Rotring Isograph

[Drawing61]

A few of my old isographs seemed to be terminally clogged. My fault, I'm sure. I wasn't careful in cleaning them years ago before putting them in storage when my affair with fountain pens began. Now I love them again like someone returning home after a long period of philandering. No intention of giving up fountain pens so this is maybe not an apt analogy.

 

Question: any advice on unclogging? I've tried the usual, water, soaking, detergent, ammonia, etc. I cannot remember the last inks in the the problem pens.

[stuck-in-time]

Perhaps an ultrasonic cleaner might do the trick?

[Drawing61]

Thanks. Good idea.

[superfly]

Alcohol, full strength, above 90%. Also, research online before you do so, many guides on this...

[Amory]

A few of my old isographs seemed to be terminally clogged. My fault, I'm sure. I wasn't careful in cleaning them years ago before putting them in storage when my affair with fountain pens began. Now I love them again like someone returning home after a long period of philandering. No intention of giving up fountain pens so this is maybe not an apt analogy.

 

Question: any advice on unclogging? I've tried the usual, water, soaking, detergent, ammonia, etc. I cannot remember the last inks in the the problem pens.

Once the cartridge is removed retaining plug can be unscrewed, then loose pin assembly removed for cleaning. It is usually ink solids in that clog the feed. Amory

[RoyalBlueNotebooks]

Glass cleaning product. Mix 50% solution in very warm water, put the tip assembly in it, change the water regularly when it gets cold.

I bought a used Isograph and Rapidograph, completely clogged and full of crusted ink, and that did the trick. Don't take the needle out of its housing, I know it's tempting, but it's best to leave it there.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[Amory]

Why ever not - that is why a screw is provided. A simple 2 minute job. In offices cleaning this way was the job of apprentices in days of yore before machine drawing.

Edited June 20, 2018 by Amory

[RoyalBlueNotebooks]

Why ever not - that is why a screw is provided. A simple 2 minute job. In offices cleaning this way was the job of apprentices in days of yore before machine drawing.

Because inserting the needle tip back into the section can be very tricky and can lead to the bending and the end of the writing life of the needle. I speak from personal experience.

[Amory]

Because inserting the needle tip back into the section can be very tricky and can lead to the bending and the end of the writing life of the needle. I speak from personal experience.

That’s operator error, no fault of method which has been used since time immemorial and at one time was detailed in use instructions which came with the pen.