Scratchy Nib

[Rockape]

I recently bought a nice old green marbled Sheaffer Lifetime pen. I have found the nib very scratchy and have tried to address this by checking that the nib tines were properly aligned etc but it's made little difference. It's actually worse now than it was when they were out of alignment! I wonder whether anyone can suggest anything else I could try to write more smoothly or do I need a new nib? Attached a few photos to assist - sorry that they're a little blurred.

Edited December 14, 2017 by Rockape

[Dr.Grace]

It’s really hard to see in those photos, but I get the impression that one of the tines is messed up somehow. If the tipping is gone, alignment wouldn’t matter, and you’d need to get it retipped or replaced. If it’s simply bent, then a nib expert could probably fix it.

 

Also, in aligning the tines, it’s often better to go by feel rather than simply by eye, as small differences really matter. And you need to view them from the correct angle. There should be diagram on Richard Binder's web site explaining that.

[siamackz]

I would advise looking at the nib under a loupe before doing anything. If all seems OK, then some simple polishing using 12000 grit micromesh should smoothen the nib. There are many posts and videos to help with that. All the best

[Dr.Grace]

After using the loupe, I would recommend that you first be sure that the tines are aligned properly, before even thinking about micromesh. Also, your nib looks like it is very fine in width (like many Sheaffer vintage nibs), and those extra fine nibs require a lot more care in smoothing. You can easily take off all the tipping if you're not very careful. Anyway, extra fine nibs tend to feel a bit rough, especially on paper that's not the smoothest.

[ac12]

Fine nibs require hard smooth paper, and decently flowing ink, or they will feel scratchy.

And do NOT press down on the pen.

[Rockape]

Thanks very much for the replies. Ill look at Richard Binders post and see what he says. If I need

to replace the nib, how available are they?

[sanesangowdayya]

Better to just buy a new pen and take the nib out or have the new pen restored.

 

Those Sheaffer balances (non OS at least) aren't that pricy; there were so many made and of good quality. Someone selling the nib or nib/section will charge you a premium for it.

 

But if you want a replacement, you can try fivestarpens and go to their Sheaffer nibs for sale - they have a bunch but again at a premium.

Edited December 14, 2017 by sanesangowdayya

[pajaro]

After aligning a nib, I put the nib on smooth paper and move it side to side in a writing motion. One way always seems to be smooth, but often the other direction will reveal a roughness or scratchiness. The trailing tine will be lower than the leading tine in such a case. A slight adjustment up of the trailing tine seems to fix it.

Edited December 16, 2017 by pajaro