or can find out with a brief google search.

 

Did you have any specific questions about how to maintain or use your Lamy? As to the last question you asked, it is probably true that the pen dried up a little. I'd think just writing a page or so with it would get it flowing back to normal but if you find this isn't the case, just use the converter (assuming you bought one) and draw water in and expel it out of the pen until the water runs clear. If you think you might have a particularly nasty problem you could leave it set for a bit. The nib is pretty simple to take off but I don't think you need to do anything that drastic in this case.

Edited March 17, 2009 by Malcolm

[Ondina]

Are you using a good quality ink? I've had pens inked for moths without any problem at all. Now, on how to clean a Lamy, the nib unit should be cleaned under running lukewarm running and then, if needed, soaked with a drop of dishwasher or household ammonia overnight, then rinsed again. It should get rid of your problems.

I would advice to stick to makers of inks that are in the business for centuries and know what they make and sell. That avoids problems and giving up on the use of Fpens of new users. Lamys are great pens, but in general, the more you use the pen, the better it will behave.

 

For nib removal in an All-Star, step-by-step instructions here:

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/On...o015eMedium.jpg

 

 

Hi,

 

I finally broke down and decided to get a fountain pen. After reading some reviews, it seems like this is a good beginner pen, and that is why I purchased it.

 

One thing I don't like about the pen is that mine did not come with any instructions. Do fountain pens normally come with something that explains how to use and maintain the pen?

 

My next question is a little related to the above. I didn't use my pen for about two weeks, and now it will write but then the ink will stop flowing. If I put the cap on and tap the pen, it will start writing again, but stop shortly after. I'm thinking that maybe some ink has dried in the nib and prevents the ink from flowing now. I've seen a number of web pages that talk about taking the nib out and cleaning it, but can you do this with an AL-Star? If so, how do you remove the nib?

 

Thanks for any help!

[bphollin]

Welcome, Wiz! Nice choice of pen. My Al-Star didn't come with care instructions, either. Lamy's website instructions are very basic, though. Here's a link: http://www.lamyusa.com/fountainpens2.html

 

If there is dried ink in the pen section (the triangular grip section that unscrews from the body), you can soak it in water with a tiny amount of dishsoap or in a VERY mild ammonia solution. Ear syringes are quite good at flushing out Al-Stars, too--just put the syringe where you'd insert the ink cartridge and pump water through until it comes clear. If you know you won't be using your pen for a long amount of time, it is best to empty and clean it before storage.

 

Lamy nibs are quite easy to remove. Mine comes off just by pulling on it. There are a few threads here on FPN that explain how to get a nib off.

 

Hope this helps!

[EventHorizon]

I think I have instructions at home from when I bought my first Al-Star and if so, I will scan and send to you. Here is a link to LAMY's web site for care of your pen. I would recommend removing and cleaning the nib with a good soak in hot water out of the faucet. New nibs could still have manufacturing residues (i.e. oils) on them which will mess up the flow. Another option would be using some dental floss between the tines to make sure there are no particles. Lastley, and this is my opinion only, try actual LAMy ink. I have since day one about 15 years ago and have no complaints.

 

Oh Yea, Welcome to the FPN!!

Edited March 17, 2009 by EventHorizon

[kudzu]

With any of my pens, not just my Lamy Al-Star, if I know there's ink in the pen but it's balky because maybe I haven't used it in the last several days (oh, no! ), I'll just quickly dip the nib in some water and that's enough to moisten the feed right up so the ink flows without any problems from there.

[coldman]

Another option would be using some dental floss between the tines to make sure there are no particles.

Most dental floss is much wider than the space between the tines, waxed, and perfectly happy to fray in a narrow space. I don't think your nib will appreciate it.