Nib Info References

January 2, 2015

Nib info references.

The first references here were borrowed from the Repair Q&A forum here, this topic:

REPAIR REFERENCE INFORMATION

so thank you Ron and Gerry for compiling this!

We will add to the list below as we find more of interest.

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Nib Adjustments - Flow Problems

Tine alignment and flow adjustment:

Richard Binder's Post

Fix flow and feeds of pens not been written with for a considerable amount of time, by Arthur Twydle:

Tuning a fountain pen

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Nib Smoothing:

Smoothing nibs, by John Mottishaw:

Smoothing Scratchy Nibs

Smoothing nibs, by wimg (including grit info):
Grinding nib experiences

The latter article was written, indeed, by me, after searching for any relevant information back in 2004, before FPN existed.

It resulted in this article, of my rather interesting experiences .

Do note I no longer recommend the use of MicroMesh any longer. It really has a grit size twice as large as that of standard grit paper and mylar, and materials with stiffer backs like mylar are by now my preferred way of smoothing (and grinding) nibs. The added advantage is that these sheets are thin enough to use for smoothing inner tine edges, and to increase ink flow.

Nib smoothing discussion, December 2004:

Nib smoothing

And another one, December 2006:

Nib smoothing

Alternative way of smoothing nibs, October 2015:

Where the Metal meets the Paper, by Precise

One note on this article: not for the beginners, or for expensive nibs. As stated in this topic, 400 grit may not be ideal to start with this:

My Italian nibs are my smoothest

And even 1000 grit is considered to rather abrasive when it comes to nibs. I recommend 8000 to 12000 grit to beginners, possibly progressing to 3000-4000 grit for more advanced nib enhancers. Even 3000 grit takes away tipping at an alarming pace.

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Nib Grinding:

Nib grinding, why and how, by Ludwig Tan:

Grinding your own nibs - Ludwig Tan

Topic on nib grinding, March 2005:

I'm a nibster!

Topic on nib grinding, October 2005:

What does nib "grinding" mean

Topic on nib grinding, including grit info, October 2005:

Nib Grinding Tools Question

Topic on abrasives, November 2008:

Abrasive Conversion Chart