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What's the problem with pencils?

Phil Dart

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I've been asked to look in to the possibilities of a pencil mechanism to go into Dan's Zetas. Occasionally I see groans on the forum about the pencils currently available, and pleas from the heart for something different, so I'm keen to know what the problems are. Is it the mechanisms, the kits, the choice?

Please do let me know your likes and dislikes, and hopefully it might give me a starting point to work from.
 

paulm

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my only gripe with pencils is that they don't sell very well so don't normally make them but having said that I do on occasion get asked for them. Apart from that I don't have any gripes but it would be good to have a pencil that matches the Zeta and possibly the Omega.
 

stevenw1963

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I turned myself a sierra pen & pencil set (actually I am on my 2nd set) as I have yet to come across any others except the slimlines which I don't like.
I have had a couple of the sketch pencils which are good kits, but don't sell well because I think the lead is too thick. Something along those lines for normal lead size would be good.
 

Twister

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Hi Phil

not much input sorry

I dont really make much in the way of slim or streamlines
and to make a pen pencil kit it seems the only way to go
I added some of the timberbits inserts on my last order
I never found them successful

I think a twist mech that works in the zeta sierra etc would be great
I get asked a lot for pencils and normally say NO
i did get some of the vertex pencil kits to try but a bit marmite and if your 11 year old loses a bit it is a bin job:vangry:

I think the expense of developing a pencil kit that works may not be worth the small amount of sales
but if got right ...can i have a go of your ferrari:funny::funny::funny:

Steve
 

Lons

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Have you still got any of the TB inserts Steve? Can I buy one off you maybe, if you're not going to use it?

If Steve hasn't I might have (need to look). Wouldn't need to buy it Phil as they were very cheap. Still sell them I think if you search for parker style pencil refils.

I wasn't happy with the Tb ones either, seemed very hit and miss whether they worked or not. I mentioned it to David who said he wasn't having any problems.
That said, I've sold a couple as part of sets and had no comebacks :nooidea:
 

Buckeye

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Ask Dan about the mechanisms I sent to him they are SCHMIDT Feinminen-System DSM 2006 the ones I have are .5mm. I don't know if they will fit the Zeta, maybe Dan has tried them.

Peter
 

Jimjam66

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Phil, my only experience is with the slimlines where the mechanism seems to be made of italian cheese. *Slightly* too much pressure on the nib and the extensions mech spring goes bang. I do get some interest in pencils but without a decent mech I usually try to sell the workshop pencil. Of course, their 'indestructible' lead is anything but ... but they are the best of a bad lot.


Ask Dan about the mechanisms I sent to him they are SCHMIDT Feinminen-System DSM 2006 the ones I have are .5mm. I don't know if they will fit the Zeta, maybe Dan has tried them.

As the Yorkshire war-cry goes: 'OW MUCH?!?!?!?!

Bl**dy 'ell, they must use 18k gold somewhere in that thing!

:nonono::nonono::nonono:
 

Buckeye

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Phil, my only experience is with the slimlines where the mechanism seems to be made of italian cheese. *Slightly* too much pressure on the nib and the extensions mech spring goes bang. I do get some interest in pencils but without a decent mech I usually try to sell the workshop pencil. Of course, their 'indestructible' lead is anything but ... but they are the best of a bad lot.




As the Yorkshire war-cry goes: 'OW MUCH?!?!?!?!

Bl**dy 'ell, they must use 18k gold somewhere in that thing!

:nonono::nonono::nonono:


That's for 10

Peter
 

Neil

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Pencils, hmmmmm only get enquiries when I don't have any!!

The problem with selling pencils is that their intended use is specific, be it woodwork, artist drawing, or crosswords. Mechanisms for leads of less than 0.9mm are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The leads are so fragile that they repeatable break. The cigar pencil is one of the most reliable but that isn't saying much, I don't sell them as they aren't commercially viable in that the return rate is far too high. The type of mechanism that goes into this kit is ok, the interface with the pen is what lets it down. Never made any sierra pencils so can't comment on these. The timberbits retro thing is appalling you are advised to carve bits off it to fit some pens. The only pencils that I sell because they work are the vertex and the wood workers pencil, the first has a 2mm lead, the second a 5,6mm kit both with a clutch mechanism. They both work well, I have not had any returns from these pencils, the only issue that frightens people off is the perceived availability of leads. Not tried the stratus from psi but it uses the same mechanism as the vertex.

Sure there are probably more but these are the ones I have tried.

I cannot see why someone would want to buy a pencil in the shape, or more importantly the weight of a Zeta. The pen is designed to have some weight to assist the flow of the ball point. You certainly wouldn't use a heavy pencil for artist sketching, and you wouldn't use it for woodwork, and in the absence of any other specific uses, consign this one to be used for crosswords. Any pencil that is a retrofit is a compromise. I will steer well clear of any retro kit.

I bought fifty of the pencil conversion things, I have about 43 left!
 

Buckeye

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Oh thank god! Sorry I didn't spot that ...

:rolling::rolling:

AAMOI what is the thread size on that? At £20 for ten I could see myself getting some for kitless pencils. And I'm assuming that because they are Schmidt they are good - am I over-reaching?


:nooidea:

I don't know the thread size, they look to be quite usable. I know Woody had some from Turners Retreat and I bought everything they had left. The three winners of the competition may have some of them and hopefully they can give their view on how good or not they are. I haven't made one yet.

Peter
 

Jim

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I have only used the slimline pencils Phil, not had any issues with them to be honest ..
 

Walter

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The Schmidt inserts are OK but only work with certain mechanims. the slimline ones are too thin in the lead and too fragile.

A mechanism specifically designed to work with the Schmidt inserts would be good.

A 5mm or 7mm mechanism would be the ideal for slimlines and streamlines.
 
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