J Bar For Flat Top?

[chad.trent]

I have a jade flat top in the smaller size that needs a new J bar. Can anyone tell me where to find one?

 

This is what it looks like (this isn't my actual pen, but same model/size).

 

http://vacumania.com/websitesalespics/pen3613sm.jpg

[kirchh]

A minor terminological quibble. A "J bar" is a pressure bar of a particular (simple, cheap, and not very effective) design; it's shaped roughly like a 'J'. Better pens had pressure bars of more sophisticated design to ensure more complete sac deflation and thus filling, as in the case of your Sheaffer.

 

--Daniel

[lahlahlaw]

I get my supplies from fountainpensacs.com, their service is excellent and the prices are very fair. The J-bars are just under $5 I believe.

[chad.trent]

A minor terminological quibble. A "J bar" is a pressure bar of a particular (simple, cheap, and not very effective) design; it's shaped roughly like a 'J'. Better pens had pressure bars of more sophisticated design to ensure more complete sac deflation and thus filling, as in the case of your Sheaffer.

 

--Daniel

I always thought pressure bars were for button fillers and crescent fillers and things like that. I've never seen a lever filler with anything but a j bar (which is what came out of the one I have). But I'll admit I'm far from an expert on the subject.

Edited August 28, 2014 by chad.trent

[kirchh]

I always thought pressure bars were for button fillers and crescent fillers and things like that. I've never seen a lever filler with anything but a j bar (which is what came out of the one I have). But I'll admit I'm far from an expert on the subject.

 

"Pressure bar" (or "presser bar," per some period documents) covers the whole class of components responsible for mechanically evacuating a sac, regardless of the type of actuation (lever, button, crescent, etc.). As noted, a J bar is a particular design of a pressure bar; it is a simple, one-piece item that does a poor job of emptying the sac. Better pens did not have J bars, and your Sheaffer is no exception. I'm surprised you've never seen a lever filler with anything but a J bar, given that no top-tier pen of which I am aware came equipped with one from the maker (though I am not an expert on all makes).

 

--Daniel

[kirchh]

Here's an example of a piece of Sheaffer literature showing their designation of the element under discussion:

 

http://home.comcast.net/~kirchh/Misc/Sheaffer_Cutaway_Diagram_Detail.jpg

 

--Daniel

[chad.trent]

Okay. Not trying to argue. Just trying to learn.

 

So looking at the source mentioned earlier... http://fountainpensacs.com/j_and__pressure_bars.html

 

Mine looks like the one on the right. Is that what I need?

 

I've restored (mostly resaccing and some cosmetic work) probably 40 Esterbrooks, several Sheaffer lever fillers, some snorkels, etc., so this isn't my first rodeo. But, I've never had to replace a j/pressure bar in anything but an Esterbrook.

Edited August 28, 2014 by chad.trent

[kirchh]

The style on the right is designed for lever-fillers. You'll need to do a little measuring to determine which length is best, and some trimming (and smoothing) might be needed for a correct fit. Note that this type of pressure bar will produce a flip-over lever, as there is no detent to stop the lever in the vertical position.

 

--Daniel