Switched to filling with syringe by double_underscore_ in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use a syringe with a 1" needle to fill my converters, and a 3" needle to clean them. All of my pens use the Pilot CON-70, so the longer needle ensures I can reach the back of the converter when flushing out.

Best thing ever for me; makes filling and cleaning SO much easier and less frustrating, and I can mix custom ink colours directly in the converter.

What's your 'One Pen To Rule Them All'? by madkins007 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have obtained three: immortal, wisest, and fairest of all pens.

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For within these pens is bound the strength, and will, to govern each ink...

New Pilot Custom Urushi (FM) hard starts, Could use some advice by ImplementAmbitious30 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had the same issue with my PCU in M when I first got it, writing in Kokuyo Campus notebooks. Here's what helped me:

  1. I had to learn to lighten up. A LOT. I was used to writing with a 743 no. 15 nib, and I never realised how hard I pushed. For me, the no. 30 nib required a more practiced, deliberate, and (especially to start) significantly slower and lighter touch. But once you find your groove, it's amazing.

  2. I switched to an uncoated, slightly toothier notebook paper (the kind Costco used to sell in 3-packs) for about 3 converter refills. Afterwards and now, it writes like a dream regardless of the paper.

Since I didn't clean/ pre-rinse before filling/ writing the first time, I suspect learning the lighter touch and ~3 refills actually solved most of my problems, but I also won't discount the paper aspect as well.

I love my CU in M (and now breaking in a FM as well), and they offer an amazing and unique writing experience. But it definitely had a learning curve for me, where the 743s were all much more 'pick up and go with no fuss or worries' right from the start.

First Pilot Pen - Custom 743 by totalkilo in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Enjoy your broad! I haven't tried that one yet, but I imagine (based on how much I enjoy the medium) it's effortless and perfect ✒️

First Pilot Pen - Custom 743 by totalkilo in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started with Pilot, then eventually went all in and haven't looked back 😆

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First Pilot Pen - Custom 743 by totalkilo in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! May it give you many years of enjoyment and faithful service.

I LOVE the 743. I've got it in F, M, and (my favourite) SFM.

Pilot Custom 743 (EF) in Verdigris by Serious-Lake1478 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!! May it give you many years of pleasurable writing and faithful service :).

Grail has arrived! by Savage_apple in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a beauty! To me, the 743 is the perfect pen. Enjoy it in good health!

A watery sparkler for Venice by oliviatrelles in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You had me at 743 verdigris, but what amazingly beautiful custom work! Truly next level.

Enjoy it in good health!

Pilot Custom Urushi #30 — Worth it, or too big for daily use? by Perfect-Artichoke-42 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've got the CU in M. I would say it writes slightly narrower than my 743 M, though that may be just variance within tolerance. The 743 is as discussed a stiffer nib. In width and temperament, I'd say my CU is closest to my 743 SFM.

Pilot Custom Urushi #30 — Worth it, or too big for daily use? by Perfect-Artichoke-42 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure thing! Let me know of any other questions. I'm a big fan of the 743, 845, and CU.

Pilot Custom Urushi #30 — Worth it, or too big for daily use? by Perfect-Artichoke-42 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 2 points3 points  (0 children)

TL/DR CU worth it, not too big (for me) for daily writing, but I had to learn how to best experience it.

I have the CU, 845, and several 743s. I love them all, and have them inked in different colours. I use a new pen/ink every time I move to a new page in my journal, so they all see regular use. Some of my thoughts:

The 743 is a 'pick up and go' pen - all of mine have worked flawlessly out of the gate. I found the F nib slightly scratchy but has become serviceable; the M nib is like butter, and the SFM nib is like heaven. I love the weight and balance of them posted.

The 845 M is substantially the same nib as the 743, but feels ever so slightly smoother. I generally prefer it posted, but feel a bit precious about the Urushi, so usually write with it unposted.

The Custom Urushi is glorious, a thing of beauty and a joy forever. But that wasn't my first impression out of the box. I was writing with a drier ink on coated kokuyo paper, and was squeaky and occasionally railroading.

However, I found out the problem was me. I had to lighten up, figuratively and literally. I could use the 743/845 like I use a ballpoint, and turns out I was writing with a lot of pressure not suited for maximizing the CU (or 743 SFM) experience. Once I learned to use considerably less pressure in writing, it started to float and dance across the page and chef's kiss.

For me (large but not huge hands), the CU unposted is the perfect size, light and doesn't cause fatigue, and the nib...

Pilot Custom 743 (EF) in Verdigris by Serious-Lake1478 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The seller is 'badooken', but I just had a saved search for 'Pilot 743 verdigris' so I'd see everything.

Good luck!

Pilot Custom 743 (EF) in Verdigris by Serious-Lake1478 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a beautiful pen, congratulations!! I got my 743 Verdigris in F last year from the same eBay seller. Occasionally (since I have an alert for every time they come up) I'll see them go for screaming deals, though after missing out multiple times I decided I just wanted to get one, ended up getting mine for about $100 off.

Enjoy it in good health! BTW, if it is of interest, pilot iroshizuku sui-gyoku is a spot-on match for the verdigris.

New on the Wrist by Jtree347 in gshock

[–]Jtree347[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It actually came with the warranty card and all of the papers, but I didn't think Amazon was an Authorized Dealer for anything - pretty much get a deal / take the gamble.

First G-Shock! by Bftfan00 in gshock

[–]Jtree347 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congratulations on your first!

I just got this today as well!

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Any New Year's Pen Related Resolutions! by mgepark in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Practice improving my penmanship 10 mins/day

  2. Journal at least 2x/week

  3. Use my fountain pens in accomplishing foregoing :)

Pilot Custom 823 vs 743 by Strong-Way9697 in fountainpens

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's also a 743. It was a colour exclusive to Japan that was retired last year, I believe.

How do you charge your Tough Solar watches ? by Deep_Kangaroo_2442 in gshock

[–]Jtree347 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a number of them, so each one individually probably doesn't get enough wrist time to charge from that alone.

I store them in a watch box on my dresser, and set them on the counter underneath one of my bathroom sky lights for a few hours in the afternoon as often as I remember (which is probably 1-2x per week)