Bad Repairs And Nib Straightening

January 31, 2015

This seemed like a good place to post this. Lately I have come across a number of sac installs which are pretty amazing. I'm sure many here have seen the same thing.

The CS 84 is somewhat par for the course as almost all I have received as "in working order" are fairly well abused. The one pictured here has a bent nib. Others have had broken tines, loose clips, broken levers and the like.

This leads me to ask what is the best method for straightening a nib; in this case the front of the nib is bent down and was bent back up slightly, leaving a ripple in the metal. I had a Parker Slimfold which was badly bent down and damaged and I straightened it by hand and ground it to a stub. It came out well with only slight evidence of the bend. I do not care to do with that with the CS84 and I am open to ideas.

Thanks.

January 31, 2015

Have people ever heard of talc? Sheesh. What an embarrassment to the hobby.

February 1, 2015

The term "restored" is grossly misused in pendom world nowadays. I have found many "restored" pens like yours and with all other sorts of issues. The sad things is that some of them were sold to me as "fully restored" at pen shows.

As for the nib adjustments, if you are interested in learning how to do it, a good starting point is to go to Richard Binder and John Mottishaw websites. They have posted a couple of great articles on the subject. And they are two of the best masters at nib repairs.

February 1, 2015

As for the nib adjustments, if you are interested in learning how to do it, a good starting point is to go to Richard Binder and John Mottishaw websites. They have posted a couple of great articles on the subject. And they are two of the best masters at nib repairs.

I know those sites - I'll take a closer look and see what I can find.

Thanks.

February 1, 2015

I suspect talc or the lack of it is not the problem. More likely the sacs are to long and hitting bottom.

February 4, 2015

I took the sac off the Esterbrook and there was a long split plastic tube in it, like half of a thin plastic soda straw, not attached to anything of course. I can only surmise it was intended as a sac straightener of some sort.

When I wish to keep sacs straight in the pens I work on I use a wooden dowel inside the sac. There is not much room left for ink but that is beside the point.

February 4, 2015

It seems that the section was turned (screwed in) several turns. The repairman does not know what "friction fit" is.

Regarding nib straightening, I had success in a couple of occasions, by laying down the nib over a semi-rigid surface (soft wood or hard rubber) and applying pressure from inside (I mean, the concave side of the nib). Since the nib is curved, you need a round surface; so I use a piece like this one.

Punching carefully with a hammer you will be able to slowly straighten the imperfections on the softer nib material.

February 4, 2015

If both tines are equally bent, I've had decent luck rolling out the bend with a rubber coated screwdriver shaft, tape protecting the finish on gold nibs, plating on steel nibs.

February 5, 2015

Thanks for the ideas! I will certainly try them.

February 5, 2015

I see the insides of a few pens. I've noticed that when sacs come out wrinkled and deformed as shown they are either to long and/or to large for the barrel. I've never found a need to stuff something into a sac to keep it stiff and straight.

FB

February 5, 2015

wow, what an eye opener to see and hear that people actually do this kinda stuff to a pen? All the more reason for the pro's to jump in from time to time to help out those with questions.......

February 5, 2015

wow, what an eye opener to see and hear that people actually do this kinda stuff to a pen? All the more reason for the pro's to jump in from time to time to help out those with questions.......

Sometimes a pro jumps in and is ignored or given a dozen reasons why he or she is wrong. Then the pros stop showing up and sharing the knowledge.

It strikes me that some of the really advanced collectors don't show or even participate in FPN. Wait, I'm guessing most of the big collectors are unknown to the membership so they are not missed.

Edited February 5, 2015 by FarmBoy

February 5, 2015

Yeah, I hear ya Loud and Clear Todd

February 5, 2015

It strikes me that some of the really advanced collectors don't show or even participate in FPN. Wait, I'm guessing most of the big collectors are unknown to the membership so they are not missed.

Very much the truth. David Nishimura and Daniel Kirchheimer are two who still jump in and participate, and I'm glad they do. But I could generate a long list of people who did at one time and have given up. Part of it is the time needed, part of it is that some folks really pig headed and don't want to admit that they are wrong. Take a look at the thread on Sheaffer white dots as a prime example. Kirchh started writing to Sheaffer when he was a kid. I wouldn't argue with Daniel. Fortunately he doesn't give up either.

February 5, 2015

Very much the truth. David Nishimura and Daniel Kirchheimer are two who still jump in and participate, and I'm glad they do. But I could generate a long list of people who did at one time and have given up. Part of it is the time needed, part of it is that some folks really pig headed and don't want to admit that they are wrong. Take a look at the thread on Sheaffer white dots as a prime example. Kirchh started writing to Sheaffer when he was a kid. I wouldn't argue with Daniel. Fortunately he doesn't give up either.

It's unfortunate (but understandable) that a few poorly mannered people can drive experts away. I am very grateful for the participation of Todd, Ron, David and Daniel (and others) on FPN and am always glad to learn something from them.