The section of one of my Esties is quite loose. What can I use to tighten it up a bit? I understand that it is supposed to be friction fit. I have heard I can use silicon grease. Is this something I can find at the hardware store?

Thanks!

Silicon grease won't make the section ftay in place or tighten up the fit.

Two possibilities - one, a shim of paper, or two application of a little shellac. The shellac will dry and 'glue' the section in place. It can be released again when necessary with heat. The paper doesn't take anything to release, but you need to be careful in choosing a slip of paper that is thin /small enough so that it doesn't stress the barrel to much resulting in a possible crack.

Of course, you could also always loo for a replacement section.

Regards,

Gerry

Orange Shelac from Tryphon or Pendemonium it will hold it in place and when you get ready to re-sac, a little heat from a hairdryer will make it let go.

I picked up some shellac so I will work on it when I get home. They only had it in quarts, but perhaps my hubby can use it for something later, as he does home repair and remodeling.

I prefer a slightly different method ...

I use shellac, but not as a glue. Apply a thin coating of shellac to the section and allow it to dry. After it has dried completely, try inserting the section into the pen body. If it is still loose, apply another coat of shellac, allow to dry and test the fit again. After a few coats of shellac, the section should once again be a snug fit and the pen body/section will not be glued together.

Todd

This is what I am going to do. I do not want it to be "glued" in place.

Also, what is the purpose of applying talc/powder to the sac? I'm thinking I should go ahead and do this before sealing that section.

Talc keeps the sac from sticking to the inner walls of the pen, sac stabilizer and jbar. It is a good idea to apply a heavy dusting of PURE talc to the sac. Do not use baby powders, etc because they contain stuff that can attack the sac and shorten its life. If you don't have pure talc available, it is better to use nothing at all.

Hope this helps.....

Todd

The Shellac idea is good.

I also make shims out of aluminum soft-drink cans.

If you are going to take after an Estie section with shellac do what the other Todd indicates and use it to build up the section, not glue it in place.

Also check the threads for a break.

The other Todd

Yay! A touch of shellac did the trick. Thanks a bushel!