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Post by filpot on Aug 31, 2018 16:12:09 GMT
I have a beautiful Herbin glass pen, but it has stopped moving smoothly over the paper. I think it's because I always tend to hold the pen at the same angle, so I've worn the "nib" unevenly.
Does anyone know how to get the pen back to full functionality? I've read loads of internet things on it and watched the YouTube videos about rubbing the nib on fine emery paper - I've actually tried it - but I can't get the nib back to its former smooth self.
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peterpenog
Crayons
I'm in London UK and have quite a few pens. Would like to correspond with someone in the UK rather t
Posts: 17
Looking for Penpals?: Yes. Non-international penpals only
Country I live in is: uk
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Post by peterpenog on Nov 6, 2020 11:02:35 GMT
I have a glass pen I bought years ago. Never use it. It was really a waste of money.
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Post by eefa on Nov 6, 2020 14:49:46 GMT
I have a beautiful Herbin glass pen, but it has stopped moving smoothly over the paper. I think it's because I always tend to hold the pen at the same angle, so I've worn the "nib" unevenly. Does anyone know how to get the pen back to full functionality? I've read loads of internet things on it and watched the YouTube videos about rubbing the nib on fine emery paper - I've actually tried it - but I can't get the nib back to its former smooth self. Hi filpot I wish I could help! I bought a beautiful glass pen in Venice a few years back but the nib chipped or something so I can't use it all now. Like yourself I saw some videos about using very fine sand paper (or emery paper) but it didn't help. Best of luck with the repairs!
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Post by ole on Nov 6, 2020 15:30:51 GMT
I have a beautiful Herbin glass pen, but it has stopped moving smoothly over the paper. I think it's because I always tend to hold the pen at the same angle, so I've worn the "nib" unevenly. Does anyone know how to get the pen back to full functionality? I've read loads of internet things on it and watched the YouTube videos about rubbing the nib on fine emery paper - I've actually tried it - but I can't get the nib back to its former smooth self. I haven't tried a glass pen yet, so beware that this is opinion. I suspect that emery paper, even very fine, is too rough. A glass person would probably heat the end of the pen until the surface melted smooth again. If it was me I'd use a common propane torch. I base this opinion on a little experience with lab glass bending and shaping. Please don't try this if you're not prepared for the loss of a pen because it's just another one of my hair-brained technical ideas.
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Post by distractedmom on Nov 8, 2020 20:31:43 GMT
I have never had any luck with glass pens. Good luck to you!
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Post by vertolive on Nov 9, 2020 2:26:51 GMT
I have an Ernst glass pen which is very smooth and writes an entire 8x11 before re-dipping. I’ve had it (and used it) for 7 years without seeing this sort of issue. Maybe call the company?
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Post by although on Nov 9, 2020 2:40:46 GMT
I would think that jewelers rouge, or a buffing compound would make more sense than fine sandpaper. If it were me, I would try a bit of buffing compound on a small dremel cloth wheel. That being said, I'm also not a glass pen user. I did, however, work in a glass factory for a few decades. So, I feel like I have at least a little experience with such things Cheers
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Post by filpot on Nov 11, 2020 16:05:50 GMT
Many thanks for all the suggestions. eefa, the glass pen I bought in Venice 17 years ago is still fine, but it's short and I find the fat body on the Herbin one more comfortable to hold, which is why I'd like to resolve the nib problem. ole, I'm such an oaf that I don't think I'll try the melting idea - I'd probably set fire to myself!! Also, glass nibs have grooves in them to make the ink flow to the point, so melting might damage these. although, I don't have the equipment for jeweller's-style polishing, but if lockdown ever ends for long enough for me to get to a DIY shop, I might look for some "blueback" emery paper, which is the paper used to smooth jewellery before it goes to the polisher for its finish. Maybe that'll do the job!
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Post by stompie on Nov 11, 2020 17:56:02 GMT
filpot , you can get a cheap but good 12000 grit polishing cloth which might help, also called Micro Mesh, and it is also something I use just to run my normal FP nibs over every now and then. Great for sharpening knives as well!
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peterpenog
Crayons
I'm in London UK and have quite a few pens. Would like to correspond with someone in the UK rather t
Posts: 17
Looking for Penpals?: Yes. Non-international penpals only
Country I live in is: uk
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Post by peterpenog on Nov 12, 2020 13:49:02 GMT
I got out my glass pen this morning and tried to fill it. No good and I don't know why. However I dipped it and tried to write and it is awful. Only fit for the dustbin. I ask myself why I bother with this and other old pens I've acquired when 90% of them are rubbish! The only really good pens I've got are from 1987 to the present day, and are mostly Pelikans.
Maybe I should have a clear out and chuck most of the old pens into the garbage bin.
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Post by stompie on Nov 12, 2020 15:03:32 GMT
I got out my glass pen this morning and tried to fill it. No good and I don't know why. However I dipped it and tried to write and it is awful. Only fit for the dustbin. I ask myself why I bother with this and other old pens I've acquired when 90% of them are rubbish! The only really good pens I've got are from 1987 to the present day, and are mostly Pelikans.
Maybe I should have a clear out and chuck most of the old pens into the garbage bin. Hey, if you going to throw pens away, throw them my way!
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Post by filpot on Nov 15, 2020 16:42:16 GMT
filpot , you can get a cheap but good 12000 grit polishing cloth which might help, also called Micro Mesh, and it is also something I use just to run my normal FP nibs over every now and then. Great for sharpening knives as well! Thanks for that, it might just be the perfect solution!
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Post by Lupine on Dec 10, 2020 16:31:28 GMT
I just bought my first glass dipping pen ($5 USD). Very pretty golden yellow, with a little ball close to the nib so you don't get your fingers inky. I bought it specifically for testing out inks and it works better than I could have imagined. I can't believe I ever filled and cleaned my fountain pen over and over and over and over just to try out ink colors. Duh. This goes under my "what I wish I knew from the start" list. I'm going to try and start that thread under "Pens" for fun.
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Post by Lupine on Dec 10, 2020 16:31:58 GMT
I have a beautiful Herbin glass pen, but it has stopped moving smoothly over the paper. I think it's because I always tend to hold the pen at the same angle, so I've worn the "nib" unevenly. Does anyone know how to get the pen back to full functionality? I've read loads of internet things on it and watched the YouTube videos about rubbing the nib on fine emery paper - I've actually tried it - but I can't get the nib back to its former smooth self. I'm following to hear the suggestions in case this happens to me someday.
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Post by sails on Dec 10, 2020 16:56:07 GMT
Manicure four-way buff sticks might work well, because they have some give to them...padding. This makes the glass nib polishing work a bit better. I have a few, and I've had to smooth most of them more than once. They are also useful for regular nib smoothing.
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