Want To Do My First Resac, What Do I Need?

[WOBentley]

I just got a nice Green Estie J on fleabay, it came with a 2668 nib and 3 9xxx nibs (2 9556 and one 9555). Bought it for the nibs, but I also did not havea Green J and it is quite nice. It needs a new sac and I thought I would try to do this myself. what do I need, where do I get it and how do I do this?

Thanks

Dave

[PenFisher]

You need something like a hairdryer to heat the area around the barrel threads and section so that you can minimize the chance of cracking the barrel when you remove the section. Most folks leave a nib in the section when removing it from the barrel. You will also need a #16 sac and some sac cement or shellac for installing the new sac. Some type of instrument to clean the old cement off the section nipple is good too - a scraper or knife blade works well. You may want to also wipe down the section nipple with some alcohol to remove any of the final traces of the old cement/shellac. Most of the supplies you need can be found at Pendemonium, Richard Binder's site or Tryphon to name a few.

 

Excellent instructions can be found on R Binder's site : http://richardspens.com/

 

Once at the home page look for the search box on the left and type in "How to replace a fountain pen sac". Go to the reference page and you will have all you need.

 

Good luck and have fun!

Edited March 5, 2011 by PenFisher

[Scrawler]

I have never done a re-sac, but have been reading about it in anticipation of having time to learn to work on pens and having pens to work on.

 

However, this is what I think you need.

1) sac of the right size. The size depends on the length of the pen and the width of the hole in the section. I think most Esties need between a #16 and #18

2) talc. This must be industrial grade and not perfumed baby bottom type stuff

3) fresh flakes of shellac

4) alcohol to dissolve the shellac in

5) a brush to apply the shellac

6) a very sharp razor knife, like an X-acto

7) fine sandpaper

 

You clean the section carefully removing all traces of the old rubber. Gently roughen the surface of the tube the sac will fit over. The slight roughness helps the shellac to adhere. After making sure the new rubber will fit the tube, cut it to the correct length. Dissolve the flakes of shellac in the alcohol. Only make as much as you need. It does not keep. Apply shellac to the tube. It is better to apply too much than too little. Do not get shellac inside the sac. Slip the sac over the shellacked tube and let it dry. Carefully remove excess shellac after it has dried. Cover the new sac in talc. Reassemble the pen.

 

You can order everything you need from a company called Woodbin.

Edited March 5, 2011 by Scrawler

[Chiro75]

Very easy to do, so go for it!

[WOBentley]

Thanks...

Off to buy supplies!

Dave

[Truppi327]

#16 sacs

shellac

pure talc

 

Those are the real essentials. You can get them cheap at tryphon.

 

P.S.

I strongly suggest leaving the nib in the section when you pull it. Decreases the chances you will crush, crack, or warp the section when you grip it to pull it out.

Edited March 5, 2011 by Truppi327

[wpb]

About the only real challenge you may encounter are taking off the section: warm (not hot) water will loosen the section from the barrel. Just be patient and twist slowly and carefully...ask me how I know this. :embarrassed_smile:

 

And getting the ink sac on the section nibble can be frustrating. I use an ink sac spreader tool purchased from Pendemonium. Not absolutely necessary, but makes the task easier.

 

Bill

[Chiro75]

I've found an easy technique for the sacs... after painting on the shellac, put the sac on at about a 45°, then start to rotate the section while pushing the sac over the nipple the rest of the way. Once the sac gets a little shellac on it from the section twist, it will slip right over the nipple very easily.

[bobs51]

While we're on the subject, I have a question I tried in the repair section of the forum but got no answer.

 

I read in one place that the sac should go to the top of the pen body... another suggested that he cut his sac to reach just past the lever.

 

Anyone have some guidance on the proper length when installing a new sac.

 

I'm not looking for a specific measurement... just the concept.

 

Thanks...

 

Bob

[Chiro75]

I've read that the sac should not extend past the "handle" end of the lever and that's how I've done about 7 replacements and haven't had any trouble.