----- Original Message -----
From: GLEN CRAIG <gdc303@...>
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 5:11 pm
Subject: Re: question about your frankenpen solution
To: Richard Long <drrichardlong@...>
Cc: pen@...

> Hi Richard,
>    I came up with this solution about 10 or 12 years ago
> when constantly having problems with flooding vintage pens.
> I have used this solution on many different pens
> including OS Duofolds,Duros,Eclipse,Defon, and others.
> 
> You find an appropriare diameter drinking straw from a
> fast food type place. I find them in several sizes.
> 
> You cut a piece with sharp scissors about 1/2 to 5/8  inches
> in length. You slide it snuggly over the Sheaffer feed.If it is 
> too tight
> expand the straw diameter using needle nose pliers by gently expanding
> the pliers with the tynes inside the straw.
> 
> Slide the straw over the feed and then allign the nib and feed and
> insert the nib between straw and feed making a nib unit.
> 
> Insert the entire nib unit into the section so the straw is completly
> out of site and all you see is the remainder of the nib and the feed
> and tynes. It will look almost identical to the original nib and
> feed from the top side but the underside will look definitely like
> a combed Sheaffer hard rubber  feed .
> 
> The pen, if all fits right, will have great flow but will never 
> flood or leak
> or over flow.Sometrimes you have to make a few adjustments to get
> it just right.You also want to make sure the straw is not visble 
> by varying
> the length depending on the pen etc.
> 
> A bit of practice that is all. If I can do it anyone can.
> 
> Now, find some of those school Sheaffer pens from the 50s 60s.
> These are the cartridge pens with the chrome slip on caps that 
> originally cost a buck or so. Now most antique dealers etc. 
> have them for about 5 to 10 dollars
> Remove the feed and away you go.
> 
> I have 8 or so of these frankenpen conversions on the go right now.
>  I keep them inked up and always ready to use. I travel 
> with them on the plane
> or walk around in the hot sun and never a problem.
> 
> Remember the procedure is completely reversible at any time.
> This method of repair should work with any feed that is too thin
> for the section. The Sheaffer feeds just happen to be one of the 
> best feeds ever made that is all.
> 
> Hope this helps, Glenn
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Richard Long <drrichardlong@...>
> Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 10:35 am
> Subject: question about your frankenpen solution
> To: gdc303@...
> 
> > Glen,
> > 
> > I'd like to ask a question about your post since I'm not sure 
> > I'm 
> > understanding it fully.  When you have a vintage pen 
> that's 
> > putting out ink 
> > inconsistently, and you suspect the feed is leaking air into 
> the 
> > sac, you 
> > place a piece of plastic straw over the new feed & old nib and 
> > then insert 
> > it into the old section?  Is this correct?
> > 
> > I am a fan of vintage pens (including user-type frankenpens), 
> > but I have 
> > never heard of this remedy.
> > 
> > One last question-- how do you keep the straw from showing?
> > 
> > Thanks for the clarification.
> > 
> > 
> > Richard Long
> > Dallas, TX
> > 
> > 
> > 
>