Hemisphere Flow(?) Issue

[Comptine]

Hi guys, I'm fairly new to FPs, but I've recently acquired a few.

 

I really like the feel of my new Hemisphere. However, there is a teensy issue I seem to be having with it, it takes like a second for the flow to get going. I mean, when I put the pen on the paper and start writing it doesn't 'write' instantly which results in half of the first letter missing, but is fine for the rest of the word because of my joint writing. But it can do the same thing with the next word.

 

Hopefully this description of my problem made sense to someone.

 

I tried searching the forums without luck, but the again, I could be using the wrong keywords. The ink is Waterman South Seas blue (I understand the ink might sometimes be the culprit)

 

I would greatly appreciate some advice,

 

Regards.

[anra]

Hi

 

Two things come to my mind:

 

1) How long does the pen stay uncapped before you start writing? Some inks/pens tend to dry faster resulting in 'slow start' if left uncapped or unused for longer periods.

 

2) Have you tried flushing the pen with water that you added drop or two of dishwashing liquid? It sounds like there might be oil residue from manufacturing.

[Comptine]

1) How long does the pen stay uncapped before you start writing? Some inks/pens tend to dry faster resulting in 'slow start' if left uncapped or unused for longer periods.

 

2) Have you tried flushing the pen with water that you added drop or two of dishwashing liquid? It sounds like there might be oil residue from manufacturing.

 

 

Hey, thanks for the advice.

I don't believe I leave them uncapped for long, I think the issue is more that the ink isn't fed fast enough, because it writes fine for a bit, then sort of starts to give me a hard time.

 

I haven't tried the washing up liquid thing though, I will definitely try that!

 

Cheers

[RMN]

Are you by any chance using a converter? These tend to give some flow problems. (because of the airbubbles in the ink being trapped the ink does not flow freely)

 

D.ick

[Comptine]

Yes! I'm using a converter. Is there a solution to that (apart from the obvious to not use a converter)

 

Greatly appreciate all the help guys

[RMN]

First, for diagnostic purposes, put a long Waterman cartridge in and start writing with that. Blue or blueblack. (I don't know the new fancy names) These inks are well behaved.

 

If this solves the problem, you know the converter is at fault. If the pen still skips, it probably is the feed/nib combination.

 

D.ick

[Comptine]

Little update:

 

I put in the cartridge that came with the pen and that gave me the same flow issues.

 

I then proceeded to do a washing up liquid cleaning thing, and that seems to have improved the flow quite substantially. I occasionally have no ink when I try to go really fast, but I don't think that's an issue, because I don't normally write that fast.

 

I will do the cleaning a few more times to see if it solves the problem entirely.

 

Thanks for the help.

[DavyJones]

You can fix the converter issue by opening the pen up, holding it nib up, gently flicking the converter a few times so the bubbles rise to the top, and then screwing the converter plunger down a bit just until ink starts to come from the tip. This will essentially prime the system and you should get better writing.

 

If you flush it out and it's still acting as such, it sounds like your nib might have baby's bottom. That issue is a bit more complicated to fix.

[Ernst Bitterman]

 

If you flush it out and it's still acting as such, it sounds like your nib might have baby's bottom. That issue is a bit more complicated to fix.

 

Agreement. Given that it happens with every word, but not mid-word, it's very likely indeed. It's something that does require a VERY LITTLE grinding to correct.

 

http://dirck.delint.ca/beta/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/drawbaby-1024x555.jpg

[esteroids]

I've used Hemis a lot over the years, with stock, Preface and Kaweco 1.1 nibs and never had a flow problem with converters. I agree it's either a clogged feed or a previous owner over-smoothing the nib.

 

The feed on modern Watermans hold a lot of ink; usual squeeze bulb flushing doesn't always do it. The nib/feed pull straight out for a thorough cleaning. Please don't try to unscrew the feed. Rather, soak and then pull while very slightly wiggling.

 

Overworking a tip on a padded buffing stick or square pad will cause baby's bottom, and show these exact symptoms. The drawing above is a very good explanation. The cure is to do some more grinding/polishing to remove the excess tipping material. I've seen some decent videos on this. Try googling for it or see here for Brown's fix.

[Comptine]

Thank you all for the tips. I did try the washing up liquid thing, and the 'letting out air bubbles' thing too.

 

I guess that leaves the baby's bottom problem then.

 

Thank you so much for the help, this community is great.