xenogonDec 11, 2024

any #fountainpen nib experts here?

here's some pics of a nib that has potential, but is a bit scratchy, its a 14ct gold broad nib for a #Parker 45 - it is slightly flat giving some line variation like an italic nib but less extreme, and it is surprisingly flexible for a tiny P45 nib.

I almost really love it but I want to reduce the scratchiness - it isn't in any particular direction, and I'm not sure if lapping it is a good idea.

I think I see some slight tine misalignment. but I'm curious what others, especially nib experts, see here.

Here's microscope pics of the underside and and angled view from each side.

Show threadTallastro 🇺🇦Dec 11, 2024

@xenogon
It appears to be unevenly ground in places. I suspect it was ground while the tines were misaligned or someone used a buffing wheel a bit too aggressively.

It looks repairable.

Show threadxenogonDec 11, 2024

@tallastro Thanks, what exactly do you see in the images that is uneven?

How would you fix it?

Show threadTallastro 🇺🇦Dec 11, 2024

@xenogon
See how the reflection in the first photo is a different shape from one side of the slit vs the other? And the 3rd photo shows the flat inside the slit more as you get toward the tip? Is it scratchier at higher writing angles?

Gold nibs get taken to the local nib meister. She's very good. Maybe if I didn't pay too much, I'd try it myself. Micromesh and 1 micron and 0.3 micron mylar abrasives would be my tools. Take my time. Make sure the tines are even as i work.

Show threadxenogonDec 11, 2024

@tallastro yes the tine on the left (the RH tine when writing) has more of a half heart shape and the other goes straight across.

I'm not sure what movements on the lapping paper would fix it though.

I will put it back in the pen and see if I can identify any angles or directions where it's worse.

I'm not sure if I have a local nib meister, and if I do they would certainly charge more than I paid for the pen and nib.

Show threadTallastro 🇺🇦Dec 11, 2024
@xenogon
Based on limited experience, it should be about $40.
Show threadxenogonDec 12, 2024

@tallastro I paid less than £20 for the whole pen. though the value is all in the nib, or would be if it were right.

this whole hobby is a bit of a guilty distraction that I'm trying to bring to a conclusion with a small collection of nice pens that I just use.

so reluctant to spend real money.

I wonder how a nibmeister would correct a v shaped slit like that?

Show threadTallastro 🇺🇦

@xenogon
Most of the value may be the gold in the nib. Either way, it's not too much. Read some more and watch nib grinding videos. Doodlebud has some videos. http://www.richardspens.com is also a good resource. A few minutes of light figure 8s on 1 micron may get it close enough to use enjoyably. Learning how these things work and how to fix them is also part of the fun for some. I would avoid power tools.

The v slit could have been caused by bending or grinding between the tines. That's also how to fix it. Study it some more. Look at other nibs so you get a feel for where you want to go. If tinkering isn't for you, sell the pen and get another.

I have similar goals and have a nice small collection. Guilt is just barely regulating my desires. There are still a few more I seem to want. My few vintage pens needed some care. Nibs needed alignment or baby's bottom correction.

RichardsPens.com • Pens That Write Right!

RichardsPens.com, your fountain pen reference resource

Dec 12, 2024 at 1:32pmWeb
Show threadxenogonDec 12, 2024

@tallastro

there's not much gold in a P45 nib they are tiny!

thanks! I'll look for those guides.

seems to me grinding or lapping won't help very much without some bending of the tines. either the inner end of the slot needs widening and then the tines need bending closer to compensate, or else the very tips of the tines need bending inward to close the V, which I think would be v difficult to do....

the very tip doesn't have to be perfect though as I write at a fairly flat angle

i'll see if any of those guides that offer more insight.

i've learned that my ideal nib is a broad slightly italic with some flex, so line variation is achieved by a mix of flex and nib shape - however this seems to be a characteristic only really achieved by vintage gold nib pens, which is can of worms I never intended to get into!

Show threadTallastro 🇺🇦Dec 12, 2024

@xenogon
Lapping may get you there if mild scratchiness is your complaint. The v slit is less than ideal but if the ink flow is ok, leave it.

Osprey has a B stub you may like. I have the Madison with a 5 nib assemblies. Get the acrylic version. The vegetal resin smells bad. The cap lets the pen dry out so maybe pick a different model. Or maybe you have a pen the nib or nib unit will fit.

Good luck and enjoy some writing.

https://www.ospreypens.com/collections/special-grind-standard-nib-units

Special Grind Nib Units