Small triumph F/XF. problem?

I have recently acquired a Shaffer Imperial that has a small 14kt
triumph (conical) 14k nib.
It is the slim cartridge model, i think, sometimes refferred to as
"Imperial ii" and the nib imprint says "Canada". The tip lays down a
line about as thick as "Triumph Imperial" fine, and not much thicker
than a Lamy Safari EF if the pen is let glide on paper under its own
weight only.
The nib is very rigid. It doesn't seem to have that sort of attitude of
the ink to kiss the paper just before the tip makes contact with it, and
of the line to keep its thickness quite indipendent from the amount of
tip really touching the paper (as long as you are close enough to the
sweet spot) that most pens show.
While writing on a sheet of paper resting on hard surface, it hums very
noticeably on paper's irregularities.
It works almost like a very fine ballpoint, no sweet spot, very dry
line, like a nail that surprisingly keeps writing and doesn't skip.
I wouldn't say it's scratchy or misaligned.
I've used it with skrip turqoise, so far.

Now, is that how a (small) F triumph nib should feel? Or should I try to
correct it? Increase flow, polish the tip to get a somewhat more
pronounced sweet spot?

Having lurked around for a while I suspect someone on the group may have
good suggestions.

TIA.

On 2005ǯ02·î06Æü 17»þ50ʬ52Éà , haystack wrote:

I have recently acquired a Shaffer Imperial that has a small 14kt
triumph (conical) 14k nib. It is the slim cartridge model, i think,
sometimes refferred to as "Imperial ii" and the nib imprint says
"Canada". The tip lays down a line about as thick as "Triumph
Imperial" fine, and not much thicker than a Lamy Safari EF if the
pen is let glide on paper under its own weight only.

lamy nibs are known for being wide, so that's not unexpected.

The nib is very rigid. It doesn't seem to have that sort of attitude
of the ink to kiss the paper just before the tip makes contact with
it, and of the line to keep its thickness quite indipendent from the
amount of tip really touching the paper (as long as you are close
enough to the sweet spot) that most pens show. While writing on a
sheet of paper resting on hard surface, it hums very noticeably on
paper's irregularities.

almost all pens -- even those with properly adjusted, well-made nibs
-- will do that. i always put something underneath the paper, usually
a large paperback book. and crappy paper will let you know it's
crappy, too. try some nice paper. if it doesn't write will on that,
there's something wrong.

It works almost like a very fine ballpoint, no sweet spot, very dry
line, like a nail that surprisingly keeps writing and doesn't skip.
I wouldn't say it's scratchy or misaligned. I've used it with skrip
turqoise, so far.

they say triumph nibs tend to run dry. all of mine have been dry, but
i haven't sampled enough to say that they're all like that. the
triumph nibs are definitely quite rigid. some might say they feel
like a nail.

Now, is that how a (small) F triumph nib should feel? Or should I
try to correct it? Increase flow, polish the tip to get a somewhat
more pronounced sweet spot?

all nibs are a bit different, so it's hard to say what it should feel
like. at any rate, it's clear this one doesn't suit you. you could
increase the flow if you like things wetter, but if it's not
misaligned or scratchy (did you check with a loupe?), polishing the
tip probably wouldn't help that much. use destructive methods like
sanding down the tipping material only as a last resort.

you could always trade the thing to someone who prefers drier
writers.


--


Give them RADAR-GUIDED SKEE-BALL LANES and VELVEETA BURRITOS!!

Not entirely sure what info you're looking for. The Triumph nib was
designed to withstand the pressure necessary to create eight carbon
copies.

If you are not satisfied with the ink flow these nibs respond readily
to the "razor blade" trick wherein a razor blade is very carefully
pushed up the nib slit and withdrawn. I would recommend trying a medium
nib to see if that is closer to what you are after.

If the nib doesn't feel smooth check closely to see that the tines are
perfectly aligned. If you can look through a 20x magnifier you will be
able to see the tiniest misalignment or imperfection. If the tines are
in need of adjustment I would recommend against doing it yourself. Most
good repair people have the experience and equipment necessary to do a
good job.

Sherell Tyree at ink-pen.com is a Sheaffer specialist, John Mottishaw
at nibs.com is arguably the best nib guy around -- his waiting list
seems to hover between three and six months. If you are in the LA area
the LA pen show is coming up. Pen shows are great for soaking up
knowledge and trying out other versions of what you have.

With the nib there usually is no "right" answer, other than does it do
what it was originally intended to. It is possible, with some weird
metallurgy, to make a Triumph nib flexible. Since it was originally
designed to be rock-hard this seems lind of silly. Everything else,
including ink flow, nib feel, writing angle etc. is a matter of taste.

Hope that helps,

Jon


In article , haystack
wrote:

I have recently acquired a Shaffer Imperial that has a small 14kt
triumph (conical) 14k nib.

snip

It works almost like a very fine ballpoint, no sweet spot, very dry
line, like a nail that surprisingly keeps writing and doesn't skip.
I wouldn't say it's scratchy or misaligned.
I've used it with skrip turqoise, so far.

Now, is that how a (small) F triumph nib should feel? Or should I try to
correct it? Increase flow, polish the tip to get a somewhat more
pronounced sweet spot?