How to properly fill a pen with ink?

[DKbRS]

What's the correct way to fill a pen with ink? Do you do it straight from the ink bottle? Often I've thought it would be a good idea to fill from a much smaller container where I can see exactly what's going on; it's often hard to see where the tip of the nib is relative to the ink. This is especially the case with snorkels where it's hard to just dip the tip of the snorkel tube in the ink in a big ink bottle. Any hints?

[burmeseboyz]

There's really no proper way. Do what you think is the best. Most folks just fill directly from a bottle/inkwell. I usually do it in a well lighted place so that I can peer into the bottle and see where the nib is with respect to the ink.

[FrankB]

I agree that there is no formally correct way to fill a FP, or if there is I have not heard of it. I was taught to fill a FP directly from a bottle. But I am sur there are infinite ways to do it. Do as you will, and if you come up with a system of your own I would like to hear about it.

[Shangas]

One must first turn on some appropriate music, light some scented candles and relax and flex the arms, wrists and fingers to prepare them. Clear the mind so that you can concentrate on the task ahead. Breathe deeply and uncap your ink-bottle in a swift, but firm twisting motion and lay the cap and bottle on a flat and stable surface...

 

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Okay I kid...there's no real way of filling up a fountain pen. It's all up to you. But essentials include plenty of ink, a deep container which isn't top-heavy, plenty of light, and at least one tissue-paper.

[lapis]

There is only one way to fill a pen properly.

Empty the piston or converter in the air and not in the bottle (to avoid bubbles in the ink you're just about to suck in). Stick the pen into the ink. The ink bottle you are about to use should be full enough so that you can see when the lower edge of the section just goes under the surface of the ink. Now fillerup.

If this act or state is not readily visible, then you have three chances of succeeding anyhow:

(1) Place the bottle into direct sunlight of use a good lamp in order to get a better view. After filling, take the bottle out of the light and store it as usual somewhere else.

(2) Buy a new bottle (which is full of ink).

(3) Fill the remaining ink into a smaller bottle, such as a 1/2 oz = 15 ml Nalgene bottle which is a nice place to carry ink when you're out to lunch etc.

Finally, carefully wipe off at least the whole section and the feed sightly just to avoid getting any ink on your fingers or any drop onto the paper.

 

Mike

 

[Ernst Bitterman]

This is especially the case with snorkels where it's hard to just dip the tip of the snorkel tube in the ink in a big ink bottle

 

I shouldn't worry if slightly more of the pen than the snorkel gets into the ink. Unless you thrust it very deep AND have a duff point-holder seal, the worst that happens is the point gets some ink on it and you have to give it a wipe. The up-side is that the secondary feed will be properly primed.

 

In general, as long as the pen has enough of ink-depth to submerge its intake (not so much with a Snorkel or "51", rather a lot with, say, a Waterman 58), and you don't do something foolish like mash the point against the bottom of the bottle, the pen won't care about the precise technique used in working its filler.

[burmeseboyz]

Empty the piston or converter in the air and not in the bottle (to avoid bubbles in the ink you're just about to suck in).

 

hehe but you don't want to pull up on a touchdown or snorkel outside the bottle since a drop or two of ink is known to escape from the pen on the up stroke. The sac guard should minimize that, but that doesn't always happen. And if you installed a smaller sac, that drop will be a small stream of ink right onto your table.

[Silvermink]

I just fill mine straight from the bottle - just make sure you've got good lighting. It's especially fun with one of my AL-stars which has both a black nib and a black section. Main thing in my experience with a C/C is just not to raise the piston too quickly and make sure you give it a few seconds immersed when you get to the top - no experience with snorkels, though I use roughly the same technique with my Legacy, which is a touchdown filler.

 

With the C/C, I usually push 2-3 drops out when I'm done just to make sure there's no air in there, though I'm not honestly sure how necessary or effective this is.

Edited November 3, 2008 by Silvermink