Figure 25. Typical technical fountain pen
(a) The particular pen shown in figure 25 has a plunger control
knob. Turn the knob counterclockwise to drain the reservoir, turn it
clockwise to fill it. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to
maintain this type of pen, pay particular attention to the point. These
pens are expensive. As with other tools, proper maintenance will extend
their useful life.
(b) Most pens of this type include a cleaning pin, designed to
keep the ink flowing evenly from the reservoir to the point. After you
fill the pen, wipe the point, then shake the pen lightly. Shake the pen
periodically during use, to promote smooth operation.
(c) Hold the pen perpendicular to the paper at all times. This is
necessary to keep the point from wearing at the edges. The design of this
pen is such that you cannot perform the precise tasks with a worn point.
(2) Speedball pens. Speedball pens have four different point or nib
styles, each designated by a number and a letter, that produce different
sizes and styles of lines.
(a) The number designation ranges from 0 to 6. It indicates the
size (width) of the point. The smaller the number, the wider the line.
For example, a point designated by a 3 creates a wider line than a point
designated by a 6.
(b) The letter indicates the style of the point, described as
follows:
The "A" (square) style speedball pen point has a flat, square tip
that creates a line of uniform width with square edges. Use the
"A" point for square Gothic and block lettering.
The "B" (round) style point has a round tip that produces uniform
lines with round edges. Use the "B" nib for Gothic lettering and
uniform lines.
2-6
SS0525
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