Twsbi Announces A Vac Mini Is In The Works

[Sallent]

TWSBI has once again stunned the FP world by announcing that they are working on a new Vac Mini. The pen is similar in looks to the TWSBI Mini, but with a vacuum filler mechanism inside, and a very interesting cap design. We don't yet know the release date for the Vac Mini, nor the price point, but Speedy says that the pen is in the works and the tooling is being created for it.

 

Here are the pictures TWSBI provided.

 

http://fpgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/twsbi_vac_mini_fountain_pen_concept.jpg

 

The white one with the red rubber rings is a beauty. I hope they release one in this color. It would sell well.

 

http://fpgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/twsbi_vac_mini_fountain_pen_concept_comparison.jpg

 

As you can see, it is much smaller than the full sized Vac 700, and has threads in the back to screw the cap to the end of the barrel, just like the TWSBI Mini. I can't wait for this pen to be released, but since it's a TWSBI, it could be a long time before we see it.

[hanryy]

I wonder if the blind cap must still be untightened a bit to allow for ink flow. The ink shut off valve in the Vac 700s is a great selling point, but might not be such a good idea when the cap posts via a screw.

[Harlequin]

I think those threads on the end are just "mock up" type of stuff. I am betting that will be evaluated along with many other parts. Of course, even if it remains, it's not like it would be hugely different from the way the cap posts on the Vac700 right now. Once the shut off is disengaged, the knob can turn freely and there is nothing happens.

[Sallent]

Or maybe there won't be a shut off valve in this one and the threads stay. Who knows. I think we will have to wait on Speedy to tell us before we know the answer to that.

 

What I can say is that the shut off valve feature on the Vac 700 is easily disabled without altering the way the filler system functions, so if TWSBI wanted to, it would be a simple matter to simply not include the shut off valve on this one without having to make any changes to the vacuum filler mechanism they've designed (I'm assuming the vac system in the Vac Mini is a shorter version of the mechanism in the Vac 700.)

[J.R.]

The reply I got from Speedy says that this pen is just in the first phase of R&D, and is many months from actual production. He also said they were considering offering a variety of colors.

 

I specifically asked if they would consider offering gold-plate on the furniture vice chrome, and he said it could be a possibility. Personally, I really like the matching faceted barrel and cap shown on this pen compared to the Mini I currently own, but that's really just cosmetics.

 

Considering how often I pick up my Mini now, I would probably stand in line to get one of these.

 

Take Care,

J.R.

[mirosc]

Considering the size of this pen I wonder if the vacuum created is strong enough to fill the pen completely or if it will be only about half of it (like it is with other small vac fillers like the Tuckaway).

[Sallent]

Considering the size of this pen I wonder if the vacuum created is strong enough to fill the pen completely or if it will be only about half of it (like it is with other small vac fillers like the Tuckaway).

 

Seeing that the section looks to be the same as on the Vac 700, my guess is that you'd be able to connect it to a TWSBI Vac 20 bottle for a full fill.

[speedy]

The shut off valve function is still there, and we will refine the design to make it easier to turn on and off. There will be space between cap inside wall and blind cap; so they won't touch each other when posting. Of course the shut off valve still can be easily removed if you desire to do so.

 

Mirosc, great about the volume of the vacuum, did not think about it before, will try to run a test. But in worst case Vac 20 bottle will provide solution of full fill. (Sallent, thanks.)

[amberleadavis]

I think it will be very cool.

[inotrym]

It looks so cool!! Perfect match to the current mini. Stick to that design!!

 

And please don't give up on those red rings.

I read on the facebook page about the problem with the rotring red rings, but does it really matter?

I mean is the red ring trademarked or something? would it be illegal to use it?

 

Any chances it hits the market within the first half of 2014?

[Harlequin]

Thanks for chiming in Speedy! I don't know if this is your first post to the new Chinese & ROC pens subforum or not, but yiou gotta know TWSBI is a MAJOR reason it came into existence!

[saskia_madding]

My beef with the Vacs have always been the step between the grip and the barrel. It doesn't look like that exists in the mock up, so count me enthusiastically in! Especially if it comes in that white/demo/chrome colour combo.

[LuisAAbrilRomero]

Drool!!!

[Heliotrope]

 

I definitely love the white with red accents in the photo! Hope that works out.

[myn]

Love the looks of this pen and I'm with "saskia_madding," I'm very glad to see that large step gone in this prototype. A large step like that between the barrel and the stem is so uncomfortable for me as it seems to be positioned right where my fingers grip the pen. Love this concept.

[N2theBreach]

Speedy,

 

This topic reminds me, again, how impressed I am that you actively engage your customers when developing your pens. It's a business model that I'd like to see used more often. I think it builds a user/manufacturer relationship and brand loyalty that other companies can only envy.

 

Thanks.

[coffeetoofull]

I noticed that the threads on the proposed new Mini Vac seem larger and would take less twisting to take the cap on and off the barrel. I think that is a very thoughtful idea. I'm always twisting and posting my TWSBI Minis, which takes time and effort. Franklin-Chrstoph successfully used the larger and/also fewer threads on a few of his models. I look forward to purchasing, at least, one of these new pens. Pocket Pens, which offer a reasonable capacity of ink, are making a big splash in the pen world, today.

Best Writings To You, coffeetoofull

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

I think it's very nice. Maybe I'll get one when it comes out.

 

Dillon

[RLTodd]

Really rather they had done a Mini lever or button filler.

 

After getting a 700 Vac, I find it is a bit fiddly as I previously commented. I can see why Sheaffer evolved from them to the touch downs and kept the lever fillers in the line.

[ravantra]

I really like the Vac and the Mini. Combining them seem like a good idea.

 

As far as "TWSBI stunning the FP world" well maybe a bit of hyperbole.