No, not universal/international cartridges. they were a peculiar size, longer than international and the opening nipple was larger. It was a bad purchase, I like the simple Lamy Safari and I thought it would be a good alternative, it was hopeless.
Educate me on fountain pens. Some questions pls
- Thread starter albsat
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No, not universal/international cartridges. they were a peculiar size, longer than international and the opening nipple was larger. It was a bad purchase, I like the simple Lamy Safari and I thought it would be a good alternative, it was hopeless.
There three different sizes of Chinese cartridges/converters measured by the nipple on the pen. I believe the smallest of the Chinese can use the “standard“ Euro/American cartridges. If you try to put the European made standard converter into the pens with larger nipples you will crack the collar and ink will leak.
If a pen does not come with a converter, my preference is to refill cartridges using a syringe and needle. I can use any bottled ink I choose.
If I were to use cartridges I would buy them from the pen manufacturer being sure that the listing says they work with the particular pen I want them for. Otherwise, you need to do some research to be sure the cartridge would work for you.
If a pen does not come with a converter, my preference is to refill cartridges using a syringe and needle. I can use any bottled ink I choose.
If I were to use cartridges I would buy them from the pen manufacturer being sure that the listing says they work with the particular pen I want them for. Otherwise, you need to do some research to be sure the cartridge would work for you.
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- #23
Got to learn how to use it. Am I starting a new hobby?
Yes you are, congrats and have fun.
Most of my pens are Jinhao or similar. Inks should be easy to find in most countries. The Lamy is a good pen with easily changeable nibs. Esterbrooks also have easily changeable nibs but they can be hard to get and expensive. Jinhao are good pens and fairly inexpensive. The first fountain pen I got was a Jinhao x450 that I got off that E site. Cost me 99 cents and had free shipping from China. So, I wasn't too worried if it was a lemon or if I lost it. That was years ago, and I still have and use it!
I know just what you mean.
I am asked from time to time, I want to try a fountain pen, what do you suggest. I chose to forget that some people have a bigger budget and I recommend a low priced pen that I know will perform well and last, Jinhao pens fit the bill, I can imagine that they could still be in use 100 years from now, especially the 450/750/159.
I am also aware that people who are concerned about the environment have taken up converter or piston filled pens, simply because of the minimal plastic waste as compared to Bic ballpoints.
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- #27
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- #28
Found a very nice video.
As a general rule, I would leave the nib and feed alone, especially for new pens, Jinhao pens are virtually perfect as they come from the factory.
I would take some warm water 200ml and add one drop of detergent that is using for washing dishes. Flush the water through the pen several times. Repeat using cool clean water and then dry with a paper tissue, perhaps a kitchen towel. Fill the pen with ink using a converter, don't worry about air in the converter, it doesn't matter. Stand the pen nib down on kitchen towel, it should go blue quite quickly.
If you do not see ink on the towel within an hour then check that the converter is seated properly, they sometimes need a firm push.
To be honest, it is unlikely that a new Jinhao will have faults, my advice would be to just have patience and not mess around with it..
I would take some warm water 200ml and add one drop of detergent that is using for washing dishes. Flush the water through the pen several times. Repeat using cool clean water and then dry with a paper tissue, perhaps a kitchen towel. Fill the pen with ink using a converter, don't worry about air in the converter, it doesn't matter. Stand the pen nib down on kitchen towel, it should go blue quite quickly.
If you do not see ink on the towel within an hour then check that the converter is seated properly, they sometimes need a firm push.
To be honest, it is unlikely that a new Jinhao will have faults, my advice would be to just have patience and not mess around with it..
- Thread starter
- #30
@Vacumatic
You posted a great tutorial. I cleaned with hot water all my x159 pens and they are perfect now.
My desire is to get some different affordable pens from China. Probably 2 or 3 other models.
Which ones would you recommend friends, beside X159? I want to try a pen thinner and a bit smaller then this model.
You posted a great tutorial. I cleaned with hot water all my x159 pens and they are perfect now.
My desire is to get some different affordable pens from China. Probably 2 or 3 other models.
Which ones would you recommend friends, beside X159? I want to try a pen thinner and a bit smaller then this model.
There is another thread about a pen from Dryden Designs, a pen with a low price and good reviews.
My experience is just with Jinhao in terms of Chinese pens, There is a piston filled pen by Wing Sung a 618 or 698. Low priced and worth trying possibly.
My experience is just with Jinhao in terms of Chinese pens, There is a piston filled pen by Wing Sung a 618 or 698. Low priced and worth trying possibly.
