Seeking Basic Guide For Adjusting A Noodler's Ahab

[frotz]

I bought a clear Noodler's Ahab late last year, but soon put it away because it was writing far too wet. What is the basic procedure for adjusting the flow with this pen? I see talk about pushing the feed in, pulling it out, and doing things with the nib itself. What sort of action leads to what sort of effect? If I need to put the nib and feed into a certain position, is it okay to use beeswax or shellac to make sure they stay put?

 

I prefer to use Noodler's ink and I've already washed out the pen with warm dishwater. Playing around with just water in the pen, I seem to have the kind of line I want, but I'm not sure if this will translate over to ink. Please help.

[wallylynn]

here's a link (with more links)

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/210763-noodlers-ahab-setup-for-beginners/

 

Generally, pushing the feed in should make it drier (less ink in contact with the nib thus less ink to flow down the nib's slit). And don't press. There's only so much you can do, the Ahab is just a wet writer. My papers don't like the wetness, but I do. Still trying to make the nib smoother.

[Drone]

Fixing the Ahab:

 

* Start with this thread. In this thread there is a list of other threads from which information is condensed:

 

Noodler's Ahab Setup For Beginners

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/210763-noodlers-ahab-setup-for-beginners/

 

 

* Here are all of the links, rougly in order of importance:

 

Noodler's Ahab Setup For Beginners

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/210763-noodlers-ahab-setup-for-beginners/

 

Ahab Pen - Opening Up Fin Vents - With Photos

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/209439-ahab-pen-opening-up-fin-vents-with-photos/

 

Ahab Feed - Update From Nathan (Mr. Noodler's)

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/210238-ahab-feed-update-from-nathan-mr-noodlers/page__st__50

 

Noodler's Ahab Flex + Adjustment Tips

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/209380-noodlers-ahab-flex-adjustment-tips/

 

Noodler's Ahab Pen Writing Adjustment?

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/209438-noodlers-ahab-pen-writing-adjustment/page__p__2175614__hl__ahab__fromsearch__1#entry2175614

 

Noodler's Ahab Troubles

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/208562-noodlers-ahab-troubles/page__st__50

 

Noodler's Ahab Flex Pen

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/208348-noodlers-ahab-flex-pen/

[jasonditz]

here's a link (with more links)

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/210763-noodlers-ahab-setup-for-beginners/

 

Generally, pushing the feed in should make it drier (less ink in contact with the nib thus less ink to flow down the nib's slit). And don't press. There's only so much you can do, the Ahab is just a wet writer. My papers don't like the wetness, but I do. Still trying to make the nib smoother.

 

You can always replace the nib with a Knox or Bulow nib too. You lose the flex but the Knox nibs are super smooth.

 

When I've adjusted the Ahab (or the Konrad) I just take the whole feed/nib out and then change the relationship between the ends of the two. Closer the end of the feed is to the end of the nib, the wetter it writes.

 

I didn't like having to adjust it at first because I prefer simplicity, but when you're changing from a flex nib to a solid nib, or a OBB to an XF, you need the ability to change how much ink is coming out.

[akustyk]

You can always replace the nib with a Knox or Bulow nib too. You lose the flex but the Knox nibs are super smooth.

 

That's excellent advice. I've had a Ahab that I have struggled with and after hours of fiddling with the nib and feed I gave up on. On the other hand, my Konrad (new Black version) is AMAZING, one of my best writers. I kid you not.

 

So I got a $3.99 Bulow Medium nib for my Ahab, and after five minutes, it writes beautifully. It's a very smooth nib that lays down and nice, wet line (with Noodler's BSIAR). I love it. I think it's better than my TWSBI 540 Medium nibs and as good as my Edison Medium steel nib. Yes, I like it THAT much. Maybe I lucked out - can the Bulow be this good?