How to Use a Fountain Pen Converter

Introduction to Fountain Pen Converters

A fountain pen converter is a small, yet significant component of a fountain pen that allows you to use bottled ink instead of pre-filled ink cartridges.

The use of a converter offers a wider range of ink colors and types to choose from, and it's also a more environmentally friendly option as it reduces waste.

Why use a fountain pen converter? Here are a few reasons:

• Variety: Bottled ink comes in a much wider range of colors than cartridges.
• Economy: Bottled ink is generally cheaper than cartridges in the long run.
• Environment: Using bottled ink reduces plastic waste.

Types of Fountain Pen Converters

There are primarily two types of fountain pen converters:

• Piston style converters: These converters feature a twist mechanism. Twisting the knob at the end of the converter moves a piston inside the converter up and down, creating a vacuum that draws ink up into the pen.
• Squeeze converters: These converters have a flexible sac or bladder that you compress to expel air and create a vacuum. When you release the pressure, ink is drawn into the converter.

In addition to these, some brands have proprietary converters that are designed to fit only their pens, while others use standard international converters that can fit a variety of pens.

Compatibility of Fountain Pen Converters

Not all converters are compatible with all fountain pens.

It's crucial to determine if a converter is compatible with your pen before you purchase it.

Here's how:

• Check the brand: Some brands use proprietary converters. If your pen is from one of these brands, you'll need to get a converter from the same brand.
• Check the size: Even among standard international converters, there can be size differences. Make sure the converter fits your pen's barrel.

Remember, using an incompatible converter can damage your pen or lead to poor performance.

Always check for compatibility before purchasing a converter.

All of our fountain pens are compatible with the standard K6 Schmidt converter.

Preparing the Pen for the Converter

Before you can start using a fountain pen converter, you need to prepare your pen.

This involves two main steps:

Taking the Pen Apart

The first step is to dismantle the pen.

Here's how you do it:

• Remove the cap of the fountain pen.
• Unscrew the barrel from the grip section. This will expose the nib and feed of the pen.

Attaching the Converter to the Pen

Once you have the pen dismantled, the next step is to attach the converter.

Here's how:

• If your pen came with a converter, it might already be attached. If not, you'll need to attach it yourself.
• Ink converters match the style of the cartridge the pen uses. Some pens use a standard international ink cartridge, while others have proprietary ink cartridges. Make sure you have the correct converter for your pen.
• Insert the ink converter onto the back side of the grip section. The ink converter will either press onto the pen using a compression fit, or it will screw into place.

Remember, it's crucial to handle these parts gently to avoid any damage.

Now that your pen is prepared, you're ready to fill the converter with ink.

Filling the Converter with Ink

Once your pen is prepared and the converter is attached, it's time to fill the converter with ink.

This process involves a few steps:

Flushing the Air from the Converter

The first step is to flush the air from the converter.

The method for this will vary depending on the type of converter you have:

• For a piston style converter, move the piston to the front towards the nib. Depending on the style, you will either twist it counterclockwise, or push the piston in.
• On a squeeze converter, simply compress the bladder and hold.

Submerging the Nib in Ink

Next, you'll need to submerge the nib in the bottled ink.

Here's how:

• Dip the nib into the bottled ink. Make sure the entire nib is submerged in the ink. This ensures that the ink covers the entire nib and feed, which helps to draw the ink into the converter.

Drawing Ink into the Converter

Finally, it's time to draw the ink into the converter:

• If you're using a piston style converter, twist the knob at the end of the converter. This will move the piston and create a vacuum that draws the ink up into the pen.
• If you're using a squeeze converter, release the pressure on the bladder. The vacuum created will draw the ink into the converter.

Remember to clean any excess ink off the nib and feed once you're done filling the converter.

Now your pen is filled and ready to use!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best of care, you may encounter some issues when using a fountain pen converter.

Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

• Converter isn't filling: If your converter isn't filling with ink, it could be due to air leaks or a clogged feed. Check the converter and pen for any visible damage. If everything looks fine, try flushing the pen with water to clear any clogs. For more detailed troubleshooting, check out this comprehensive fountain pen troubleshooting guide.
• Ink flow is inconsistent: If the ink flow is too heavy or too light, it could be due to an issue with the nib or feed. Try adjusting the nib and feed alignment, and if that doesn't work, consider getting a professional nib tuning.

Remember, regular maintenance can prevent many common issues.

This includes cleaning the pen and converter regularly, especially when changing ink colors or types.

For more information on how to clean your fountain pen, refer to this cleaning and maintenance guide.