Feathers for writing with your own hands. How to make a bird feather ballpoint pen. Dried ballpoint

with your own hands.

“Now few people write by hand. The age of computers, mobile phones and other gadgets seems to have completely atrophied the ability to write with a pen. All the more beautiful. Even more so with a pen. That is why calligraphy skills become a valuable skill.

Imagine how nice your native person receive a postcard written in a special font and even manually. You can buy a fountain pen at an art store. But the above item is rare. Just it will not be about firms and types of metal feathers.

Your attention is the most ancient natural writing instrument - kalam (or kalam). It was used by the ancient Persians and Indians. You will get it absolutely free if reed grows in your area.
Interesting? Well, then be patient and go for the reed.

Late autumn is the time. At this time, it matures completely. Green does not suit us.

Extraction must be cleared of leaves. Dry for a couple of days.

Ready? Take a sharp knife. Pencil is enough. Cut off one segment first.

Measure from the edge of the gap to the length of the thumb.

Very carefully, without demonstrating strength, we cut off one layer of the stem to half the diameter.

We cut again at an angle of about 30 degrees, stepping back a little.

Then we make the cut angle even sharper.

We give the appearance of a wide flat pen.

Trim the end to make it even. Like this.

We clean up all the bumps. After we turn the pen over and cut off the layer, stepping back 1.5 mm at an angle of about 45 degrees.

It is better to do this on a table or any other convenient flat support. Finishing touch. Be careful. You need to make an incision right in the middle of the pen.

But first, so that the crack does not go all over the reed, it is necessary to make a small hole. Ideally, a thin drill is used. But you can pierce with an awl.

Kalam is ready. Now you will need ink or ink. If possible, you can try to repeat the famous fonts of the Middle Ages. But this is optional. Try to write some letters and maybe you will get your font.

With the help of kalam and ink, you can beautifully sign a postcard, a note for a gift, or the packaging itself. And what are the possibilities in decor… Good luck!”

Thanks Dmitry! I’ll add on my own that I saw a scribe with a calligraphic pen at the Medieval Festival in Spain. It cost him 3 euros to beautifully write a name on a prepared sheet ...

I have several "alphabetic" posts, for example "", "". There is something missing about writing instruments.

Therefore, today I am quoting a reprint from the wonderful blog "Yaskrepka" entitled " How does a fountain pen work". The article is very good, you can't write better. As always, I recommend subscribing to this blog.

There are already a lot of posts on yaSkrepka about various pens, including fountain pens. And how are they arranged? What principle is used when writing with a fountain pen? I learned the answer to this interesting question in the pen-ru livejournal community "Pens and pencils". It turns out that the writing unit of the ink pen can be divided into three parts:

1. feeder pen block
2. ink tank (disposable or refillable)
3. pen body with cap.

For a classic open nib fountain pen, this block looks like this:

The diagram needs a little explanation. We all know a can of condensed milk. And probably everyone knows the scheme of drinking condensed milk from a can - you need to punch 2 holes, through one of which you need to drink. What is the second hole for? If it is not done, a reduced pressure is created in the jar without air flow and the liquid (condensed milk) stops flowing out of the jar.

The ink pen is usually done a little differently. To simplify the design, the air intake channel and the ink intake channel were combined into one. And the ink flow rate (and for different types pens - for example, F and B need a different amount of ink when writing) is regulated by the width or, more correctly, by the cross-sectional area of ​​​​the channel. go in the lower part of the channel and are brought to the pen. Air through the air hole in the pen enters through the channel into the ink tank and compensates for the pressure difference. Therefore, the combination of the air inlet, pen type, and ink/air passage determines the normal ink supply.

In addition, two more elements of the pen play a significant role in this - this is a collector in the feeder and ... ink. The manifold is commonly used in open nib pens. Its function is interesting - it is a buffer, a microreservoir between the pen and the ink tank. These slots hold a small amount of the amount of ink the pen needs to compensate for the writing speed.

Different writing speeds require different ink feed rates. You can “set” a certain average speed, but then with slow writing the pen will write in bold, with average speed- optimal, and at high speed - there will be gaps in the letters. The collector in this case, at a slow speed, draws excess ink into its system of ribs, and at a high writing speed, with the help of a capillary effect, it releases the accumulated ink.

Ink also has a significant effect on the character of the letter. Too thick ink in an EF nib simply won't let you write, while too thin ink and nib B can lead to smudges and very thick lines.

In addition to density, the wettability coefficient plays a significant role, which is regulated by adding certain surfactants to the ink recipe.

Many modern people prefer to use ballpoint pens, but there are those who still prefer the elegance, clarity and individual style fountain pens. Instead of a ball, a sharp nib is installed at the end of such a pen, leaving behind lines of varying thickness depending on the pressure on the pen, writing speed and the direction of specific strokes. In addition, the fountain pen can be refilled with ink repeatedly, so it can last a lifetime. However, the application of a fountain pen is somewhat different from that of ballpoint pens. When you learn proper writing technique, it will become noticeably easier for you to write with a fountain pen.

Steps

Part 1

Get the pen right. Remove the cap from the pen and take it in your main hand, holding it gently between your thumb and forefinger. In this case, the body of the pen should rest on the middle finger. Rest your fingers on the paper to stabilize your hand.

Place the pen nib on the paper. This may seem simple enough to do, but the construction of a fountain pen is somewhat more complicated than that of a ballpoint pen. Because of the pointed nib instead of the ball at the end, the pen must be properly pressed against the paper in order to be able to write with it. This is the so-called optimal position.

Hold the pen firmly. When writing, there are two ways to control a pen: with your fingers or with your hand as a whole. When you work with a ballpoint pen, it is quite possible to get by with just your fingers, because thanks to the ballpoint, the pen will write in any position. But the fountain pen must be controlled with the whole hand in order not to miss the optimal position. So use the tips below.

• When the pen is in your hand, keep your fingers and wrist still, using your entire hand to move the pen as you write. Practice writing in the air first and then on paper to gradually get used to writing with your whole hand.

1. Lightly press the pen while writing. It is not necessary to apply much pressure to the fountain pen, however, you must apply some pressure to the pen in order for the ink to flow into it. Gently press down on the pen and start practicing writing with a fountain pen.

   Part 2

   How to fill a fountain pen with ink

   1. Determine the type of fountain pen. To date, there are three types of fountain pens on sale: with cartridges, converters and a built-in piston system. The difference between the two lies in the ink supply system and the way the pen is filled with ink when it runs out.

      • Fountain pens with cartridges are currently the most common, as cartridges are the easiest to change. To write with this type of pen, you will need to buy ready-made ink cartridges and periodically change them in the pen when the ink runs out.
      • Converter pens are equipped with a reusable cartridge that is inserted inside. They're fine if you don't mind refilling the ink cartridge yourself every time you run out of ink.
      • Piston pens are similar to converter pens, except they have a built-in refill system, so you don't have to replace the refillable cartridge with a converter purchased separately.

   2. Replace the cartridge in your fountain pen. First, remove or unscrew the cap from the pen, then unscrew its body. Remove the empty cartridge from inside. Then follow the steps below for the new cartridge.

      Fill the piston handle. Remove the cap from the pen and, if necessary, the additional cap on the back of the pen that covers the piston mechanism. Turn the plunger adjuster (usually counterclockwise) until the plunger is at the writing end of the pen. Then follow the steps below.

      • Dip the pen nib completely into the ink bottle so that the ink covers the hole in the base of the nib.
      • Start turning the plunger clockwise to draw ink into the pen.
      • When the ink tank is full, remove the pen from the ink bottle. Turn the plunger counterclockwise a little again to push a few drops of ink back into the jar. This will allow you to get rid of air bubbles.
      • Wipe the ink off the pen with a paper towel.

   3. Fill the converter pen. There are two types of converters in fountain pens: with a piston mechanism or with a pipette refilling system. To refill a pipette pen, remove the cap from the pen, unscrew the barrel, dip the pen in ink, and then follow the steps below.

      • Slowly press down on the ink tank and wait for air bubbles to appear on the surface of the ink.
      • Slowly release the ink tank and wait for it to fill with ink.
      • Repeat these steps until the reservoir is full.

   Part 3

   How to use pen nibs

   1. Choose the right pen for everyday writing. There are many different types of ink pen nibs that are designed to be used in different situations and to create a variety of effects. For daily writing, opt for:

      • a pen with a rounded end, leaving behind uniform lines;
      • pen small size writing in thin lines;
      • a stiff pen with a little bit of flaring to the sides so it won't break under pressure when you press it in an attempt to create thicker lines.

   2. Choose pens for decorative writing. To write in decorative or calligraphic handwriting, pens used for everyday writing will not work for you. Instead, opt for one of the options below.

In fountain pens, atmospheric pressure prevents ink from escaping. If you draw water into a straw for cocktails and pinch one end, then the water will be securely locked in it. But this technology works as long as the pressure is stable. If you board an airplane with such a straw, then some time after takeoff, some of the water will still spill out, since at an altitude in the cabin the pressure drops by about 25%. In the case of a fountain pen, an ink stain would form in the pocket area.

The most important part of a non-leaking fountain pen, the feeder, is partly or completely hidden under the nib. From above there are one or, as in Monblanc pens, two capillary channels through which the ink flows to the pen. Feeder ribs act as a kind of buffer, on which excess ink accumulates and from which, in case of increased ink consumption, reserves are taken. On the ribs, the ink is held by capillary action. Despite the apparent simplicity, the solution is very non-trivial, requiring outstanding knowledge of mechanics and physics.

However, for an inkblot disaster, it is not necessary to take off - a simple oscillation is enough atmospheric pressure or a little concussion. In order to prevent this from happening, a rather ingenious solution was invented - a feeder with a ribbed collector. All excess ink was retained on the ribs due to the capillary effect. The feeder also performed other functions - the ink came to the pen through the channel, transverse section which determined the rate of their arrival. Since the ink consumption was not constant when using the pen, the collector also played the role of a kind of buffer.

An equally important part of the pen is the pen, and the comfort of using the tool and the beauty of writing depend on its quality. The best Montblanc nibs are made from gold alloy sheet with variable thickness - from 0.18 mm at the base of the nib to 0.52 mm at the tip. This provides a slight springy moment, well known to Montblanc owners, for increased writing comfort. The body of the pen is stamped, bent, polished, engraved and welded on a tip of a harder metal. After that, it is given a certain shape corresponding to the style of writing, from the traditional sphere to the beveled flat tip for calligraphy. Some Montblanc boutiques have computerized systems that allow, after a test task, to give out unique parameters for your writing style, according to which you can choose the pen that suits you, and if you have a great desire and budget, you can make a unique pen especially for you.

One of the final operations is carried out with the thinnest diamond saw. It is this almost invisible cut that delivers the ink to the tip and paper due to the capillary effect. It remains only to manually polish it and insert it into the pen.

No. 1. Write with a fountain pen with strong pressure. Perhaps the most remarkable quality of a fountain pen is that it does not require pressure when writing - it can literally write under the weight of its own weight. And yet, people who are accustomed to using ballpoint pens often continue to put pressure on the writing knot when switching to fountain pens. Excessive pressure may cause the pen tips to separate and ruin the pen. Do not attempt to write on a dry fountain pen by pressing down on the pen or tapping it on a hard surface as you risk damaging it. It is better to hold it under running water - the pen will “come to life”.

Tip: just relax and enjoy writing without pressure and without the consequences of numb fingers from fatigue.

No. 2. A fairly common mistake is to carry a pen along with other metal objects: keys, key chains, a folding knife, etc. The body of your pen can get scratched, whether it is made of plastic, metal with a lacquered or anodized surface.

Tip: Always carry the pen separately from these items: in another pocket, in a pencil case, or place the pen in a pouch or case.

#3: Use special calligraphy ink in your fountain pen, labeled as India Ink, Lawer's Ink, Pigmented Ink, etc. This ink is designed for doodle pens. Some of these inks are formulated specifically for use in fountain pens, but most are not. Calligraphy ink contains shellac, a resin that, when dry, completely blocks the ink channels in your pen. This ink dissolves only with alcohol, which can also ruin your writing instrument.

When a fountain pen needs to be refilled with waterproof ink, for example, for sketching in the “ink + watercolor” technique, pigmented ink is usually used - special for fountain pens, for example, Platinum Carbon Ink. Remember that when using such ink, the pen must be washed more often.

Tip: When buying ink, make sure it's the right type for fountain pens.

No. 4. More experienced users often make this mistake: not caring for a fountain pen. Fountain pen care is quite simple: the pen must be periodically rinsed with water room temperature. Sometimes it is enough to hold the stylus under running water. If an ink-filled pen has been left unused for a long time and the ink in it has dried up, place the writing knot in a glass of water for a while. If you are using a converter, it is enough to draw water into the pen and empty it, repeating this several times until the water becomes clear. By the way, with the constant use of the converter, the pen requires less care Piston ink intake system automatically flushes the pen.

*The Goulet Pen Company blog also recommends a douche as a handy tool for washing the writing unit of the pen. As they say, everyone has their own rituals, choose the one that you like best.

If you use ink of the same color, you can wash the pen once a month. If you change ink, then wash it before each new refill.

No. 5. This is not a mistake, but rather a death sentence for your fountain pen: rinse it with alcohol or acetone. Acetone dissolves plastic, and alcohol is quite aggressive both to external and to internal details pens.

Tip: Use water to clean your fountain pen - it's enough to do the job.

No. 6. This mistake can be fatal for your pen: dropping a fountain pen when there is no cap on it. According to the law of the sandwich, it will fall pen down. If the surface is hard, it will bend, and as a rule, after that the pen can no longer be restored. In premium pens, a nib replacement repair can cost the cost of a whole pen. You'll have more luck if you own a Lamy pen or a couple of other brands whose nibs can be changed on your own.

Tip: when you've finished writing, immediately put the cap on the pen.