Pens
Introduction
Pens and pen nibs are used throughout Navy drafting shops. The proper care
and correct use can prolong the life of a pen nib. Pen nibs are made by many
different manufacturers in an endless variety of styles.
Pen nibs
Pen nibs are detachable from a handle or drawing instrument. They maybe
uniform in shape producing a line of equal width regardless of direction of
the stroke, or they maybe irregularly shaped to produce a line of unequal
width depending on the direction of the stroke. There are pen nibs used
exclusively for lettering and nibs used for drawing. Before you use a pen
nib, moisten it slightly to remove the manufacturer’s protective oil. To fill a
pen nib, supply ink by dropper or brush to extend 3/16 inch up the nib blade.
Figure 2-38 shows five different lettering nibs. Notice how changing the
direction of the stroke can change the width and character of the line.
Figure 2-38. -Common nib shapes.
Figure 2-39 shows quill nibs used for drawing. They have more spring than
a lettering nib. Quill pens produce an extremely fine line.
Figure 2-39. -Quill
nibs.
Continued on next page
2-32
