SteveG
Member
Fountain pens are less common sales items for me than other pen types. My issue is that when I upgrade the stock nib on a 'kit' pen to a Heritance or Bock, I almost always have problems getting the replacement nib to work properly.
I do the basic steps to check for tine alignment using magnification, floss the slit with a thin piece of brass (.02" thick) shim stock, insure good symmetrical, proper alignment of nib to feed. I know how to press on the individual tine to work on the alignment. None of these steps seem to help my issue. I have done a fair amount of research, but have failed to find a solution. One specific problem that I often encounter is that the nib looks fine, but once mounted to the feed and holder, the tines will then be spread apart, resulting in no ink flow. I may be wrong, but I have the impression that the overall diameter of the replacement nib does not match diameter of the mating surface of the feed. I put the stock nib back on, and there is no issue with the tines spreading. It is kind of difficult to go back to the buyer and offer the stock nib after selling him on the wonders of the upgraded nib!
I am seeking specific feedback to the spreading tines issue, and also any general advice or tips that any of you have found to be useful when mounting a replacement nib. Is it appropriate to press the new nib to a rod (transfer punch for example) to increase/decrease its diameter? My most common kit for nib replacements are the Dayacom Jr. Series. I will very much appreciate any help on this issue. I am contemplating taking the step of no longer offering nib upgrades, which I consider to be tantamount to giving up!
I do the basic steps to check for tine alignment using magnification, floss the slit with a thin piece of brass (.02" thick) shim stock, insure good symmetrical, proper alignment of nib to feed. I know how to press on the individual tine to work on the alignment. None of these steps seem to help my issue. I have done a fair amount of research, but have failed to find a solution. One specific problem that I often encounter is that the nib looks fine, but once mounted to the feed and holder, the tines will then be spread apart, resulting in no ink flow. I may be wrong, but I have the impression that the overall diameter of the replacement nib does not match diameter of the mating surface of the feed. I put the stock nib back on, and there is no issue with the tines spreading. It is kind of difficult to go back to the buyer and offer the stock nib after selling him on the wonders of the upgraded nib!
I am seeking specific feedback to the spreading tines issue, and also any general advice or tips that any of you have found to be useful when mounting a replacement nib. Is it appropriate to press the new nib to a rod (transfer punch for example) to increase/decrease its diameter? My most common kit for nib replacements are the Dayacom Jr. Series. I will very much appreciate any help on this issue. I am contemplating taking the step of no longer offering nib upgrades, which I consider to be tantamount to giving up!