I have just acquired a second hand Raw Ebonite Danitrio Mikado . Despite numerous flushings the section/nib area has an unpleasant musty smell similar to that of wet clothes that have not been dried properly.
I suspect that the section has some mould in it as a result of some improper handling in the past. Perhaps the pen has been stored while wet.
Usually I would put some biocide in the ultrasonic cleaner and give the section and nib a good clean but as the section is ebonite I am wondering whether there are any known dangers in this plan?
As always any assistance from the learned would be greatly appreciated.
Jim
Full Version: Stinky Nib/Section
Hi Jim,
Beyond the possibility that the section would perhaps and even likely turn the familiar streaky brown/olive colour of so many old BHR pens I shouldn't think there is too much danger in sticking it in a u/s cleaner
However with the BHR/ebonite being new you might get away with it but then again......... U/v would possibly kill any mold but then that can oxidize BHR as well and at the strength you get where you are sunlight wouldn't mess about so that is perhaps not such a good idea. ( where is the emoticon for hiding behind the sofa and looking over the top so I can dodge when Jim throws something)
Seriously though, you could try knocking the feed and nib out and giving them a u/s cycle or two with biocide and clean the inside of the section bore and butt end with the biocide on a cotton bud or similar clean it and leave it for 24 hours and do it again and leave it and then use an 'in the ink' biocide in the ink for a while, (I can't remember what it is called but I think Giovanni and a few other people sell one) would sort it out, it has worked on an Onoto #8 that I have, all that smells of now is ink.
BTW wet newish ebonite has a smell of its own and it could perhaps be that then leaving it disassembled to air for a while might be all it needs
Best of luck,
Cheers, John
Beyond the possibility that the section would perhaps and even likely turn the familiar streaky brown/olive colour of so many old BHR pens I shouldn't think there is too much danger in sticking it in a u/s cleaner
However with the BHR/ebonite being new you might get away with it but then again......... U/v would possibly kill any mold but then that can oxidize BHR as well and at the strength you get where you are sunlight wouldn't mess about so that is perhaps not such a good idea. ( where is the emoticon for hiding behind the sofa and looking over the top so I can dodge when Jim throws something)
Seriously though, you could try knocking the feed and nib out and giving them a u/s cycle or two with biocide and clean the inside of the section bore and butt end with the biocide on a cotton bud or similar clean it and leave it for 24 hours and do it again and leave it and then use an 'in the ink' biocide in the ink for a while, (I can't remember what it is called but I think Giovanni and a few other people sell one) would sort it out, it has worked on an Onoto #8 that I have, all that smells of now is ink.
BTW wet newish ebonite has a smell of its own and it could perhaps be that then leaving it disassembled to air for a while might be all it needs
Best of luck,
Cheers, John
Thanks John. Great advice as usual.
The U/S cleaner with a dash of ammonia brought out a load of mucky looking old ink. Hopefully mission accomplished and no visible ebonite damage.
The U/S cleaner with a dash of ammonia brought out a load of mucky looking old ink. Hopefully mission accomplished and no visible ebonite damage.
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