QUOTE(Kakaze @ Apr 7 2008, 06:19 PM)

ArPharazon, how does one go about converting their pen?
First, you can search the forums for +eyedropper +conversion and find several threads on the subject. Here is a
link to a thread I started discussing my experiences starting out with ED conversions. What I personally did was . . .
1) Buy some pure silicone grease (got a 1/4 oz tub at a scuba shop for about $4)
2) Unscrew the barrel from the section
3) Remove the converter / cartridge
4) Apply a liberal amount of grease to the threads between the section and barrel
5) Fill the barrel with ink (not too full . . . keep it below the threads), using an eyedropper (hence the name)
6) Screw the section onto the barrel and make sure it's snug
7) Wipe off the excess grease, and hope for the best
But seriously, after 7) be careful with the pen for a while, checking it to make sure it's not leaking from the threads (I wipe it down with a white Kleenex and check for any ink) or anywhere else. Don't carry it in your pocket right away until you're sure it stands up OK. Note also that if the nib unit unscrews, you can also add some silicone grease to those threads to insure a good seal there, too.
I've done five pens like this already . . . Taccia Staccato, Tacia Portuguese, Bexley Americana, and two Krone TH
INKs. All have worked beautifully, and the Portuguese and TH
INKs have also really benefitted because they all used those tiny, tiny plunger converters. From my readings of other threads, the important features a pen should have for this type of conversion are no exposed metal in the barrel or section (ink corrodes metal; this rules out my Taccia Doric and a few others), and a solid (i.e., non leaky) barrel. I check my barrels for leaks by puckering up and blowing in them. If they don't leak air through any holes, then I assume they won't leak ink.
Some people have recommended using a small o-ring between the section and barrel, but I haven't found that necessary. The grease works just fine.
If I had (or when I get) any more pens that meet the criteria, I will definitely convert them.
Edited by ArPharazon, 08 April 2008 - 00:05.