Repairers and tinkerers of the FPN, I come seeking advice.

How are pen-repair tools best stored when not used?

I keep my stuff like graphite powder, files, tweezers, knives, shellac flakes, sanding-paper, magnifiers and loupes stored in a convenient little toolbox that I've had for years. I trust that's sufficient storage?

My main concern is my shellac solution (Shellac-flakes mixed with methylated spirits). It's stored in an old glass ink-bottle with a plastic lid with a hole drilled in the lid to slip the brush through. When not in use, the bottle sits on my desk, cap screwed on tight and the brush in the hole, hopefully plugging it securely.

I'm worried about the solution possibly evaporating or of the methylated spirits & shellac flakes parting company. If the bottle is sealed properly, will any of that happen? Is there anything else I should know about storing shellac-solution? It's just that I haven't found a pen to repair for about a month now, and I don't want something to happen to my stuff while it's not being used.

For storing shellac at the bench, a small bottle with a brush in the lid works best, such as a nail polish bottle. Dump out the nail polish, clean everything very well with acetone to remove any remaining polish and you have the perfect bottle. It'll stay sealed well enough that the contents will last months without needing to thin it at all. Cut a piece of stiff foam to fit around the bottom to keep it from spilling if you're worried about knocking it over.

Ron, why dump out perfectly good nail polish? I'd think neon pink would look good on you.

My wife wondered where that nail polish bottle got off to

Hahahahahahahah!!!

Thanks very much for that extremely helpful and humorus reply, Ron!! If I can secure such a bottle without incurring the wrath of my mother, I will do so as soon as possible!

The question becomes one of whether or not YOU are willing to walk into the store and buy a bottle of cheap nail polish, or will you have a girlfriend or your mother buy it for you.

It's occasionally quite amusing to buy odd things.
For some reason, once, we'd forgotten to buy a few essentials & I had to get them. They consisted of bread, butter & tinned catfood in gravy. I said to the cashier 'Delicious sandwiches', and couldn't help laughing when she turned green.

Regards

Richard.