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Kevin Davy reshared this.


Is there a large #FountainPens community on the fedi?

Anyhow, I have a dedicated blue #Lamy Sarafi that I used to use for my #BaystateBlue ink, because it's notorious for permanently staining everything it comes into contact with. A while ago, I accidentally let ink dry out in this pen, and I haven't been able to get the feed flowing properly since. I've cleaned the pen several times and left everything soaking in water for several hours on a few occasions. I've also tried changing the nib. Eventually, I just emptied it, cleaned it out, and left it sitting on a shelf for a while.

I recently pulled it out again, cleaned it once more, and inked it up. Same problem. I'm going to leave it sit inked for a bit to see if maybe capillary action will eventually set in, but if this doesn't resolve the issue is there anything else I can try? I can always replace the pen, but I'd rather not if it can be avoided.

in reply to Jonathan Lamothe Shannon Prickett reshared this.

So someone elsewhere recommended soaking in a 10:1 water:vinegar solution. I've considered this, but don't know if it'll damage the feed. Thoughts?
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

no, vinegar won’t damage the feed. But I’m not really sure it will help in this case. If you want something stronger than normal pen flush, try Rapido-eze. It’s designed for technical pens and can clean out some stubborn particles.
in reply to paradoxmo Shannon Prickett reshared this.

@paradoxmo I've heard mixed responses about pen flush. Many have stated not to let a pen soak in it.
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe Shannon Prickett reshared this.

if it’s standard ammonia-based pen flush, you should not keep the nib or the barrel submerged in it. You should fill the pen with it like you would with ink, and leave it there overnight. This is different than soaking.
in reply to paradoxmo

@paradoxmo Ohhhh! That's the part I wasn't understanding. I was just running it through the pen.
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

vinegar is pretty safe in general and you can always dilute it. I think the safari has a plastic feed, too.

if it were me I would use a little dishsoap and an old toothbrush first and try to get into the feed's nooks and crannies. if the suds turn blue, it's working

in reply to Nick

@Nick Oh, there's an idea. I might give that a go if I can find an old tooth brush.
@Nick
in reply to Jonathan Lamothe

idk if it's large, but will tag my fountain pen friend @coffeentacos (not sure that's your primary j.c. if not I'm sorry!)

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