Noob question on flossing, smoothing nibs

[merkur59]

Noob questions (my cheap FPs are on the way) and was wondering if I could do these:

1. If one could floss between the tines with thin plastic sheet or aluminium foil (maybe it'll tear?), instead of brass sheet.
2. Instead of using micromesh 12000 grit for smoothing, can one use toothpaste (or some metal polish paste), writing figure 8 with it on matted plastic sheet, to smoothen the nib?

Thanks.

 

[syngent]

Why are you flossing down between the tines Michael ? you can effect the alignment doing that

I hear old photography film works okay, but watch for it spreading the end of the tines and this last part is very important


make sure you check the tine alignment before you try to smooth the nib

 

[Eeyore]

It is very easy to oversmoothen a nib, and toothpaste sounds dangerous.

I have destroyed a wonderful Geha nib in the past, by oversmoothening it, so at least try on a nib you don't care about!

 

[redbike]

I used 35 mm film before getting the brass sheets. It works.

 

[nemo]

You shouldn't need to do either. Get used to the pens, better yet, get used to many different pens so you will understand their nibs for what they are and how they write. After a few years maybe ... just maybe ... try smoothing one. Many good nibs have been lost to enthusiastic "noob" modifications.

 

[merkur59]

I ordered 2 chinese cheap pens to see if I will revert to FP, after years of roller and point pens.

On flossing - will only do this in the event the nib is too dry - thanks for the 35mm film idea
On smoothing - I remember when I was a kid, and didn't know anything much (literally) about FP. And had to live with scratchy (or dry) pen.

Thanks for the various suggestions. I will definitely take up the advice not to muck around with the pens if it works fine.

 

[Eeyore]

Many good nibs have been lost to enthusiastic "noob" modifications.

Guilty

When I started fiddling with vintage pens (late 90's) I have destroyed two wonderful German nibs, one by creating a flat spot, and one by grinding down (ouch!)

 

[merkur59]

wow - mucking around with cherished vintage! Bold one.