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Contact
MaryO
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I have been
teaching classes incorporating the use of the tech pen for several
years now, and I kind of pride myself in having almost “total
knowledge” of this pen and what makes it work as well as what
makes it keep on working! Most students grimace when I mention this piece of equipment,
so when I teach my seminars I try to devote some time in class to
explain, demonstrate, and answer questions about what makes it
“tick”.
I
have been adding a few things on the website for informational
purposes, and I think a photo guide of pen filling, care, and
maintenance as well as trouble-shooting would be something just
about everyone could benefit from.
We will first take a look at the basic way to fill and start
a new pen, then move on to cleaning and storing your pen.
Let’s begin: |
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First
of all, this is my favorite size pen (Size 1) . If you read through any of my
packets, this is my pen size of choice.
Always use the right ink for the pen, and in this case I
recommend FW Dayler Rowney Black Ink.
I do not recommend 3085 Ultradraw because it smears, does not
dry as well as the FW Black, melts under sealer spray, and washes out
of fabric after detailing sweatshirts, etc.
I
ink on fabric, watercolor paper, wood, canvas, tin, glass, slate,
and many other background choices.
Prepping the surface before inking is something I cover in my
pattern packets.
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Now,
let’s talk about filling your new pen! |
| First, the pen cap unscrews. [1]
Set the cap down and unscrew the clamp ring [the color coded
ring] and the pen holder at the same time. [2]
Now pull the clear cylinder away from the pen body. [3] |
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Only
add ink filling 1/3 of the cylinder. [4]
Assemble the parts back together.
Now to start your pen. [5]
Hold it point up with the
cap off. Flick
the handle with your fingernail, as someone
would prepare a hypodermic needle.
Now, hold the pen point down and repeat the same step.
Now rap the back of your hand with the heel of your free
hand. Gently draw the pen across paper
and within a few seconds you will have ink flow. |
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SOME REMINDERS:
After
your pen has ink in it:
1. Don't set the pen down without putting the cap back on it
securely.
2. ALWAYS be careful NOT to screw the cap on too
tightly. It will cause
splitting on the pen holder. Just
tighten til you feel it is secure.
3. If you pause to do something and the pen is in your
hand, gently put your
index finger over the tip of the pen so the
ink does not get a chance to dry
out. [Little things like this can
prevent a lot of aggravation.]
4. NEVER store your pen for long periods of time with ink in
it. [Explanation
and photos to follow.]
5. Never take the pen apart past the point where you pull off
the tiny clear cap
and pull out the wire. If you follow
my suggestions for pen care and storage
after use, there will never be any reason
to go to this extreme. |
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After
filling your pen and starting it, continue using it even if it is
for multiple days until your project is completed.
"NOW the important part!"
Do not leave ink in your pen for an extended period of time,
ever. Here is a fail
proof way to maintain your pen and always have it in good working
condition.
1. Disassemble the pen parts.
2. Use the nib wrench [1] to
remove the pen point [2]
from the body [3].
3. Pull the cylinder [4] away
from the pen body.
4. Rinse parts [2], [3], and [4]
under tap water til no ink is
evident. |
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My
secret defense against the pens getting clogged and having them not
work the next time
I go to use them is a simple solution! After
taking the pen apart as mentioned in the previous segment, store the
pen tip [1], and the pen body [2] in a small container [a
film canister works wonderfully], filled
with household ammonia.
Any brand or type will suffice.
Submerge the 2 parts in ammonia
and store them in it until the next time
you have a project to work on.
When ready
to start a new project, take the tip and body out of the ammonia.
Wipe and tap
onto paper towel to remove ammonia. No need to rinse, just add ink
to the cylinder,
assemble, write across paper, and within a few seconds the
ink cancels out any ammonia that would be up in the stainless steel
tip, and you have ink flow! |
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NOW,
WHAT ABOUT THAT PEN CLEANING KIT? |
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The
kit comes packaged in a box. You
have a page of instructions [1], a bottle of RapidoEase pen Cleaner
[2]a red bulb syringe [3], a clear plastic screw in nozzle [4],and a
nib wrench [5]. Ammonia
can also be used as an alternative to the RapidoEase liquid. |
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The
bulb can be used to unclog a pen. Screw the plastic nozzle into the
syringe.
Squeeze the bulb and insert the tip of the pen.
Release the bulb and it actually suctions the ink and
whatever clogged the pen from the tip of the pen! |
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bulb can be used to clean the pen tips, also.
Screw the tip of the pen [1] into the bulb syringe [2].
Insert the tip into the bottle of RapidoEase / ammonia and
squeeze in and out to flush out the tip of the pen.
Invert the pen tip and repeat the process with the tip of the
pen being screwed into the bulb syringe.
This will actually accomplish a reverse-flush.
After this process you can either store the parts as
mentioned earlier, or fill the pen and resume inking. |
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Occasionally you will find that your
pen is beyond help and needs servicing for details
click here |
For more product information visit the Chartpak
/ Koh-I-NOOR web site.
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