I'm repairing my first vacuum filler and have a question regarding piston washer size. Barrel ID at section end is .385, then decreases to .372 and tapers down to .365 at the packing end of the barrel. Vintage pens.com says to make the washer 25/64 (.390), which seems a little big to me but thought I should ask before I make punch so I only make it once.

Thanks
Dave

I've done a couple with a piece of 8mm(I think) tubing from some old pen kits that were sitting around. They work fairly well...once

Have you tried the packing end yet. That's giving me fits!

Thanks,
Don

Hi Dave,

Remember that the washer will be cupped (dish-shaped) after it's tightened on the piston head, so it will effectively be a bit smaller than the cut size. It needs to be just slightly larger than .372 and smaller than .385 (at the step inside the barrel) when it's cupped.

You might ask Francis Goosens (fountainbel on FPN) what size his punches cut. I've used the small and medium sized punches and whatever size they cut works in every Vac-Fil I've come across.

Cheers,
Tom

I need to find someone who wants to fix mine. But... first I'd like to know how you get the plunger out. I believe I've read that the pointed black piece you see when you look in the bottom of the pen barrel screws out. But if it does how do you get at it to unscrew it? I think a tweezers would be a bit large.

Okay... I think you mean the top of the barrel and are talking about the piston head, which is a small cylindrical piece with a conical tip that sits at the nib end of the rod. Sound right?

If so, this actually comes out the front (nib end) of the barrel as part of the rod assembly. First, the blind cap is removed, then if it's a triumph nib the nib and collet are removed (nib and sleeve if it's an open nib). Once the nib end of the barrel is open completely, the whole rod unit just pushes out from the back (blind cap) end. The piston head, piston washer, and backing washer stay attached to the rod. I would suggest not trying to remove the piston head while the rod is in the pen.

Hope that wasn't too confusing...

LZG - If you're looking for someone to work on your Vac-Fil, PM me...

Cheers,
Tom