What To Do With A Dry Nib?

[tinto]

I looked for similar topics to avoid duplicating issues, but I'm not even sure if I understand the FP terminology, so here I go.

 

I have a F nib from my first Lamy Safari. It is the smoother nib I have, just paired by a B one. Nonetheless, it leaves a very 'pale' line. Actually, for many tasks I even prefer using an EF nib because the line is so light, and the F is relegated to black inks. I suppose it's dryness, but probably I'm wrong.

 

I'm thinking on get a Goulet's tuning kit to fix a couple of scratchy nibs and I'd like to know: 1. what happens with my 'dry' nib? 2. being the smoothest I have, is it fixable?

 

Below is an example of this difference. Same pen and ink, just changed the nibs.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

[FOUR X FOUR]

The brass shims should help

[welch]

- Try flushing the pen, starting with a few gulps of 1:10 ammonia:water, or Dr. Richard Binder's JB's pen flush.

 

- Then let the pen sit nib down in a glass of plain water overnight. Let the water just cover the need and feed.

 

- Don't try bending the times unless you are experienced, or willing to waste a few pens as you practice. Also get a good magnfier or loupe. Something a jeweler would use.

 

- Also: don't "abraid" the tip unless you know what you're doing, and you're sure that's the problem.

 

I've had good luck with complicated pens -- Parker 51s -- by removing the hood and soaking in plain water. Then writing with the ink a P-51 wants: vintage Parker Quink with Solv-X...the ink that cleans as you write.

 

Lamy US used to have terrific service. Bob Nurin, their fountain pen repair specialist, was / is as good as you'll find. And it was free, except for some postage. Nib specialists usually charge $20, give or take a bit, for a simple tune. Check the price before you send the pen.

 

Now that I think of it, Lamy sells replacement nibs and sections for about $15

[TheRealScubaSteve]

Lamy pens are pretty dry from the factory. Running a brass shim through the nib tines will make it wetter, but may also make the line wider particularly if you are writing on poor quality and absorbent paper.

 

I'm unclear about exactly what your issue is. Do you want a darker line (that could be fixed by different ink), smoother writing (fixed by wetter ink or a wetter nib), or more ink on the page? E/F nibs will most always feel more scratchy and leave lighter lines than a broader nib.

 

Inks such as Noodler's 54th Massachusetts and Bad Belted Kingfisher will write significantly darker in finer pens than broader ones.

 

Also, R&K Salix is one of the driest inks out there.

Edited May 25, 2015 by TheRealScubaSteve

[FOUR X FOUR]

Wow, that was great advice. Makes me want to delete mine

[FOUR X FOUR]

Wow, that was great advice. Makes me want to delete mine

[FOUR X FOUR]

Wow, that was great advice. Makes me want to delete mine

[the_gasman]

Wow, that was great advice. Makes me want to delete mine

If you post that one more time it would have a certain resonance: FOUR X FOUR X FOUR

 

Sorry about the sense of humour.

I'll get my coat.

Edited May 25, 2015 by the_gasman

[beanbag]

look for an ink that is called "wet" with "high saturation".

[tinto]

Thank you for your help!

 

welch, my plan is exactly not to touch the nib unless I have any idea what I'm doing I know Lamy nibs are cheap (curiously, they are cheaper in Chile than in the States), but I taking this as the opportunity to learn to tune the nibs by myself. Also, the fine not-fine nib is the only black one I have.

 

TheRealScubaSteve, I used Salix because it is more evident in the scanned image, but this issue happens also with wetter inks, like R&K Verdura or Waterman Havanna, and slightly evident with black inks. I'm looking for a darker line (I suppose it means more ink, isn't?), and actually I get a darker one with my EF nibs using the same pen.

 

Regards.

[tryphon]

Before you do anything (especially with abrasives!!), please read this:

 

http://www.newpentrace.net/articleGA04.html

[tinto]

Before you do anything (especially with abrasives!!), please read this:

 

http://www.newpentrace.net/articleGA04.html

 

Interesting link. Good thing is I have lots of film negatives. Just have to get a good loupe.

[dspeers58]

Before you do anything (especially with abrasives!!), please read this:

 

http://www.newpentrace.net/articleGA04.html

 

Great link, love it. Was going to suggest looking at the nib and feed. This does a great job explaining things!

[Gilberto Castaneda]

Tinto:

 

See this: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/220380-how-to-increase-the-flow-in-lamy-fountain-pens/

 

Pásame tu dirección de correo-e. Para mandarte el artículo con las fotos.

 

Saludos desde México.

 

G

[tinto]

Tinto:

 

See this: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/220380-how-to-increase-the-flow-in-lamy-fountain-pens/

 

Pásame tu dirección de correo-e. Para mandarte el artículo con las fotos.

 

Saludos desde México.

 

G

 

Thank you Gilberto. It's an interesting topic (I remember I read it when the photos were there). But I'm happy with the wetness of my pen, it's just this specific nib which I'd like to fix.

 

Regards.

[Bill Wood]

Before you do anything (especially with abrasives!!), please read this:

 

http://www.newpentrace.net/articleGA04.html

Thanks for posting that Gio. I've got a couple of dry Broads by Bock. I think they're going to be great writers once I get them to flow. I've lifted the tines slightly - but I think I'll have to adjust the gab between the feed and the nib. Pretty stiff nib at the moment.

[akustyk]

One thing I noticed is the effect of humidity on ink flow. In my experience, the use of air conditioning or dehumidifier can hamper flow in all but the wettest of pens.

[Azura]

look for an ink that is called "wet" with "high saturation".

Diamine Midnight blue!

[sidthecat]

I recently bought an Edward Todd ringtop - I filled it with Iroshizuku Yama-Guri last night but I couldn't get it started this morning. The nib and the sac look in good shape but I wonder about the feed. I'll try soaking the assembly tonight.

 

Update: soaked it in plain water for three hours - got a lot of blue ink out of it. Then I refilled it with the Yami-Guri again and it seems much happier.

Edited June 11, 2015 by sidthecat

[dneal]

Thanks for posting that Gio. I've got a couple of dry Broads by Bock. I think they're going to be great writers once I get them to flow. I've lifted the tines slightly - but I think I'll have to adjust the gab between the feed and the nib. Pretty stiff nib at the moment.

 

There should be little to no gap between the nib and the feed.