Filling The Converter First?

[helm10101]

Hello,

 

I am new here, so sorry if it's not the right place to ask.

I wonder if I can first refill the converter (pilot CON-20 to be specific), and then connect it to the fountain pen?

Instead of refilling it through the filling grooves / hole on the tip of the pen

 

Thanks

[jar]

You can but it's generally not a smart move for several reasons.

 

Filling through the nib/feed route helps clean and wet all surfaces.

 

Filling before inserting the converter risks getting ink at the lip of the converter causing air leaks downstream.

[helm10101]

Thank you for the quick reply !

First time using a fountain pen

[sirgilbert357]

You can but it's generally not a smart move for several reasons.

 

Filling through the nib/feed route helps clean and wet all surfaces.

 

Filling before inserting the converter risks getting ink at the lip of the converter causing air leaks downstream.

 

I would disagree on all counts. This is no different than using a cartridge. As long as you aren't letting the pen dry out after writing it empty, then I don't see how using the "filling before inserting" method is going to be any different than just swapping in a new cart. I don't see how keeping the mouth of the converter free of ink is going to prevent air leaks either, considering there could be residual ink on the nipple too. The converter will either seal or it won't, regardless of ink that's on it. If it fails to seal, it needs to be replaced. Just pull the converter, fill it using a syringe or pipette (leave a bit of room for the nipple), wipe the outside of the mouth reasonably clean and point your pen nib up while inserting it. Then point it nib down and turn the piston on the converter (or lightly squeeze if its an aerometric) until a drop of ink comes out of the nib and you're good to go. This last part may not even really be needed, just depends on the feed of your pen. My Pilot Decimo has been filled this way over and over and no issues whatsoever, and I don't have to prime the feed with the one or two drop method.

[FOUR X FOUR]

Hey Helm, Jar doesn't know diddly about selfies and iced hot cocoa,

But I'd take his advice on this, over Sir Egbert

[gordonhooker]

I agree with jar, but unlike XXXX I have no idea what jar knows about selfies and hot cocoa.

 

Filling through the nib does help to clean and lubricate the feed system.

[sirgilbert357]

Fair enough. But logically, I don't see any issues with doing it either way. As long as you clean your pen every now and then that is...

[Mr. Pink]

Jar doesn't know diddly

But I'd take his advice on this

 

But yes, I have done it the other way, too

Edited October 11, 2015 by Charles Rice

[FOUR X FOUR]

But yes, I have don't it the other way, too

True enough, and so have I. But all things considered, filling with the convertex intact is better. Why? It just is.

One other thing, I really don't want to go head to head with you on a pen topic, because you know much more than I do

About them.

[Mr. Pink]

all things considered, filling with the converter intact is better.

+1

[Zinonas]

Apart from the fine points jar made, filling with the converter also means removing it often from the pen thus reducing it's life by wearing out the part of it that is supposed to connect with the nipple. I think the only reason for filling the converter immediately from the ink bottle is to use all the ink when the ink level in the bottle is too low for normal filling.

[Wandering Man]

I have used the "filling the converter first" method, but I usually do this when the converter is small, and I keep drawing a large pocket of air before I can get ink into the converter.

Any suggestions on avoiding the air pocket?

[FOUR X FOUR]

I agree with jar, but unlike XXXX I have no idea what jar knows about selfies and hot cocoa.

 

Filling through the nib does help to clean and lubricate the feed system.

Hey Gordon, the selfie and hot cocoa was just a little inside thing. Intended to give him a little chuckle

[helm10101]

Thanks everyone, I think I've never encountered in any other forum in such quick response with so many replies.

Btw I bought 2 fountain pens and waiting for them, maybe you have an experience with them?

The pens are Pilot Cocoon and Picasso 903

Edited October 12, 2015 by helm10101

[Sasha Royale]

The converter is intended to be a self-filling cartridge, drawing ink through the nib and feed. Using it so will prime the nib and feed with ink. Though a converter would be a low-capacity cartridge, I can think of no reason that you cannot use it like an ink cartridge. Repeated removal will wear out the seal on any cartridge. A converter costs 10X that of a cartridge.

 

So, what is your objection to filling from a bottle ?

[gordonhooker]

Hey Gordon, the selfie and hot cocoa was just a little inside thing. Intended to give him a little chuckle

 

I figured it what an inside joke but thought I would make use of it as well.....

[helm10101]

The converter is intended to be a self-filling cartridge, drawing ink through the nib and feed. Using it so will prime the nib and feed with ink. Though a converter would be a low-capacity cartridge, I can think of no reason that you cannot use it like an ink cartridge. Repeated removal will wear out the seal on any cartridge. A converter costs 10X that of a cartridge.

 

So, what is your objection to filling from a bottle ?

At first I was thinking it could be more comfortable, but now I see there's no difference at all, and it's even better to fill it through the nib.

Edited October 12, 2015 by helm10101

[jthole]

I've refilled cartridges for over ten years, with no ill effects to my pens.

While I see no advantage in refilling a converter that way, I don't see why it could not be done. Built up ink remains will be removed when you clean the pen (as you should do regularly anyway).

[twdpens]

Filling the converter first is a good method for drawing up ink from a bottle when the level is too low for full immersion of the nib. Otherwise fill through the nib/feed as others have suggested.

 

HTH,

 

Martin

[sirgilbert357]

At first I was thinking it could be more comfortable, but now I see there's no difference at all, and it's even better to fill it through the nib.

 

You should just fill your pen however you want. Filling through the converter first is less messy if done correctly. You never have to clean off the nib and feed (and section on some pens) of the pen, and you can be certain of a full fill (because you can see the ink level by either looking into the mouth or the converter body is clear). People are talking about the converter wearing out sooner, but they cost, what 10 dollars? Most of us buy more ink than we can use and we're talking about converter costs? LOL, please...I have 3 Parker converters from the 60's that are still going strong. CARTRIDGES on the other hand WILL wear out sooner if refilling, but I've got like 12 fills on my Pilot Decimo's cart and still no leaks or issues, so meh...

 

This talk of lubricating the feed doesn't make a whole lot of sense either. If you want to push ink through, you can prime your feed. If you clean your pen like you should you won't have any issues. Lots of people here saying filling from the bottle is "better" but I'm not seeing any logical scientific reasons why. Its mostly preference and opinions...so fill how you want. If this method were such a problem for fountain pens, then cartridge pens and those who use only carts would have lots of issues.