Hi All -

I'm interested in participating in the ink exchange program - and I'd also like to be able to share ink with other writing mates. Would somebody kindly point me in the direction of the member who has all the vials? I found another thread (dating back to '04) where it appeared that Dillo was the "vial person" ... is that still the case? And if not, is there a good source for buying vials directly from the manufacturer.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Once I've sorted out my "vial" issues I'll post the inks I have to swap.

Cheers,

FrenchConnex

Dillo still has the vials.

Or, if you want a small number of vials, with ink in them, you could order
one of the Pear Tree Pens samplers --- four different colors of ink, and
keep the vials after you use the ink. You can pick either the basic bottles
or bottles with eyedroppers with the program. I got the basic version
and used the Write Fill syringe to get the ink out of them.

I second the Pear Tree route - have your vials and ink too! If you only use pistons though, it's tough to impossible to fill with the small amount you get, but you can always dip. The sample amount is enough for a couple cartridge fills so you can try the ink in a couple different pens. Snorks, eyedroppers, c/c's with syringe all work great with the sampler.

Can also order bigger vials (probably 2x bigger) I like a lot at:

Item: 12 STC-5
Description: 12-5 dram screw top vials with caps.
Item Total: $6.99
Pilotvials.com

Thanks for the replies everybody ... I'm off to take a look at the Pear Tree vials.

I did connect with Dillo - the smaller vials are on the way in the interim.

FrenchConnex

A temporary workaround is to use a bag sealer.



Next you get small disposable plastic bags and seal the bag with ink sample at 45 degrees angle. This way your piston pens is able to suck out all the ink in the bag.

The sealer is a useful tool. Among its many uses such as resealing potato chips bags, I use it to seal my mobile to keep it waterproof. Or seal shampoo in little bags for short trips.

Absolutely brilliant - now I have a viable use for the thing - thanks!!

Mike

Those vials Dillo has work great. I bought 50 of them. Besides shipping ink samples, I also use them for my custom mixed inks and also to ship nibs or nib/sections. I had a few leakage problems at first until I learned the proper way to screw the caps on. (It's easy to screw them on such that they are slightly crooked and don't seal). Now I have zero leaks.

Ooh - the Pear Tree sampler is tempting - very tempting. But I'll refrain until the vials get here. Love the bag sealer idea - wish I had one, but the investment wouldn't seem warranted just for ink. Then again ... the things I'll do to feed my habit.