Folks,

Have any of you got any decent information on tipping methods and materials please?

I am looking into making nib & feed from scratch, but the iridium tip has me stymied

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

BTW - Ron, I found the thing we discussed about multi-start threads & I'll post as soon as possible.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

We had this whole nib tipping discussion not too long ago, but it didn't really come to any resolution. There does not seem to be any easy industrial sources for the right material in the right sizes. I still feel that the most straight forward way to find a source for nib tipping material is to talk to one of the nib meisters that does re-tipping, and ask them where they get it. If they are especially forthcoming, you may also get some information on soldering or welding it on too. Perhaps if you let them know you are interested in experimenting, not taking away any business. If you do find out, please let us in on it.

At last February's LA Pen Show one of the seminars was led by Greg Minuskin. He is a professional watchmaker repairer and does nib work and retipping as well. He described the process and the specialized equipment, i.e., tiny saws, etc., and generally provided a lot of information about nib repair and retipping.

My assessment is that it was:

1. Extremely complex
2. Requires great precision
3. uses dangerously high temperatures
4. Sharp spinning things
5. steady nerves and hand
6. exquisite eyesight

I wouldn't want to discourage you, but it seemed like quite a project.

Andy

Ruaidhrí

You might want to e-mail Bruce Boone. I know he has been tested out a lazer welder to use on his rings but this would also work on the tipping process as well. Here is his web site http://www.boonerings.com/

Alan

Materials - you might find this helpful.

I thought I saw a web site, last year, for a company, maybe German, that sold the arc welder and saws for nib making. I think it was connected to the jewelry business ..... I have very dim recollection of tipping pellets also being offered. I have seen several adds for sheet cold in various alloys also. If your interested enough you can google it all.....

I think the thing is, if you have the talent and skills to do small jewelry, you can manufacture nibs. The problem is many people can learn the skills, they just don't have the talent to do the work.

Thanks for the replies folks - if I get any farther along the line I'll pop in a post.

Cheers,
R