I decided to sign in after recovering having problems re-starting my Rotring Esprit (it sent me on a internet exploration of ink qualities). Anyway, I hope to learn some stuff around here.
DWL, I hadn't used her for a while and I was unable to make her start. May I had that I hand refill my cartridges with a seringe and I was using Parker Quink black. So, suddenly I realized maybe this is a ink problem and went hunting for a lost cartdrige. I think I found a Mont Blank in a drawer and it started flowing. Then I tried again with a refilled Quink cartridge and it kept writing.
Anyway, that was what started me here, I started looking for ink differences on the web. Right now I also have a Rotring art pen that I can't start. I even diluted the Quink ink with a bit of water, I thought it was a fluidity problem but it just goes a bit and then stops... so that's a mystery. I think I'm going to buy now Aurora ink, for what I've read it seems a nice ink.
Something I'm curious is if it is possible to change the Esprit nibble to one that writes thinner...
My father always liked fountain pens (he has a stash just of nibs, something that alwasy fascinated me), one of the things he taught me was never to lend a fountain pen because different pressures could ruin the nib so I always also carry a Bic pocket with me so I can lend it to needed people in a emergency (and fill invoices and so because of the added pressure needed).
You have reached the right place here! Dennis (DWL for us) is a very well reputed guy within pen repairers, and the author of the Vintage Pen Repair DVDs.
I know you are going to get the right answer within this forum.
Rgds.
Martin
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Don't quarrel with a stupid guy, people might not notice the difference.
"I hadn't used her for a while and I was unable to make her start. May I had that I hand refill my cartridges with a seringe and I was using Parker Quink black. So, suddenly I realized maybe this is a ink problem and went hunting for a lost cartdrige. I think I found a Mont Blank in a drawer and it started flowing. Then I tried again with a refilled Quink cartridge and it kept writing. "
It sounds like your pens have a lot of dried ink residue built up & need a deep cleaning/rinsing. If you do not have one, invest $30 or so on an inexpensive ultra sonic or small jewelery cleaner. HarborFreight.com has a decent piece for that price range. (use nothing but room temp water in the cleaners).
Just remove the section & drop it in for a full cycle & it should fix the problem, be sure to shake all of the water from the nib before you replace & fill it.
"Anyway, that was what started me here, I started looking for ink differences on the web. Right now I also have a Rotring art pen that I can't start. I even diluted the Quink ink with a bit of water, I thought it was a fluidity problem but it just goes a bit and then stops... so that's a mystery. I think I'm going to buy now Aurora ink, for what I've read it seems a nice ink."
Sounds like the same problem. Start off with good flush. If you can find a bulb syringe like they use to suck the gunk from a baby's nose, use that and push water through the section until it runs clear. Then let it st in a cup of water overnight, flush again the next morning."
"Something I'm curious is if it is possible to change the Esprit nibble to one that writes thinner..."
Call rotring & see if they will sell just a nib or put a want to buy post in the 'I'm Buyin'" forum. I'm sure you'll find something. If you cant find a new one, InkaFX, one of ou members here shaped & smoothed 2 nibs for me a month or so back & did a great job. I'm sure if you PM him, he can help out.
"My father always liked fountain pens (he has a stash just of nibs, something that alwasy fascinated me), one of the things he taught me was never to lend a fountain pen because different pressures could ruin the nib so I always also carry a Bic pocket with me so I can lend it to needed people in a emergency (and fill invoices and so because of the added pressure needed)."
Letting someone else use your pen is a personal choice, if they are familiar with using a FP, there shouldn't be a problem. The tipping material on the nib is so hard that the letting someone else use it will not change it in any way. The dont let someone use your pen was for untipped dip pens that change/wear quickly. But a fp...no worries man. spread the love.
"many thanks for your welcoming,"
Our pleasure & welcome again the the community
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Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito ~Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them
"The dont let someone use your pen was for untipped dip pens that change/wear quickly."
Ach! It makes sense. The nibs he has are also surely of such kind. Maybe I can take a photo next time I'll visit him. After all he is from 1927 vintage :)
I'll try your suggestions to see if I can fix my other Rotring.
DWL, it worked, it flows like a charm. And oh! what pretty strikes it left on the water, never remembered that and it was a joy for the aerodynamicist in me. For it alone it would be worth the try.