Pen flush and sonic cleaners for vintage pens

[tzoram]

Hi everyone,

 

I've seen a lot of advice here for making your own pen flush, but they seem to come with a disclaimer of "not for vintage pens!"  I have a Waterman 52, Pelikan 140, and Sheaffer Triumph that I want to give the very best care, but water isn't getting it done for any of my pens, old or new.  I've gathered that Rapido-Eze is a good option, but want a second opinion. 

 

Also, if I were to get a sonic cleaner, is there one in particular that's best?  I'm considering the Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner , but if there's one that's better, I'd love to hear about it.

 

Thank you!

 

 

[FarmBoy]

I’ve managed with just water and Rapidioease for very long time. 
 

With a pen like a Waterman 52 where the ink is in a sac you should just need a water flush. 

[Arch Prof Scott]

Cool water flush. If you need to soak it, soak it for only short periods of time.

Also, I thought about getting a sonic cleaner myself, but several suggested it could cause more damage than it was worth.

[tzoram]

Thanks, guys.  Much appreciated. 

[Ron Z]

I use an ultrasonic every day.  The ones you would look for are below 50W.  Note that I use it for nibs and units, and never stick the whole pen or cap in. 

[Misfit]

@Ron Z just curious, why not a pen cap?  I bought a tinted demonstrator pen on eBay that had ink in the cap. The description suggested it was between the cap and cap liner. I think it’s just inside the cap liner. It is hard to get out. I’ve been putting it in my ultrasonic cleaner. It’s a newer pen, the Levenger True Writer. It seems like warm water does the best to get ink out. It’s very slow going. 

[VacNut]

20 hours ago, Misfit said:

@Ron Z just curious, why not a pen cap?  I bought a tinted demonstrator pen on eBay that had ink in the cap. The description suggested it was between the cap and cap liner. I think it’s just inside the cap liner. It is hard to get out. I’ve been putting it in my ultrasonic cleaner. It’s a newer pen, the Levenger True Writer. It seems like warm water does the best to get ink out. It’s very slow going. 

I think vintage pens (i.e. 50 years and older) are more susceptible to damage in an ultrasonic cleaner. Your pen sounds like a newer pen made from modern plastics. The cap itself may not be damaged by the cleaning, but the plated trim and clip may be damaged.