Nib seating depth chart

[RayCornett]

I've heard some mention a book or some other source of vintage fountain pen specifications that mentioned proper nib and feed seating depth. Anyone know where to find this information?

[jar]

I don't think anyone has ever compiled such a list and even within the same make and model pen the seating depth may not be uniform. That is particularly true when it comes to pieces parts that might be made or finished by hand; things such as ebonite feeds.

[D Armstrong]

There is no universal list I am aware of. However, your source might have been referring to the Parker brass template, which was affixed to both their multi-tool block, and reportedly also to some toolboxes. Here are some repair manual pages which reference it:

http://www.restorersart.com/images/fpn/nib-gauge.jpg

http://www.restorersart.com/images/fpn/nib-gauge-2.jpg

[Farmboy]

Even if one uses the Parker gauge, it is wise to use a depth gauge to ensure the nib clears the inner cap. Pen repair people have been known to make modifications to get threads to engage...

[Jon Szanto]

"Modifications complete, Captain."

http://i.imgur.com/fQByeYi.gif

[ac12]

Given the problems of dealing with older pens, I would do a FB said, and physically measure the depth of the inner cap, to determine how far in the nib must seat. Then you KNOW for certain what you are dealing with, vs. relying on a chart that someone else made, which could have errors or inaccuracies.

Similarly, I determine what size ink sac to use by dropping an ink sac into the barrel, rather than rely on someone's chart.