Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 85

Thread: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Posts
    17
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 13 Times in 3 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Question Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    There must be more than a few FPG’s out there who are into restoration. If someone with the desire (and prerequisite skills) wanted to try restoration as a hobby, what’s the first, say, 10 tools that one would need in their kit?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    https://goodwriterspens.com/?s=Tools

    Those posts will give you some ideas. I've been doing this commercially for 11 years and I still buy new tools.
    TopTen
    Knock out block
    Section pliers
    Pocket knife
    Bulb
    Parallel pliers
    Dental pick
    Small brush
    Sac stretcher
    Nib straightening kit
    Micromesh
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  3. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Deb For This Useful Post:

    azkid (July 24th, 2020), Chrissy (July 19th, 2020), da vinci (July 26th, 2020), DCmin (July 19th, 2020), INeedAFinancialAdvisor (July 20th, 2020), Robert (July 19th, 2020), RuiFromUK (July 23rd, 2020), welch (July 27th, 2020)

  4. #3
    Senior Member Fermata's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    488
    Thanks
    187
    Thanked 598 Times in 298 Posts
    Rep Power
    8

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    I get a lot of use out of the four sided nail blocks, not sure of their proper name, they measure around 3 inches x1 x1 and have four grades of abrasive surfaces

    A bright light, I use a little LED studio light, I had a halogen light bulb but it became so darn hot. The light sits at my elbow.

    A few nib polishing stones.

    Tissues and paper napkins, I suppose not really tools, along with french chalk.

    Rubber bulb and a drinking straw, same purposes.

    An emery board.

    Loupes, 5x,10x and 20x, I find the 5x to be comfortable, I tried one of double loupes that you wear like reading glasses, horrendous things.

    I was tempted by one of the nail blocks a few years ago, not a knoock out block, these were huge surgical steel things but I don't do enough nib work to justify the cost.

    Bits of bicycle inner tube.

    Some heavy duty tape for masking imprints.

    A craft knife with some interchangeable and differently shaped blades.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Fermata For This Useful Post:

    DCmin (July 19th, 2020)

  6. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Posts
    17
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 13 Times in 3 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Thanks so much!

  7. #5
    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    6,616
    Thanks
    7,795
    Thanked 11,039 Times in 4,010 Posts
    Rep Power
    22

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Deb covered a lot of the basics, all important tools to have. Here are a couple of others that come to mind:

    * Heat source for section removal - I use a heat embossing gun that has two settings, it happens to be the same thing that Richard Binder uses. About $20 and I'm certain of controlled, steady heat source (after some practice!)
    * Ultrasonic cleaner - very handy for parts that are really stuck together and general cleaning if a soak won't do. Not the first thing you need but quite handy
    * Head-mount mangnifying and light source - there are many ways to do this, but if you can have some form of magnification and lighting combined, it completely frees both hands and allows for work where you need to really see what is happening. I have an inexpensive one that I put a better LED light on, but it does make some of the work a lot easier.

    I only do this on a hobby level and only my pens, but I've been at it about 10 years. There are always 'needs' for new tools, but sometimes it might be for a very specific use (i.e. Vacumatic removal vises, etc) but these above add to your basic 'should have' list.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

  8. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Jon Szanto For This Useful Post:

    Chrissy (July 19th, 2020), DCmin (July 19th, 2020), Deb (July 19th, 2020)

  9. #6
    Senior Member Fermata's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    488
    Thanks
    187
    Thanked 598 Times in 298 Posts
    Rep Power
    8

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    It is surprising just how many tools you actually use, and how many I had forgotten.

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to Fermata For This Useful Post:

    DCmin (July 19th, 2020)

  11. #7
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Agreed, Jon. I have a Donegan Opti-Visor which is an essential for me, given my eyesight these days. I use a heat gun a lot. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but it's rarely used.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  12. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Deb For This Useful Post:

    Chrissy (July 19th, 2020), DCmin (July 19th, 2020), Jon Szanto (July 19th, 2020)

  13. #8
    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    6,616
    Thanks
    7,795
    Thanked 11,039 Times in 4,010 Posts
    Rep Power
    22

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Fermata View Post
    It is surprising just how many tools you actually use, and how many I had forgotten.
    The thing is, one almost always finds themselves saying, after (successfully) using the proper tool for the first time, "why didn't I get that sooner?!" There are many tools that don't get used often but when they do, there is nothing better - they do the job right, with ease, and without damage to the object being worked on.

    For instance: if you work on vintage pens, you definitely want a knockout block. I purchased a small setup from Sam and Frank at Pendemonium a few years back. Four different size holes, four punches. Enough for my needs, but it is SO satisfying to gently tap out a nib and feed, knowing that I didn't mess up anything by trying to pull them out. A simple tool, only does one thing, but man I am sure glad I have it.
    Last edited by Jon Szanto; July 19th, 2020 at 12:06 PM. Reason: typo
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to Jon Szanto For This Useful Post:

    Chrissy (July 19th, 2020)

  15. #9
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration



    My knockout block, inherited long ago from a restorer who was retiring. I had one of those circular metal ones. It was OK but not very stable.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  16. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Deb For This Useful Post:

    amk (July 20th, 2020), Chrissy (July 19th, 2020), DCmin (July 19th, 2020), Jon Szanto (July 19th, 2020)

  17. #10
    Senior Member Fermata's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    488
    Thanks
    187
    Thanked 598 Times in 298 Posts
    Rep Power
    8

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post


    My knockout block, inherited long ago from a restorer who was retiring. I had one of those circular metal ones. It was OK but not very stable.
    We forgot, 'a ruddy big hammer'.

  18. #11
    Senior Member carlos.q's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    On a hill in Puerto Rico
    Posts
    1,697
    Thanks
    2,214
    Thanked 1,814 Times in 795 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Fermata View Post
    We forgot, 'a ruddy big hammer'.
    Dang! I have an itty-bitty hammer....

  19. #12
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Plastic mallet, in my case.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  20. #13
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    When it comes to tools, while there are ones that have to be specific such as the Vacumatic plunger opener, there are also ones that we can fashion (repurpose) ourselves that serves the same purpose, in fact, sometimes suit the way we work better.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  21. #14
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Posts
    17
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 13 Times in 3 Posts
    Rep Power
    0

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Fermata View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post


    My knockout block, inherited long ago from a restorer who was retiring. I had one of those circular metal ones. It was OK but not very stable.
    We forgot, 'a ruddy big hammer'.

    Aye, Laddy!! :haha

  22. #15
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration



    Used to be a screwdriver, repurposed as a tool to remove the paddle from a Swan Leverless.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  23. #16
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,404
    Thanks
    6,876
    Thanked 10,362 Times in 3,977 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Fermata View Post
    I get a lot of use out of the four sided nail blocks, not sure of their proper name, they measure around 3 inches x1 x1 and have four grades of abrasive surfaces
    Nib smoothing boards?
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  24. #17
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,404
    Thanks
    6,876
    Thanked 10,362 Times in 3,977 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Agreed, Jon. I have a Donegan Opti-Visor which is an essential for me, given my eyesight these days. I use a heat gun a lot. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but it's rarely used.
    Thank you both. This is something I ought to treat myself to.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  25. #18
    Senior Member Deb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    1,747
    Thanks
    2,349
    Thanked 1,927 Times in 842 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Agreed, Jon. I have a Donegan Opti-Visor which is an essential for me, given my eyesight these days. I use a heat gun a lot. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but it's rarely used.
    Thank you both. This is something I ought to treat myself to.
    It does make life so much easier! I've had the basic opti-visor for years and I more recently bought a similar (not Donegan) one with a light but it is too heavy.
    Regards,
    Deb
    My Blog

  26. #19
    Senior Member carlos.q's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    On a hill in Puerto Rico
    Posts
    1,697
    Thanks
    2,214
    Thanked 1,814 Times in 795 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Agreed, Jon. I have a Donegan Opti-Visor which is an essential for me, given my eyesight these days. I use a heat gun a lot. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but it's rarely used.
    Thank you both. This is something I ought to treat myself to.
    It does make life so much easier! I've had the basic opti-visor for years and I more recently bought a similar (not Donegan) one with a light but it is too heavy.
    I searched for these and found 5 models in Amazon:

    1.75x magnification and 14" focal length
    2x magnification and 10" focal length
    2.5x magnification and 8" focal length
    2.75x magnification and 6" focal length
    3.5x magnification and 4" focal length

    Which one would you recommend?

  27. The Following User Says Thank You to carlos.q For This Useful Post:

    Chrissy (July 19th, 2020)

  28. #20
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,404
    Thanks
    6,876
    Thanked 10,362 Times in 3,977 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Basic ‘must have’ tools for restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by carlos.q View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Deb View Post
    Agreed, Jon. I have a Donegan Opti-Visor which is an essential for me, given my eyesight these days. I use a heat gun a lot. I have an ultrasonic cleaner but it's rarely used.
    Thank you both. This is something I ought to treat myself to.
    It does make life so much easier! I've had the basic opti-visor for years and I more recently bought a similar (not Donegan) one with a light but it is too heavy.
    I searched for these and found 5 models in Amazon:

    1.75x magnification and 14" focal length
    2x magnification and 10" focal length
    2.5x magnification and 8" focal length
    2.75x magnification and 6" focal length
    3.5x magnification and 4" focal length

    Which one would you recommend?
    I'm hoping it's the 2.75 x 6 magnification as that looks like good value for money.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •