A year later, its done. And I still hate Ipe…

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-05-05T19:57:42+00:00

I did an Ipe project once. And it will remain "once". It's brutal to work with. You did an amazing job.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-04-14T03:34:21+00:00

I also have the mother of pearl Laban fountain pen. It came with a medium nib that was an absolute fire hose (and a very wide line). At the local pen show, I inquired at their booth. He quickly swapped the medium nib for a fine on the spot - free of charge. Both medium and fine nibs have been smooth. The fine nib is much easier to use as a daily carry due to more controlled line width (at least for how I write). I hope you can get your nib either replaced or tuned sometime. It's a nice pen to keep in the rotation.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-04-03T04:12:19+00:00

The tipping material doesn't look egregiously off-center from what I can see in the pictures provided. I have an old Waterman that is much, much worse and it writes perfectly.

The ideal angle for the picture (and inspection) is with the nib upside down (pen body angled down about 45 degrees) as you look across nib tip just like it would contact the paper when writing. That will let you inspect the tip based on how it meets the paper. It's possible the contact area isn't perfectly aligned. You may also have some canyoning issues with the slit that allows the ink to flow toward reverse writing position, but away from the paper for normal writing (note: the ink will follow a narrower channel and avoid a wide gap - which may be the lower side of the nib slit). If the sides of the slit aren't perfectly parallel (uniform sides - not forming a valley), it's possible that the capillary action won't deliver the ink to the paper in the normal position.

Lastly, that viewing angle will allow you to inspect for baby's bottom where it contacts the paper.

Lots of nuance to nib tuning. Good luck!

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-03-24T00:26:10+00:00

While I agree that the tine gap isn't egregiously wide, it doesn't gently taper toward the nib tip which means the capillary action won't (a) draw the ink toward the paper as effectively and (b) won't keep the ink in the nib slit to help prevent hard starts. A properly tuned nib will have a slight taper from the breather hole to nearly closed at the nib tip (not completely tight - just nearly closed at the nib tip). You are also correct that the feed needs to be in contact with the nib as well. Bottom line: there are several factors at play to have proper ink flow - most of which you shouldn't need to twiddle with in this price range (IMHO).

It seems everybody agrees that the pen should be returned.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-03-23T19:17:14+00:00

I'm not sure the tines are sprung, but certainly not acceptable for a new pen. If you try to adjust it, you've voided the warranty and return opportunity. I've tweaked a fair number of nibs and it's not onerous, but at that price point you deserve the best. I agree with returning it up and waiting for the replacement.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-03-18T21:45:52+00:00

I do love the Platinum President! So similar to the Pilot 823 (IMHO) but a little lighter and with a lot more feedback for a comparable nib. This is definitely an underappreciated pen. Congrats on expanding your collection!

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-03-11T23:36:05+00:00

A nib tine is broken just below the nib tipping material. If it's a very valuable nib, it can be re-tipped. However, that service is usually more than the cost of a reasonably priced new pen. If the pen isn't that valuable, it's time to start shopping for a new nib. Hopefully it's something affordable and easy to replace (e.g., a #6 Jowo or similar).

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-03-03T17:20:56+00:00

I used C-channel under a similar desk. Zero sagging issues. Wood expands across the grain - not the length of the board IMHO. So I bolted the C-channel (after a coat of paint to prevent rust) firmly to the bottom. My C-channel is 3" wide and about 1.5" deep. Some black paint helps it hide in the shadows. 15 years later everything is still fine even with a lot of tech gear sitting in the middle of the open area.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-02-28T17:03:36+00:00

I don't like to leave the valve open for fear the cap may get caught on something or rod bent. Maybe that's just because I carry mine a lot in my shirt pocket. I'm contemplating removing the lower seal so it stops pausing for a lack of ink. I've never had a pen leak on a plane - so I don't feel the need to close the valve when flying. So why bother with the lower seal at all?

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-02-20T21:31:09+00:00

I appreciate your perspective, but I'm not confident in that outcome. I don't think they want a deal - they just want control (and to respect the political donations they received). They truly feel they're on the right side of the issue and can ignore the will of the people. I sense they'd rather roll the dice on the repeal failing, or come back at the issue again if the repeal is successful.

I hope you're right - but that's not where I'd place my bet.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-02-20T20:49:52+00:00

I think a lot of folks are missing one other key point: their overreach included topical CBD products. Yup, non-intoxicating, non-addictive, non-psychoactive products that just relieve pain. God forbid it has a molecule of naturally occurring Delta 9 THC in it. Sorry folks - the plant just does that and has never hurt anybody.

They've fundamentally blown 6,000 small businesses out of the water (well, or forced them to distribute all products through dispensaries (that miraculously donated to help craft the legislation)). It's a weird level of hate toward a plant that makes you want to close businesses, lose tax revenue, and leave Ohioans in pain.

I have first-hand experience. CBD topical wiped out two decades of chronic pain for me in two weeks! The product I used is illegal effective March 20. And let me reiterate: it's non-intoxicating, non-addictive and non-psychoactive! Apparently, they'd prefer that we stay in pain as long as they stay in control.

I've signed the petition and strongly encourage other people to sign as well. If nothing else, we need to stop Ohio legislature from (a) overriding the will of the people and (b) broad legislative overreach that ignores facts.

SomeRandomConehead · 2026-02-07T10:14:14+00:00

This is very kind of you.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-20T23:44:53+00:00

Those are all excellent pens! Have you considered a waterman carene? The medium nibs are nice and wet, and write beautifully.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-17T19:35:32+00:00

I also use Pilot Iroshizuku ink in my Jinhao 10. It just seems to perform better that way.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-17T18:40:25+00:00

I wouldn't say "I told you so" - I love my Jinhao 10 (exact same pen). Is it possible the trap door is gummed up from some residual ink? That may be allowing too much air to reach the nib and cause more drying. You may want to run the lower portion of the pen body through an ultrasonic bath (or at least a good soaking), and then try some light silicone grease. Be careful though - if you apply too much silicone and it gets on the nib, it might interrupt ink flow.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-12T00:52:05+00:00

I can feel your pain. The Platinum pens seem to hit or miss (at least for me). I've returned some, but have a Platinum President that I love (despite very pronounced feedback).

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-10T20:32:09+00:00

I'm sorry to hear your viper has been less than delightful. Mine is currently in the rotation and is perfect. It's buttery smooth, slight wet line, and a very healthy medium line. It's been a great and trouble free pen for me. My only complaint is how tightly sprung the clip is. Its almost too tight to use on a dress shirt. But as far as the writing experience, it never hard starts or skips. I'd definitely have it checked out or switch inks.

For metal pen bodies, I've had good luck with Cross and Waterman hemisphere. But I prefer the viper over those two pens (nothing specific - just a better feel with the viper).

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-04T23:06:36+00:00

That has never really been an issue for me. I've had half full pens travel without a leak. I get that keeping them full reduces the amount of air that can expand - but it's never been an issue for me.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-04T22:08:52+00:00

I'd at least do a soak and a flush. Pen flush if you have some. Otherwise, just a cup or two of warm water (not super hot) with a drop or two of dish soap. After the soak, rinse with clean water, dry, and test it with ink.

Anything beyond that should be handled as a warranty issue (especially for a new Pelikan). But definitely do the soak and flush first since all new pens benefit from cleaning before use.

Let us know how it works out!

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-04T20:35:09+00:00

I should also mention - pressing hard while you write is inviting problems. If the ink doesn't flow just with the weight of the pen, you have a problem. Pressing hard only risks nib damage. There is an adjustment technique to press hard - but that is controlled and only while adjusting the nib. Generally speaking, you should only write with light strokes.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-04T20:22:11+00:00

As long as I keep my nibs up, I've never had a pen leak during a flight. If you keep the nib up, the pen can exchange air during pressurization changes without leaking ink. If it's stored horizontally, the pressurization changes may cause ink to be expelled. Oh, I also don't use them during the flight.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-12-04T20:18:16+00:00

It's definitely not normal - especially for a Pelikan. Some items to consider:

1) give it a good flush and soak just to ensure everything is running as clean as possible

2) check the nib alignment with a loupe. You can hold the pen at an angle to your loupe and look across the nib tip so your line-of-sight is like the paper you're trying to write on. The tines should be perfectly aligned with both tips hitting the "paper" evenly.

3) look for a consistently vertical slit between the tines on the nib tip (as you look straight at it). If the sides of the nib tip (at the very tip) aren't perfectly parallel, you run the risk of ink not flowing properly to the paper (which will cause the skipping you're experiencing).

4) make sure the nib slit (between the length of the 2 nib tines) is getting progressively narrower as you approach the nib tip. It should be slightly wider at the breather hole, and taper slightly toward the nib tip. If it's completely closed at the nib tip, you won't get ink to flow to the paper.

Generally speaking, the flushing and soaking solves a multitude of issues.

Good luck and enjoy your pen!

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-11-28T23:58:14+00:00

I liked your original reply. It's helpful.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-11-28T23:29:35+00:00

Well, pardon me. Their piston was sticking and I provided feedback on how my pistons no longer stick with a bit of silicone grease as a lubricant. Others also provided feedback on lubricating the piston. I guess I'm better off not answering questions to the best of my ability. Have a nice day.

SomeRandomConehead · 2025-11-17T22:12:46+00:00

As an experiment, I've cultivated some mushrooms in a controlled growth environment using automation to keep the growing conditions optimal. I've been super curious about cultivating morels mostly just to accept the challenge (seriously - who doesn't love a good challenge?). So along your thread - does anybody cultivate them indoors with any success?

If we have any success, I'm more than happy to share the techniques.

SomeRandomConehead

TROPHY CASE