Fountain pen nib problem

[bmchan]

I made my first FP a few weeks (AZ Sil) ago and used the cartridge that came with the kit. No problems. Then I bought a Mont Blanc cartridge and the ink flow has slowed markedly with the second mont blanc. It starts weak (asin watery) then fades to nothing.

Under a magnifying glass, the nib look to have caked ink. The nib is closed tight. How do I clean the nib etc.? A link would be appreciated if you have a reference.

 

[jeffj13]

I don't think you have a nib problem. I think you have an ink problem. Switch to a better flowing ink such as Private Reserve or Noodlers. I have also had good luck with Waterman cartridges that you can buy at Staples.

You can clean the nib using cool water with a couple of drops of ammonia in it. Use your converter and draw the water up through the nib, then discharge it in the same method. Keep doing this until the nib is clean. If your nib and feed are very badly clogged, you may have to take it apart to clean.

The following site should provide you with some assistance.

http://www.nibs.com/PenMaintenance.htm

jeff

 

[bmchan]

Thanks Jeff. To close the loop, I cut open a cartridge and it was dry. I emailed Mont Blanc and they said the model I bought was "very old". Cutting open other cartridges revealed dry ink or no ink.

I'll do a web purchase as no local retailers carry the size I want(in length). The length probably does not matter. Let me rephrase that.

The Waterman's at Staples are longer than the one that came with the pen but appear to be the same diameter and I will try those.

Thanks again.

 

[gerryr]

Try www.heritagepens.com He sells Private Reserve ink and is a member here. Private Reserve is the only kind I use.

 

[bmchan]

Done.

 

[Firefyter-emt]

If you want to try a couple sample ink's shoot me a PM and I can send you a vial or two from my private stock..[]

 

[bjackman]

Empty the cartridges you have and refill with a syringe from a bottle. You will probably get dozens or more uses from any given "disposable" cartridge.

 

[Firefyter-emt]

Yea, but for as little as a buck, they sell this thing that's kinda like a syringe but you can just attach it right to the feeder itself. [)]

 

[Turnitall]

You can buy international cartridges that are used in our pens at just about any office supply store...
Of course you are usually limited to blue or black.
Contrary to what has been said here, PR and Noodlers inks are not as free flowing as Mont Blanc ink.
Due to the higher saturation level of dye in those inks they are actually thicker inks and can cause problems in some pens, especially those with fine nibs.

 

[Firefyter-emt]

You are correct, they are both very heavy inks. Personaly, I like the Diamine & Visconti inks the best, although the Pelikan 4001 inks are pretty nice too.