PIF for fountain pen users

[Vlad]

TO: Fellow Nibsters
RE: Fountain pen repair guide

I got Da Book many years ago. Every time I flip through it I think, "I'm never going to do that." You know why repairers don't mind that this book is available? Because there are so many pen lovers like me who can't fix them even when given instructions and diagrams!

I was going to put this on the bst when I sell off a couple pens, but this might be more fun.

Da Rulez for Da Book:

Post pictures of your project pens along with a description of the repairs you've done and intend to do.

Hmm, well there was only one rule. At some point I will randomly or non-randomly pick a winner. This is open to anyone, CONUS, Oz, Canuckistan, Joisey, wherever.

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Like you, I would never use it either. I think it's awesome that you are doing a PIF, though!

 

[drathgeb]

Real cool of you. I also would not like use it though I am new to the sport and have yet to acquire any projects

 

[nemo]

Nice PIF! I've used this book, I bought mine while Frank was still around. Although I don't agree with a few of the methods, I do find it a very valuable source of information and a good read for the beginning repairperson.

 

[Mr5x5]

Nice PIF. Looks like an interesting book but I can't even get done what I need to do. I certainly don't need any new projects.

 

[Vlad]

Not the response I anticipated.

 

[nemo]

Not what I would have expected either, Vlad.

Anyway, I really like some of his wit and wisdom mixed with the knowledge in Da Book.



Last paragraphs, last page:

"To the world at large the fountain pens we cherish are gone forever. They will never return. These loaded "Ink Bombs" and all their newer cousins being made today are totally unnecessary and irrelevant to the present and the future.

These pens are as unnecessary and irrelevant as are dolls, teddy bears, toy trains, baseball cards, comic books and dozens of other things appreciated not for any inherent value or purpose. The very uselessness of such things is what makes them important. Their true function is a fundamental part of what makes the human experience worthwhile."

 

[strop]

Vlad,
I would love to take a crack at this. The restores I have done have been limited to lever fill esties. I have a couple of vac fill shaeffers I'd like to try as well a 51!

Hopefull some pics later today!

 

[Dave258]

I have restored a couple of pens back to working condition, mainly changing out ink sacs, and giving a good cleaning. Unfortunately, it looks like I deleted most of the pictures of the pens I have restored off of my computer.
It looks like the only pics I have left are the two Duofolds that were in my B&B gallery, so here they are:



Both of these needed new ink sacs. The Lady Ringtop was in very good condition otherwise. The Big Red needed a new ink sac, and pressure bar. Its is back in working condition, though I am not too happy with how it writes...

Very nice pif, thanks for the chance at Da Book!

 

[Jut]

i think if you opened this up to folks who promise to go out and get a fixer upper and post pictures of it fixed up, then you would get more response. i would love to have this book. i have bought several fixer uppers in the last 10 years or so and have either broken them trying (and thrown them away) or just sold them as is on the bay because, in trying to fix them, i was afraid that i would break them and stopped my attempt to fix. i stopped buying these type of pens because i finally got to the point where i had to tell myself that it would be much more economical to just buy a new pen that works than to try to buy ten to fix and then just break them in a way that could not be repaired. anyway, just my thoughts and wanted to add that this is a very nice pif

 

[celestino]

Vlad, what a generous PIF! i would love to experiment, but unfortunately, i do not have any pens to fix up as i just got into them and have only three. i will leave it for David to experiment with. Hee hee.
Thanks again and good luck. Oh, by the way, were is Canuckistan? Hee hee. i have never heard that one before! Very ingenious!

 

[drathgeb]

I got my first project pen today. A parker 51. After looking at some of the info for these pens online I see they are a bit complicated. So far this is my only project and my goal is only to make it write. Here is a pic:
View attachment 279035
I would like to be eligible for this PIF. This could turn into a fun hobby.

 

[N2theBreech]

I over here standing behind the white line with the rest of the folks who are too new to have fixer-uppers, yet. And too busy at the moment to take one on.

However, I think it's a great PIF, and would have stepped forward in a minute if I had a pen that "Just needs a little TLC."

 

[lenard]

Nice PIF Vlad, I cannot enter yet but that may change soon

 

[kirk 988]

please count me in ill post a pic tommorrow ive got a ''platignum gold tone quick change'' that will be my first restore but im already after fountain pens on my razor runs ive not found one yet though.

it needs a new ink sac and im not sure what ealse its a lever filler
here is a picture of one exactly the same that i found online i forgot to take a pic this morning.
the sac was shattered and that brittle that it came out like black bread crumbs

 

[strop]

As promised (though a bit late), here are some I've accumulated over the last few weeks.

Waterman's Ideal
Shaeffer button filler
Parker Vac
Snorkel
Gold 51 vac
Blue 51 vac

The Waterman was the one I was most excited about. First one I've ever had! The Snorkel may never have been used since there was absolutely no ink that came off the feed when I tried to flush it. Unfortunately it will not draw. The brown 51 actually worked for a week until one day I had ink all over my hands! It was leaking from under the blind cap. Fortunately it wasn't in my pocket. The blue 51 may be a parts pen. The blind cap doesn't screw all the way on , and I cracked ittrying to. I'm sure Brian can let me know if it's a goner or not.

 

[drathgeb]

As promised (though a bit late), here are some I've accumulated over the last few weeks.

Waterman's Ideal
Shaeffer button filler
Parker Vac
Snorkel
Gold 51 vac
Blue 51 vac

The Waterman was the one I was most excited about. First one I've ever had! The Snorkel may never have been used since there was absolutely no ink that came off the feed when I tried to flush it. Unfortunately it will not draw. The brown 51 actually worked for a week until one day I had ink all over my hands! It was leaking from under the blind cap. Fortunately it wasn't in my pocket. The blue 51 may be a parts pen. The blind cap doesn't screw all the way on , and I cracked ittrying to. I'm sure Brian can let me know if it's a goner or not.

Nice pens. I really like the three on the left. Can't wait to see how the waterman cleans up with those tiger stripes running around it. And the celuloid thread is really making me like those vacumatics.

 

[drocu]

This is a great PIF but I'm unfortunately in the same boat as many others. FPs are becoming my new obsession but sadly I don't have any time to devote to restoring them nor do I have any pens that need to be restored (yet).

 

[joshua1970]

generous PIF, but I've not even hopped onto the vintage pen AD yet. and I'm trying my best NOT to!!!

 

[Argonaut]

Nice PIF! My method of repair is to PM Nemo with a bunch of stupid questions, so far it's worked.
Sorry Nemo.