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I scored a bottle of Rachmaninoff! I can't wait to write all of my notes in eye-blinding pink. There isn't a whole lot of information on the Russian Series in general, though. It seems like any time someone brings them up in the fountain pen communities, they get ignored and it requires a lot of irritating "Hey guys, look at me!  " to get anyone to comment on the formulations or the color or the way the ink behaves in general.
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Sep 11, 2013 17:30
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milpreve posted:Someone talk me out of (into) buying a Pilot Metro. IF I splurge and buy it, should I get the converter? Rather, pros/cons of converter? I know you can switch the nibs, but I didn't see what size it takes on Goulet. Is it only swappable with other Pilot nibs, or can I order a loose nib from Goulet? the pilot metro comes with a squeeze converter, the charge extra is for a piston converter.
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Sep 11, 2013 17:36
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wodan22 posted:You want them both...No, seriously, you want them both. I feel the same way about my 540 and my 700, but I will give a slight edge to my Vac 700. I like the larger size, the #6 nib (which you can replace with a Goulet nib if you like - I have with rather good results*) and the fact that you can close off the feed is awesome when the pen is cold or you're worried about large changes in air pressure. But if those features aren't appealing to you for the extra $15, then get the 580. I have a clear 540 and a Sapphire 700 and I love using them and letting others use them as well.
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Sep 11, 2013 18:04
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I was just curious if anybody besides Monteverde makes a stylus fountain pen for use with touchscreens? I saw that TWSBI has a ballpoint stylus, but no fp. Surely, somebody besides Monteverde has made one?
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Sep 11, 2013 18:12
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 My Preppy came early! But... I'm not sure what the last piece is. It came inside of the body. (It's pictured next to the clear body.) I ordered the eye dropper conversion, which I think just means the rubber ring, right? So did it come with a cartridge? Can I use that, then later when that runs dry I just pour the HoD ink into the body, screw closed tightly, and write?
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Sep 11, 2013 23:37
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milpreve posted:
Also a conversion should be o-ring and silicone grease
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Sep 11, 2013 23:45
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Eyedropper converted preppies scare the poo poo out of me. That plastic looks so brittle... 
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Sep 11, 2013 23:57
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GrAviTy84 posted:Eyedropper converted preppies scare the poo poo out of me. That plastic looks so brittle... I've had preppy's for going on 3 years and I only have one cracked barrel that I did while screwing it closed after a fill. The caps crack though but I just use scotch tape.
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Sep 12, 2013 00:05
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Preppy caps definitely crack. Mine has a hairline up one side now but the seal is on an interior mechanism so the pen is still good. I go worry that the silicone ring is cracking now though.
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Sep 12, 2013 01:14
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Speaking of cheap pens. I bought one of these a few days ago. Will trip report when it comes. http://www.ebay.com/itm/310502449538?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
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Sep 12, 2013 01:39
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Do be sure to report back, I really like the look of that one, though I guess Heroes can be hit or miss.
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Sep 12, 2013 01:52
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A Dirty Sock posted:Preppy caps definitely crack. Mine has a hairline up one side now but the seal is on an interior mechanism so the pen is still good. I go worry that the silicone ring is cracking now though. I did replace my older o-rings a few months ago. They weren't leaking but I could see they were cracked and I wanted to be proactive. But I figure 2+ years of use was a good run for something so cheap and tiny.
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Sep 12, 2013 01:56
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Got my new inks and nib from xfountainpens.com, they sell #6 nibs to fit the Ahab for about 7 bucks. The one I bought sucks though, I wish I would have ponied up through Goulet instead. I think the nib might be defective as it writes super dry and scratchy, at .6mm even after cleaning up the nib a bit. I'm used to 1.0mm stub nibs after using my Plumix nib in a Metropolitan for the past few days. With the postage with sending it back and everything else it's not much savings. They do free shipping if you spend $15 though, as opposed to Goulet. I also picked up some inks at around $5 a bottle. Antique Crimson - Chesterfield Ink is a nice deep crimson that writes really smooth and shades nicely. Tourmaline - Chesterfield Ink 25ml Bottle is a very pretty hunter green. I inked up my Ahab with the Antique Crimson for work. Went to swap out the ink in my ahab and the o ring is already stretched out, and won't seal -- so I'm going to have to go back to the plunger until I can find the rest of the rings i bought. On the subject of Preppys, my wife has her preppy inked up as an eyedropper and carries it around daily in her purse with no issues. They look really fragile but they're not that bad, especially with how cheap they are to replace. Verdugo fucked around with this message at 02:41 on Sep 12, 2013 |
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Sep 12, 2013 02:28
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Verdugo posted:On the subject of Preppys, my wife has her preppy inked up as an eyedropper and carries it around daily in her purse with no issues. They look really fragile but they're not that bad, especially with how cheap they are to replace. Cost of replacement isn't the concern. It only takes one bad barrel to ruin a purse, a shirt, a pair of pants, or worse--especially if you use waterproof inks. Personally, I wouldn't risk it.
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Sep 12, 2013 02:38
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404notfound posted:Cost of replacement isn't the concern. It only takes one bad barrel to ruin a purse, a shirt, a pair of pants, or worse--especially if you use waterproof inks. Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Agreed. I haven't run into any trouble with them. My preppy is actually in better shape than my ahab is.
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Sep 12, 2013 02:41
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How long can you leave an eye dropper Preppy inked for before you start dealing with drying, in general? Same question for Metro! I know that inks can vary, but a ballpark estimate. With dip calligraphy, I always clean up to pack up, but for class pens I'd like to know if I can fill it and forget it for a week or so. Unrelated: should I have to shake HoD? It looks like something settled on one side of the vial in transport. Will I have to shake the pen before use?
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Sep 12, 2013 04:29
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milpreve posted:How long can you leave an eye dropper Preppy inked for before you start dealing with drying, in general? Same question for Metro! I know that inks can vary, but a ballpark estimate. With dip calligraphy, I always clean up to pack up, but for class pens I'd like to know if I can fill it and forget it for a week or so. If the cap is still tight, at least a month plus for the Preppy, due to that crazy cap. The Metro will be a bit of a hard start after a week or so. This is of course in my experience, yours may vary. HoD I don't think you'd see much difference, but I recommend (gently) shaking any ink before you fill from it. Pen before use, not at all. Anything you'll write for at least a page is in the feed already anyway.
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Sep 12, 2013 04:38
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SnakesRevenge posted:If the cap is still tight, at least a month plus for the Preppy, due to that crazy cap. The Metro will be a bit of a hard start after a week or so. Great, thanks! I'll not hesitate to play with my Preppy tomorrow then, and take it to class Monday. And if Metro, inks, and Rhodia pad come Friday, then it will be a very fun weekend! Edit: I just filled it and wrote with it. I'm in love. I have no impulse control. milpreve fucked around with this message at 05:39 on Sep 12, 2013 |
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Sep 12, 2013 05:13
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A5 Rhodia Dot Pads for lyfe.
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Sep 12, 2013 06:27
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Your greatest fear with a converted eyedropper Preppy isn't that you will crack it, though that does happen. It's actually that instead of uncapping it, you'll unscrew the barrel. God bless you if you're using a waterproof ink, because you're about to be totally hosed.
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Sep 12, 2013 14:23
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lady flash posted:I've had preppy's for going on 3 years and I only have one cracked barrel that I did while screwing it closed after a fill.  Scotch tape, why didn't I think of that? I've just been careful with the cap on mine since it cracked, it will maintain the seal or whatever so long as it doesn't get moved too much.
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Sep 12, 2013 15:24
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If I've left my pens sitting, inked, for a little too long (it's been two months or so now), what's the best way to clean them out and get them back to normal? Just run lukewarm/cool water through them for a while? Let them soak?
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Sep 12, 2013 15:36
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Arcturas posted:If I've left my pens sitting, inked, for a little too long (it's been two months or so now), what's the best way to clean them out and get them back to normal? Just run lukewarm/cool water through them for a while? Let them soak? Soaking it great. If they aren't weird antiques, a little diluted ammonia or even rubbing alcohol will remove a surprising amount of dried ink that you didn't think was there. The latter cleaned off a bunch of BSB residue that I didn't even know was there. Also, don't be afraid of pulling out the nib and feed if you're able, this will help a great deal. Solkanar512 fucked around with this message at 15:42 on Sep 12, 2013 |
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Sep 12, 2013 15:38
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My VP showed up today! Why the hell didn't I buy this thing sooner? It's so freaking cool! I'm less impressed with the J Herbin Vert Olive I bought. It's really light, especially with a fine nib. But you live and learn.
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Sep 13, 2013 02:12
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A friend bought a Cross C Series pen. The nib is huge and it's weighted pretty heavy but it seems to write nice. I'd still prefer my Lamy though. I really am a heathen I think.
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Sep 13, 2013 02:24
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The Lamy 2000 is still in production, ergo it's always fine to prefer a Lamy. Lamy 2000 + Pilot VP best student pen combination.
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Sep 13, 2013 02:27
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I bought my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari, a few months ago and am looking to upgrade. I want something with a larger capacity, and the TWSBI 580 looks good to me but do those here that have one find the twisting end tight enough not to turn around itself jostling semi-loose in a backpack and make a mess? What size nib do you use? I'm debating between a fine and a medium, I've read some reviews that it writes pretty wet so I'm leaning towards a fine nib.
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Sep 13, 2013 04:42
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There's not really enough of a texture on the piston knob for it to get caught on anything, plus it's fairly firm in its normal position. I've got a medium nib on my 580, which works fine for standard 7mm ruled paper.
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Sep 13, 2013 04:47
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PlushCow posted:I bought my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari, a few months ago and am looking to upgrade. I want something with a larger capacity, and the TWSBI 580 looks good to me but do those here that have one find the twisting end tight enough not to turn around itself jostling semi-loose in a backpack and make a mess? What size nib do you use? For nib comparisons Goulet Pens has this tool that shows you how each pen writes with each nib: Nib Nook If you really want to go in for insane capacity I might recommend the Vac 700. drat thing never seems to run out of ink. Only thing I have with a better capacity than that is the Preppy Eyedropper that comes with HoD, and actually I'm not sure of that since my Vac has a finer nib than the Preppy and so far I haven't had to refill it.
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Sep 13, 2013 04:55
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PlushCow posted:I bought my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari, a few months ago and am looking to upgrade. I want something with a larger capacity, and the TWSBI 580 looks good to me but do those here that have one find the twisting end tight enough not to turn around itself jostling semi-loose in a backpack and make a mess? What size nib do you use? The 580 is pretty awesome. One of my faves. The end is not loose. However you can't post the cap or else you do risk accidentally twisting the end and getting ink everywhere. If it really bothers you, the Vac700 is also a good choice. I have the fine nib on both my 580 and my Vac700 and love it. I have fine nibs on all my pens, except the Japanese one which have mediums. So if you like fine nibs on other pens, the TWSBI fine nib is great. The vac700 (at least if you order from Goulet) comes with a second nib that you can swap out if you don't like the original nib it comes with.
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Sep 13, 2013 04:59
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Brightman posted:For nib comparisons Goulet Pens has this tool that shows you how each pen writes with each nib: Nib Nook I'm almost sure that the 580 holds just a bit more ink than the Vac 700, due to the width of the barrel and the rod inside. My 580 has a 1.1mm sub, which I find to be a bit of a hard-starter more often than not. My Vac 700 has a broad nib (the Jowo one), and is an absolute dream to write with. For anyone choosing between the two I'd recommend giving them both a look (they're both gorgeous, honestly) and deciding how much the cool factor of a vacuum filler is worth.
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Sep 13, 2013 05:51
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SnakesRevenge posted:I'm almost sure that the 580 holds just a bit more ink than the Vac 700, due to the width of the barrel and the rod inside. Yeah I just have an old 530, and also the nib on my vac is EF so of course it goes forever. I think the capacity on a vac 2.1 ml, so if it out does that the 580 would definitely be the pen to get in this case.
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Sep 13, 2013 06:04
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Help stop me from making enormous wishlists of inks for my pens  But seriously, I like a lot of the bright saturated colors but I cant really think of a reason to use them, anyone have suggestions so I can justify buying a bunch of bright oranges and pinks or something?
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Sep 13, 2013 06:55
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Xun posted:Help stop me from making enormous wishlists of inks for my pens Colour coded annotation in lecture notes and diagrams. Very handy in biology for protein complexes etc. And sometimes submit handwritten exercises in purple because why not.
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Sep 13, 2013 07:02
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I had the body on an eyedropper Preppy unscrew a little bit in my bag and it made a huge mess that I didn't notice as I carried it around for a full day. Never again. I'm sure they're fine for a non-mobile situation (sitting on your desk).
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Sep 13, 2013 14:49
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Xun posted:Help stop me from making enormous wishlists of inks for my pens I usually keep a bright red on me for regulatory reasons, so maybe find a career in QC/QA? :p
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Sep 13, 2013 16:21
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ColdPie posted:I had the body on an eyedropper Preppy unscrew a little bit in my bag and it made a huge mess that I didn't notice as I carried it around for a full day. Never again. I have a Preppy I plan on converting once the cartridge it came with runs out, but I'm terrified of it doing something like that. If I had more confidence with it I'd use it instead of my 580 and Safari for my boring colors, but my black and blue-black are Noodler's bulletproof monstrosities. As much as I like 54th Mass I don't know if I want to commit my 580 to it.
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Sep 13, 2013 16:39
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Thanks for the replies, I'll take another look at the vac700 and the Nib Nook tool - definitely helpful that page is. Now to just decide a couple new colors (a brown??) of inks to try out beyond the black I have  Months ago I thought it was silly to spend $20 on just one pen, ONE PEN, I could get a box of ballpoints with that, but now spending $100+ on a pen and some inks I just don't know sometimes! 
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Sep 13, 2013 17:36
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My pen box is finally done! Now to wait on shipping from England to Canada. Then to buy more pens to fill it up... 
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Sep 13, 2013 17:40
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PlushCow posted:Thanks for the replies, I'll take another look at the vac700 and the Nib Nook tool - definitely helpful that page is. Now to just decide a couple new colors (a brown??) of inks to try out beyond the black I have Admittedly it's more costly than the one pen you planned on months back, but Iroshizuku Tsukushi is an absolutely gorgeous brown with just a bit of red in it. Definitely worth a look/ink sample at least
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Sep 13, 2013 17:53
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