In today’s philosophy of throw out and buy new, I wondered what happens to my handcrafted pens once they have run out of ink. Does the owner buy an ink refill? Does he or she know the type of refill needed? Or, does the pen migrate to the bottom of the drawer or worse get thrown out? This thought drove me to create this blog entry. What type of pen do you have? I am presently offering four types of handcrafted pens: Slimline Pens; Cigar Pens; Bolt Action Pen; and Classic Fountain Pens. The Cigar and Bolt Action pens use the same type of ink refill and employ the same method of installation. The Slimline pen and Fountain pen have different types of ink refills and employ different methods to install them. A Slimline pen is generally a lighter weight, slim bodied ballpoint pen. It incorporates a twisting action to extend and retract the ballpoint. Pull off the top portion of the pen (containing the clasp) from the lower portion of the pen (containing the tip) to expose an inner tube containing a Cross style ink refill. Simply unscrew this refill and screw a new replacement. Replace the top portion of the pen firmly back onto the lower portion of the pen. You are ready for several more months of writing enjoyment. The Cigar pen or Bolt Action pen is a heavier and larger ballpoint pen than the Slimline. The Cigar pen has a characteristic cigar profile and incorporates a twisting action to extend and retract the ballpoint. The Bolt Action pen has a bullet tip and uses a bolt action mechanism to extend and retract the ballpoint. The tip of either pen is unscrewed to expose a Parker style ink refill along with a compression spring. Gently pull out the refill (don’t lose the spring) and replace it with the new ink refill. Then reposition the “saved” compression spring over the protruding tip of the refill. Once everything is back in-line, replace the pen tip by screwing it back onto the pen. You are ready for several more months of writing enjoyment. A Classic Fountain pen has a slightly more complex procedure for ink replacement. This pen is a heavier and larger-bodied pen than the Slimline and has a longer profile than either the Cigar or Bolt Action pen. The Fountain pen contains an ink cartridge that needs to be replaced once it is exhausted. To replace the ink cartridge, unscrew the pen cap to expose the pen nib. Then unscrew the nib housing (black plastic section) from the main pen body, and remove it to expose the ink cartridge. Pull out the old ink cartridge and replace it with a new international size ink cartridge. Make sure the new cartridge is fully seated into the back of the nip housing by firmly pushing it in. A properly seated cartridge should remain attached to the nib housing and will supply ink to the pen nib. Screw the nib housing containing the new ink cartridge back into the main body of the pen. It is best to write a few words just to insure the nib is getting ink flow from the new cartridge. If there is no ink flow, repeat the above procedure reseating the replacement ink cartridge into the back of the nib housing. Once an ink flow is established, you are ready for several more months of writing enjoyment.
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Roger McEachronRoger was encouraged by his wife to “find something else to do” other than offer her unsolicited advice in the kitchen. He considered investigating Kentucky’s many fine bourbons, but eventually selected an eminently more healthful vocation in wood turning. ArchivesCategories |