QUOTE(Methersgate14 @ Sep 4 2007, 04:18 PM) [snapback]363462[/snapback]
I'd be very grateful for advice on how to treat this beautiful, delicate, thing!
My level of know how is confined to replacing sacs on lever pens - I've read the Vacumatic pages in Dubiel, and they are well over my head!
To start at the beginning, how do I tell if it is working?
I'd recommend that any pen bought from a non-dealer ("in the wild" or off eBay) be sent to a reputable restorer for a general check up and new diapragm. General cost is about $35.
There are many folks right here on FPN that could help you, and I'm certain many people will reply with their own recommendations. As for me, I recommend either:
Tom Mullane (FPN ID is OldGriz):
http://www.myfavoritepen.com/Repair.htmlOr:
Rick Horne (a.k.a. The Southern Scribe):
http://www.thesouthernscribe.com/There, again, are many more (i.e. - Ron Zorn of Main Street Pens -
http://mainstreetpens.com/ - definately comes to mind), but my two recommendations are from people I've dealt with and gotten to know. I do hear, however, that Ron is excellent. I just have not used his services (yet!).
Rick has done a lot of my pens, but Tom is a great guy too and will likely get to it faster.
To tell if your pen is working:
1. Unscrew and remove the cap on the end of the barrell.
2. Immerse the nib and half the section completely in ink (use water for testing or flushing). Depress the filler plunger making sure not to remove the nib or section from the ink.
3. Pause a moment (count slowly to five) at the top of each stroke.
4. Repeat 7 or 8 times or until you see no more bubbles on the down stroke.
5. Wipe excess ink from the point with an absorbent cloth, paper towel, or tissue.
6. Write away and enjoy.