Used Sheaffer Targa writes really dry

On Fri, 8 Oct 2004 00:17:16 -0400 (EDT), Ryan M. McConahy wrote:

Hi!

I bought a used stainless steel Sheaffer Targa with a medium
nib online that doesn't write right. It will barely write, if
at all, unless I apply a lot of pressure -- not so much that
I fear wrecking it -- but far more than should be necessary.
I've cleaned it with water, 409 diluted 3:1 with water, and
household ammonia diluted about 4:1 with water and still have
no luck. I examined the tines with a 10x magnifying glass and
they looked fine. However, the portion of the nib extending
beyond the feed appears to slope up relative to the rest of the
nib but that might just be the natural form of the nib. I'm using
Noodler's Eternal Verdun with the Sheaffer sac converter and
have tried using a Sheaffer cartridge with the same results.
Also, if I write with the pen upside-down, it writes consistanly
with a fine line, but is scratchy on the downstroke. When writing
normally, it doesn't feel scratchy much. Interestingly, I find that
it writes on wet paper -- so I'm wondering if the gap between the
tines just need to be widened a little. If so, could someone
provide directions? (I prefer a fine-to-extra fine line). I'm
relatively new to this whole fountain pen thing so any help would
be appreciated.

-- Ryan

You are correct: the nib-slit primarily regulates ink flow. It must be
widened carefully with a piece of brass shim stock of .002 or .003 inch
thickness - available at a machinist's supply house.

Rather than launch into a usenet how-to, may I suggest that you buy "Da
Book" by Frank Dubiel, who gives better instructions than I could. And for
the $20 you'll get a wealth of knowledge about other fountain pen repairs.
--
Cordially,

Sonam Dasara
10/8/2004 1:49:42 PM
dovekeeper+at+electric-ink+dot+com