Difficulty with Waterman Exception

[mbrooke]

I just received my new Waterman Exception Day/Night and am having problems with ink flow. About 90% of the time, when I start writing, the pen will skip the first stroke. For example, if I draw a line, about the first quarter to half an inch won't have ink. But once it starts, it gives a very wet line with no breaks. If I stop, take the pen away from the paper and then start again, it will usually do the same thing. What would cause this problem? Is there anything to try before sending it back or replacing the nib?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[petra]

Maybe you should post this in the Waterman forum to see if you get a few more responses... Exceptions are such great pens, I hate to hear anyone having trouble!

 

You rinsed the nib and the converter, right? I think there are several factors that can cause a skipping on the initial touch down strokes... like "baby bottom," or the tiny space between the tines needs an adjustment, or sometimes the space between the nib and the feed isn't exactly right. Any of these things can hinder the ink's initial attraction to the paper. Unfortunately there are others who are better than I am, at explaining any of those ailments.

 

I have 10 Waterman pens including an Exception & I've rarely had problems with any of them. However my secret voodoo is using a Waterman Florida blue cartridge as temporary medicine. After one cartridge, I go back to the converter. It seems to solve most problems. I have no idea why.

 

If the problem doesn't clear up quickly, I'd send the pen to Waterman service center with an explanation of the problem. I've always had excellent experiences with them.

 

Petra

[marklavar]

99% of these problems are cured by very thoroughly cleaning out the nib and feed with lukewarm water before usage. Sometimes new pens need to be 'broken into' before they start behaving properly - one of the joys and sorrows of using fountain pens I'm afraid.

[kissing]

Could you also tell us what ink you're using? Sometimes it's not the pen that's the problem but the ink. If you're using Waterman ink, there shouldn't be much problems though

 

Also, have you tried writing with the pen on different papers? Sometimes the problem is the paper as well