Fountain Pen Restoration Made Easy: A Review of Richard Binder's Book
The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration - A Review
If you are a fountain pen lover, you probably know how satisfying it is to write with a smooth and well-functioning nib. But what if your favorite pen stops working or needs some TLC? Do you know how to fix it or restore it to its former glory? If not, you might want to check out The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration by Richard Binder, a renowned expert and authority on fountain pen repair and history.
The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration downloads torrent
Introduction
The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration is a comprehensive and practical manual that covers various aspects of fountain pen restoration, from basic cleaning and maintenance to advanced techniques and tips. It is written by Richard Binder, who has been repairing and restoring fountain pens for over three decades. He is also the author of several books and articles on fountain pen history and technology, as well as the owner of Richard's Pens, a website that offers a wealth of information and resources for fountain pen enthusiasts.
This book is intended as an adjunct to the two existing repair manuals, The Pen Repair Manual by Jim Marshall and Laurence Oldfield, and Da Book by Frank Dubiel. It contains material that is often very specific to a particular pen or type of pen, but much of its information can also be applied generally to other pens. The author encourages the reader to learn what is here, extrapolate from it, and apply their new knowledge to the needs of the pen in their hands at any given moment.
This book is useful for anyone who wants to learn more about fountain pen restoration, whether they are beginners or experienced hobbyists. It can help them save money on professional repairs, preserve their vintage pens, or customize their modern pens. It can also enhance their appreciation and enjoyment of fountain pens as writing instruments and collectibles.
Content and structure of the book
The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration consists of nine chapters and 252 pages. The chapters are organized by topic, rather than by brand or model of pen. The topics covered include:
Chapter 1: Tools and Supplies - A list of essential and optional tools and supplies for fountain pen restoration, as well as instructions on how to make some of them.
Chapter 2: Basic Cleaning - A guide on how to clean a fountain pen thoroughly, using different methods such as flushing, soaking, ultrasonic cleaning, etc.
Chapter 3: Nib Work - A detailed explanation of how nibs work, how to adjust them for optimal performance, how to smooth them, how to replace them, etc.
Chapter 4: Feed Work - A description of how feeds work, how to clean them, how to adjust them, how to replace them, etc.
Chapter 5: Section Work - A discussion of how sections work, how to remove them, how to repair them, how to reattach them, etc.
Chapter 6: Barrel and Cap Work - A review of how barrels and caps work, how to remove them, how to repair them, how to reattach them, etc.
Chapter 7: Filling Systems - An overview of the different types of filling systems, such as lever, button, piston, vacumatic, etc., and how to repair and restore them.
Chapter 8: Cosmetic Work - A tutorial on how to improve the appearance of a fountain pen, such as polishing, buffing, reblackening, replating, etc.
Chapter 9: Miscellaneous Topics - A collection of miscellaneous topics, such as ink sacs, shellac, heat guns, nib sizes, etc.
The book is written in a clear and concise style, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. The author uses a lot of examples and anecdotes from his own experience to illustrate his points. The book is also richly illustrated with over 400 photographs and diagrams that show the reader exactly what to do and what to expect. The book also includes a glossary of terms and an index for easy reference.
Strengths and weaknesses of the book
The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration has many strengths that make it a valuable and reliable resource for fountain pen restoration. Some of these are:
It covers a wide range of topics and types of pens, from vintage to modern, from common to rare.
It provides specific and detailed information that is often hard to find elsewhere.
It offers practical and proven advice that is based on the author's extensive knowledge and experience.
It explains the principles and mechanics behind each procedure, rather than just giving instructions.
It encourages the reader to experiment and learn from their own mistakes.
However, the book also has some weaknesses or limitations that the reader should be aware of. Some of these are:
It is not a complete or comprehensive guide to fountain pen restoration. It does not cover every possible scenario or problem that may arise. It also assumes that the reader has some basic knowledge and skills in fountain pen repair.
It is not a beginner-friendly or easy-to-follow guide. Some of the procedures are complex and require precision and patience. Some of the tools and supplies are expensive or hard to obtain. Some of the illustrations are small or unclear.
It is not a definitive or authoritative guide. It reflects the author's personal opinions and preferences. It may not agree with other sources or experts on some issues or methods. It may also contain some errors or omissions.
The book should be used as a supplement to other repair manuals, rather than as a substitute for them. It should also be used with caution and discretion, rather than blindly or dogmatically. The reader should always verify the information in the book with other sources and use their own judgment and common sense when applying it to their own pens.
Conclusion and recommendation
The RichardsPens Guide to Fountain Pens, Volume 2: Restoration is a useful and informative book that can help fountain pen enthusiasts and collectors restore their pens to their best condition. It covers a lot of topics and types of pens that are often neglected or overlooked by other repair manuals. It provides specific and detailed information that is based on the author's expertise and experience. It also explains the principles and mechanics behind each procedure, rather than just giving instructions.
The book is not perfect or flawless. It is not a complete or comprehensive guide to fountain pen restoration. It is not a beginner-friendly or easy-to-follow guide. It is not a definitive or authoritative guide. It should be used as an adjunct to other repair manuals, rather than as a substitute for them. It should also be used with caution and discretion, rather than blindly or dogmatically.
I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in fountain pen restoration, especially those who have some basic knowledge and skills in fountain pen repair. I would also suggest that they read other books in the same field, such as The Pen Repair Manual by Marshall/Oldfield and Da Book by Dubiel, for comparison and contrast.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book or fountain pen restoration.
Q: How much does the book cost and where can I buy it?
A: The book costs $7.99 for the Kindle edition and $25.99 for the paperback edition. You can buy it on Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com.
Q: How long does it take to restore a fountain pen?
A: It depends on the condition and type of the pen, as well as the skill and experience of the restorer. Some pens may only need a simple cleaning and adjustment, while others may require extensive repairs and replacements. It may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or even days to restore a fountain pen.
Q: What are the risks or dangers of restoring a fountain pen?
A: Restoring a fountain pen can be risky or dangerous if not done properly or carefully. Some of the risks or dangers include damaging or destroying the pen, injuring yourself or others, causing ink stains or leaks, voiding the warranty or reducing the value of the pen, etc.
Q: What are the benefits or rewards of restoring a fountain pen?
A: Restoring a fountain pen can be beneficial or rewarding if done properly and carefully. Some of the benefits or rewards include saving money on professional repairs, preserving or enhancing the beauty and functionality of the pen, customizing or personalizing the pen to your liking, learning new skills and knowledge, enjoying the process and the result, etc.
Q: Where can I learn more about fountain pen restoration?
A: You can learn more about fountain pen restoration by reading books, articles, blogs, forums, etc. on the topic. You can also watch videos, podcasts, webinars, etc. on the topic. You can also join clubs, groups, societies, etc. related to fountain pens and restoration. You can also attend workshops, classes, courses, etc. on the topic. You can also consult experts, professionals, mentors, etc. in the field.
71b2f0854b