7 replies to this topic

[MG66]

Hello All,

 

I just received my Lamy Al-Star Graphite today with medium nib.  I like the look, feel, weight, etc... but the nib is quite scratchy when writing.  I also have a Safari which was also scratchy "out of the box."  I tried the Safari again today after using the Al-Star and it definitely wasn't as scratchy as the new pen.

 

I only have about a half dozen pens, but none have been scratchy except the Lamys.  Is this a "trait" of the pen?  Does it get better over time, and that's why my slightly older Safari is less noticeably scratchy than my brand new Al-Star?

 

Thanks!

 

edit: the scratchiness is on the upstroke and the right to left stroke

Edited by MG66, 10 November 2017 - 02:23.

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi MG66,

By any chance, do you have a '66 MG?


Unfortunately, it does seem like QC @ Lamy has been slipping a bit lately... as I too have experienced more scratchy nibs lately.

At any rate, it sounds like the tines are out of alignment. You can fix this yourself if you have a loupe and are not arthritic.

Here are a couple of videos on how to fix the problem, (the first one being the simplest, but not always effective method). The third video shows you the proper way to use a loupe. Depending on your budget, you can opt for the Goulet loupe and probably be okay, or get a top grade one from Belarus, (I'll check the brand name later and get back to you - I'm typing this in bed).

Stick with a 10-15x power loupe; less will not be strong enough; more than that will be too distorted.










Or, go with option B and send them back for an exchange/refund.

Btw,

Be well and enjoy life.


- Anthony

[Tadeusz]

If I might add in, I have a BelOMO loupe from Belarus (probably the same company as mentioned by ParkerDuofold)- a phenomenal little thing, very useful and well worth the investment. 

[ParkerDuofold]

If I might add in, I have a BelOMO loupe from Belarus (probably the same company as mentioned by ParkerDuofold)- a phenomenal little thing, very useful and well worth the investment. 

That's the one! Thanks.

- A.C. (P.D.)

[MG66]

Hi MG66,

By any chance, do you have a '66 MG?


Unfortunately, it does seem like QC @ Lamy has been slipping a bit lately... as I too have experienced more scratchy nibs lately.

At any rate, it sounds like the tines are out of alignment. You can fix this yourself if you have a loupe and are not arthritic.

Here are a couple of videos on how to fix the problem, (the first one being the simplest, but not always effective method). The third video shows you the proper way to use a loupe. Depending on your budget, you can opt for the Goulet loupe and probably be okay, or get a top grade one from Belarus, (I'll check the brand name later and get back to you - I'm typing this in bed).

Stick with a 10-15x power loupe; less will not be strong enough; more than that will be too distorted.










Or, go with option B and send them back for an exchange/refund.

Btw,

Be well and enjoy life.


- Anthony

 

Thank you, Anthony!  This helped a lot.  I performed the technique in the first video and saw (felt) a definite improvement.  

 

No, I don't own an MG.  In the very early days of the World Wide Web, I wrote a column on cigars for a gourmet cooking website.  For reasons I'm completely unconscious of, I choose a penname whose initials are "MG".  And '66 is the year of my birth. 

 

Thanks again!

Edited by MG66, 10 November 2017 - 12:25.

[ParkerDuofold]

Thank you, Anthony!  This helped a lot.  I performed the technique in the first video and saw (felt) a definite improvement.  

Thats great news, MG; I'm glad it worked for you. Sometimes it does; sometimes you have to resort to Video #2... it all depends on how severe the misalignment is.


 
No, I don't own an MG.  In the very early days of the World Wide Web, I wrote a column on cigars for a gourmet cooking website.  For reasons I'm completely unconscious of, I choose a penname whose initials are "MG".  And '66 is the year of my birth. 

Ah, that sounds cool. I don't smoke anymore... but I used to enjoy the occasional good cigar.

Don't sweat it... I've made some of my best decisions for reasons I was completely oblivious to.


Thanks again!

You bet. I'm just glad I was able to help.


- Anthony

[MG66]

 Don't sweat it... I've made some of my best decisions for reasons I was completely oblivious to.   

 

 

 

Really?  I've made some of my worst in that state!  

[ParkerDuofold]

Really?  I've made some of my worst in that state!  

Well,... it usually goes one way or the other.


- A.C.