On of the most common requests I receive is to put together a video on how to adjust fountain pens to customize the writing experience for the user. I am, by no means, an expert, but over the last couple of years, I have picked up several tips and tricks about how to adjust fountain pens. I’ve become confident enough to adjust even my high-end pens that don’t write the way I would like them to. So, I thought I would compile the tips and tricks I’ve discovered here in this mini-series for people who are interested.
DISCLAIMER: The steps I show in this video are undertaken at your own risk. I do not accept responsibility for any damage you do to your pen as a result of actions I or others show in the video, in this post, or in the comments below. Please note that, if your pen is under warranty, you run the risk of voiding your warranty if you undertake this work on your own. If you are new to adjusting your pens, start with inexpensive pens, and GO SLOWLY.
Part 1: Adjusting Ink Flow
Part 2: Aligning Tines
Part 3: You’ve adjusted your ink flow, and you’ve aligned your tines. For the most part, the scratchiness is gone, but the writing experience still feels a little rough. Now it’s time to polish, so break out your micromesh and lapping film.
So, I should probably mention that my particular method for polishing a nib tip is more aggressive than many would recommend. I didn’t start off being as aggressive as I am in my videos, but over time, I’ve become comfortable enough to get a feel for how and when do use that aggressiveness. This video is a look at my process. I am, in no way, indicating that it is the “right” or “best” process. But I do spend a bit of time talking about how to approach the task from a gentler approach.
