Jump to content

Cleaning Issues


Peterthebeginner

Recommended Posts

Hi all, I've bought this pen on a flea market and been cleaning it for two days already, but still some dried ink flakes are shooting out of it when flushed with a converter, and still stains the tissue that I wanna dry it with, any idea how to clean it thouroughly?

 

Thanks in advance 😋

post-143344-0-80330300-1579988174_thumb.jpg

post-143344-0-44225100-1579988403_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 33
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Bibliophage

    4

  • A Smug Dill

    4

  • alexwi

    4

  • Peterthebeginner

    4

Hi there, I'm another beginner here.

Perhaps investing in an ultrasonic cleaner (the kind people use for jewelry) might be in order. It's gentle and it tends to loosen all the bits stuck in the nooks and crannies. Amazon.com (who else, of course?) has them for affordable prices. I'm considering getting one myself.

 

I hope this helps!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

... been cleaning it for two days already, but still some dried ink flakes are shooting out of it when flushed with a converter, ...

How exactly have you been "cleaning it" for two days, though?

 

Did you leave it to soak in either just water or a cleaning solution (which could be commercial pen flush, or a dilute solution of dishwashing detergent and/or household ammonia) for most of that 48 hours in between flushing?

 

Did you flush the feed and nib with a pressurised jet of water (or cleaning solution) with a rubber bulb syringe?

 

They are things I'd try, in combination. For soaking (at least overnight), I would probably leave it in a bath of warm dilute cleaning solution in the temperature-controlled trough of my ultrasonic cleaner.

 

I once found a piston-filled fountain pen among my late father's belongings. It was encrusted with dried blue ink, which must have been on there for some thirty or even forty years since it was last used to write successfully. It took more than two days of soaking, flushing (only by filling and emptying the pen, since I could not detach the nib and feed for cleaning separately or access the interior of the ink reservoir) and multiple ten-minute ultrasonic cleaning cycles to remove almost all traces of blue.

I endeavour to be frank and truthful in what I write, show or otherwise present, when I relate my first-hand experiences that are not independently verifiable; and link to third-party content where I can, when I make a claim or refute a statement of fact in a thread. If there is something you can verify for yourself, I entreat you to do so, and judge for yourself what is right, correct, and valid. I may be wrong, and my position or say-so is no more authoritative and carries no more weight than anyone else's here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use an ultrasonic cleaner for many things - usually when I can get things apart. However, I agree - soaking is one of the best ways to loosen things up.

 

The Eversharp with a twisted nib that I received last week, took two days to flush relatively clean. That was rinses, then filling the sac (yes, it still held water), and letting it sit horizontally for a few hours (or overnight), then flush out MORE blue ink....

 

I don't think the original owner had bothered to ever actually flush it clean. It was a lot more ink than comes out from my pens when I forget about them for a few months. (oops)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So yeah, I've been soaking it in lucwarm water mainly and flushing it with the same, and the reason I don't dare to use chemicals is because I'm scared to damage something in it. I think it's a Parker 180, something like a vintage pen, so wannause it. The nib seems to be in an excellent condition, but I'll try it out when I'm happy with its cleanliness

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Besides the nib be sure to soak the section. Although I do not have a 180 it seems the nib/feed unit is similar to a Parker 75 which has a large collector inside the section.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So yeah, I've been soaking it in lucwarm water mainly and flushing it with the same, and the reason I don't dare to use chemicals is because I'm scared to damage something in it. I think it's a Parker 180, something like a vintage pen, so wannause it. The nib seems to be in an excellent condition, but I'll try it out when I'm happy with its cleanliness

 

It's a Parker Classic nib. Happens to be 100% compatible with Parker 180.

 

I wouldn't be terribly concerned about it staining tissue paper. If you've been soaking for a while, ink the pen and give it a shot. Especially if you're planning to write with a dark ink, in which case, you won't notice any difference.

 

Also, the solvents in the ink itself might help clean the old ink away.

 

If you insist on having it 100% clean (or as close as possible), an ultrasonic cleaner is a great gizmo to have around. I bought mine used on ebay for about $10 and works great. When you look on ebay be sure to check the "Used" box. Otherwise, for that price, you'll end up with a ton of brand new products with very questionable quality.

 

Go to a supermarket and get a bottle of ammonia. Make a 10% - 20% solution with a little bit, let the pen soak in it for about an hour and then flush repeatedly (preferably with an ear syringe, which should be an integral part of your toolbox, but you can also use the pen's own converter in a pinch).

 

Another option is Rapidoeze, which will dissolve any ink left in the pen. Soak it for about an hour or so, and see how it goes. I'm pretty sure that Rapidoeze won't affect the gold plating. I've only had to use it once, but that was with a Parker 75 nib and did amazingly well.

 

Alex

---------------------------------------------------------

We use our phones more than our pens.....

and the world is a worse place for it. - markh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had good luck with water, a drop of dishwashing liquid and lots of patience; just let it soak and forget about it for a few days. I managed to recover a clogged up Pelikan that had not been used in 15 years this way. Once the ink softens, a bulb syringe can make flushing very easy and quick.

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt."

 

B. Russell

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You might try filling it with a water solution (maybe with ammonia and/or dish soap), then setting it in a cup, nib down, on a wad of tissue paper for a day or two until it has sucked all the solution through.

 

This may pull out some of the slower moving residue from the pen, that rapid flushing just bypasses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Szervusz "Peterthebeginner"!

Minden amit eddig mondtak ervenyes. Csak lassan, ovatossan kell haladni evvel. Jo szerencset!

 

As others have said, a long soaking of the nib/section, where the feed is located can help. Use a rubber ear-syringe or a de-soldering bulb to force water through this area "in both directions."

Edited by tinta

*Sailor 1911S, Black/gold, 14k. 0.8 mm. stub(JM) *1911S blue "Colours", 14k. H-B "M" BLS (PB)

*2 Sailor 1911S Burgundy/gold: 14k. 0.6 mm. "round-nosed" CI (MM) & 14k. 1.1 mm. CI (JM)

*Sailor Pro-Gear Slim Spec. Ed. "Fire",14k. (factory) "H-B"

*Kaweco SPECIAL FP: 14k. "B",-0.6 mm BLS & 14k."M" 0.4 mm. BLS (PB)

*Kaweco Stainless Steel Lilliput, 14k. "M" -0.7 mm.BLS, (PB)

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow thanks all for the info, guess I'll have to work on my patience game will gice a shot for some of these.

 

Zoë-kutya koszonom szepen :D jo tudni, h akad az oldalon masik magyar toll rajongo is

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I'll vouch for the soaking method. I use D.I. and a few drop of Dawn. If this is a pen bought on FleaBay, it could take you several days of soaking, rinsing, and re-soaking. I bought a Parker 45 with a gold nib on FleaBay that was sold as "Clean". Indeed it was "Clean", but the first thing I do -- either with pens I bought new and have been in use, or ones I buy used, is I take the ENTIRE pen APART: Converters, Nibs, Feeds, etc. and everything gets a good soak until there is no more color coming out of the pen. I do this after a few cycles of the same ink, or between changing to a different ink.

 

When I went to take the Parker 45 apart -- something I can do asleep, drugged, with one hand behind my back -- I could not unscrew the hooded nib. That was a first. So I soaked the pen in D.I. and Dawn, and within a second the water turned a midnight blue-black. Plumes came from the converter, the cap, and the lower unit w/ nib unit. Every two hours I'd return, empty out the water rinse all the parts under running tap water until the water flowed clear, then re-soak in D.I. and Dawn. With in seconds new plumes of midnight blue-black ink would pour forth.

 

On the third day I was at last able to unscrew the nib unit from the lower half of the pen, but just as soon as I did new ink poured fourth from the pen. Thirty-six hours later I was able to slide the collar that held the nib and feed together and the second I did that more ink poured forth. After the sixth day no more ink after a 2 hour soak in DI plus Dawn, a rise under the tap of all the parts, and a final 2 hour soak in straight D.I. water.

 

Whoever had that pen originally used the same midnight blue-black ink. How often they cleaned it, who knows, but I seriously doubt if ever. The seller probably rinsed the pen under tap water and "cleaned" it up. But you have to remember that Distilled water is heading in the direction pure water. Laboratory Grade water is Ultra Pure -- so pure that it can't even conduct an electrical current. (Contrary to popular belief water is an insulator, NOT a conductor of electricity, but water is also the most polar solvent known to man and rips electrons off anything that is dipped into it, and it is those impurities in the water that conducts electricity). The purer the water, the more it is able to dissolve things. A soap solution made with Distilled Water is a perfect solution for dissolving old dried up ink. My guess is that there was a lot of OLD dried up ink in that pen and just soon a one layer would dissolve the next layer would be exposed.

 

An ultra sonic bath might speed up the process, but if there is a lot of dried up ink in it, you will have to fill and empty the bath several times over before you can no longer see color in the water. This could take as little as a day to a week or more. The idea is to get rid of any trace of old ink in the pen. This will help with the flow of ink through the pen.

 

Once you can no longer see color coming from your soak solution, a good soak in straight Distilled water for a few hours is called for. If you still see no color, then the pens is clean. Air dry. If you plan to polish the pen this would be the point where you do that. Congratulations the pen is now ready to go back into service.

Edited by azbobcat
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi there, I'm another beginner here.

 

Perhaps investing in an ultrasonic cleaner (the kind people use for jewelry) might be in order. It's gentle and it tends to loosen all the bits stuck in the nooks and crannies. Amazon.com (who else, of course?) has them for affordable prices. I'm considering getting one myself.

 

I hope this helps!

Hi Taimdala, Everyone,

 

You'll never regret the purchase. I found one at Walmart with a detachable reservoir; which is a real big plus. :D

 

Sean :)

https://www.catholicscomehome.org/

 

"Every one therefore that shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father Who is in Heaven." - MT. 10:32

"Any society that will give up liberty to gain security deserves neither and will lose both." - Ben Franklin

Thank you Our Lady of Prompt Succor & St. Jude.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

... I use D.I. and a few drop of Dawn. ..

 

What is "D.I.?"

---------------------------------------------------------

We use our phones more than our pens.....

and the world is a worse place for it. - markh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

What is "D.I.?"

Hi Alex,

 

It means DEIONIZED water; which is ultra pure, it goes beyond the routine distillation process and is primarily used in medical applications and specialized industries. My hats off to Azbocat, but I just use ordinary distilled water.

 

Sean :)

https://www.catholicscomehome.org/

 

"Every one therefore that shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father Who is in Heaven." - MT. 10:32

"Any society that will give up liberty to gain security deserves neither and will lose both." - Ben Franklin

Thank you Our Lady of Prompt Succor & St. Jude.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just a note on ultrasonic cleaning... even when the solution is seemingly saturated with pigment, the ultrasonic cleaner is still doing its job, no need to change out the bath every time it gets dark.

 

I *will* say that changing the solution between pens that are very dirty, or suspected of possible mold contamination is important, you'll also want to wipe down the U.S. cleaner tank with a strong surface disinfectant before refilling with the pen cleaning solution of your choice.

 

Another note, full sized commercial cleaners above 35 watts should only be used in short intervals, where lower powered home units might take multiple 20-30 minute sessions to accomplish the same result. The less powerful versions are safer for plastic parts and anything with enamel, laquer or inlaid resin, some of which probably shouldn't go in a U.S. cleaner anyway.

David-

 

So many restoration projects...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another issue with ultrasonic cleaners, I've read, is that they can damage/remove plating. So be careful with that. I keep looking at getting one, but in my experience, just soaking and flushing, nib and feed down, in distilled water with a little clear ammonia (9 parts water to 1 part ammonia, although admittedly, I personally just eyeball it) with a drop of Dawn dish detergent -- or the equivalent ratio of distilled water to white vinegar for low pH inks like iron gall inks) works well enough, followed by flushing well with more distilled water; in the case of IG inks, I've read that after rinsing the vinegar solution out with water, do another flush with the ammonia solution, making sure that you flush with water before and after every step. I then let the pens drain, nib down, into paper toweling (I have a couple of super cheap glass votive candle holders that cost about a buck or two apiece: they have straight sides (some people use shot glasses, but the votive holders tend to be less top heavy and don't tip over). One is for the actual flushing (I use a plastic clothes pin to stabilize the pen and keep it at about a 90° angle) and then the second one for draining. If I get a lot of color leaching into the paper toweling, I know that there is still in the pen barrel or feed, and repeat the process. The advantage to this over an ultrasonic cleaner (besides, of course, the price :rolleyes:) is that I can start the soaking process and then go do other things and then check back an hour or two later; cycling the solution through the pen, and turning it end-on, so that the solution goes all through the pen's barrel or converter, also helps.

And yes, it does take patience. I strongly recommend anyone getting a vintage pen that may not have been restored should read the pinned topic in the Parker Forum about finding your first 51 in the wild -- because the advice is good for most any vintage pen (with the exception of Sheaffer Snorkels and probably PFMs, because if the sac is leaking, filling the pen can rust the spring: for those pens, they should go to a pro unless you know what you're doing repair wise...).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

"It's very nice, but frankly, when I signed that list for a P-51, what I had in mind was a fountain pen."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Another option is Rapidoeze, which will dissolve any ink left in the pen. Soak it for about an hour or so, and see how it goes. I'm pretty sure that Rapidoeze won't affect the gold plating. I've only had to use it once, but that was with a Parker 75 nib and did amazingly well."

 

I use Koh-I-Noor's Rapido-eze solution almost exclusively these days. Expensive, but it works so well, it's reusable (to a point), and I also "cut it" with water for more mileage. Not only does it unclog pens faster and more completely than home-made solutions I've tried, you also need to only rinse it out a couple of times. Great for soaking - 100% safe (and I have a lot of pens).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33501
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26627
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...