Are there any 51 users who are fully able to work on their own pens? As in replace the diaphragms and all?
Are there any 51 users who are fully able to work on their own pens? As in replace the diaphragms and all?
I have rebuilt one. An expert by no means. I will try another if and when the opportunity comes along.
We have met the enemy and he is us.
-Pogo
I might be able but I'm not much of a user.
Yes, but only to some degree. I'm still learning.
I have replaced several vac diaphrams, but I have not replaced an Aerometric sac yet.
I've adjusted and swapped 51 nibs, but straightening the cylindrical 51 nib is more tricky than a standard open nib and I have not done that yet.
So why is this question in the PIF, are you volunteering to restore a 51 ?
San Francisco Pen Show 2017, August 25-27, 2017, Redwood City, California
www.SFPenShow.com
Yes, I prefer to work on my own 51s as far as possible, including vacumatic diaphragm changes using Dr. Oldfield's excellent and inexpensive custom made tools (I haven't a barrel thread chaser though, so I do that hand to clear out the gunk & get the blind cap alignment just so - quite laborious!).
Very luckily, I've yet to see a bent 51 nib.
Latest pen related post @ flounders-mindthots.blogspot.com : '70s Pilot Elite pocket pen review
I made a set of vac filler unit extractors based off of instructions on Richard Binder's website and they work very well. You can use a dowel to push them out but that can take longer and mash in the end of the pellet socket. These are made with brass tubing and a wooden dowel for a handle. I was going to offer to make a set of these for someone as a PIF if I get enough people interested. I would say at least two or three people. I will keep this PIF open until Monday March 7th 9 pm PST.
I have managed to replace one 51 vac filler unit. However, by far the most difficult part of the job was unscrewing the filler unit. I eventually managed to get a split ring that worked quite well on the outer screw threads, but on that one I didn't have to push out the filler unit from the inside.
I have now seen a Parker vac at auction that has a completely stuck filler unit. If I could be confident of repairing it myself, I might consider buying it. So I would definitely be interested to know more about the tools that you are producing.
(And shipping could be to the US during April or May.)
Latest pen related post @ flounders-mindthots.blogspot.com : '70s Pilot Elite pocket pen review
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