Re: Have to disagree....
Edited by tryphon on October 1, 2014, 7:39 pm
As I wrote, a few professionals disagree with parts of the book. Still, the book offers an unparalleled review of all the different filling systems and many excellent tips. Clearly, the individual has to exercise good judgement. The typical example is Frank's use of an open flame to loosen a section. Today we use other, safer ways to heat up a pen. Still, Frank used procedures that can be found, verbatim and with the same illustrations, in the Parker repair manuals from the 1930s and '40s, when heat guns were not readily available. I do have the Marshall and Oldfield book and it is really outstanding: great pictures and detailed instructions, but I find that it is aimed at the experienced repair person. Some procedures are not broken down in small steps and there is a strong emphasis on British pens (as can be expected). It is a great book, but, in my opinion, not for the newbies. Frank's book, on the other hand, explains the easier repairs in very clear steps that even a newbie can follow. I did not know that Richard is working on a repair manual: knowing him, it will be a veritable encyclopaedia of pen repair, with superb illustrations. Probably the ultimate pen repair book and a fitting legacy from a great professional. I reserve my copy (Richard, do you read?). Thanks, Ron! Your input is appreciated!
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Email me at tryphon@comcast.net