Can I Restore This Vintage Sheaffer PFM Fountain Pen?

[@penkino1]

Excellent work, well done. It wasn't that bad was it. Thanks for the mention. 👍

[@Doodlebud]

Woooooooooaaahhhhh STEF! Hey buddy thanks for watching. Hope you didn't cringe too many times watching me stumble through it. Had to work with the supplies I have on hand as this was my first full restore. Big thanks for all the work you do recording your process. The fountain pen world is forever grateful! My video was just a replay of watching you do it. So big thanks to the master GRANDMIA! 🙏Would have not been able to do it without the work you post!

[@penkino1]

@@Doodlebud You did good, so again well done. Most of my tools and some supplies are homemade, so you domt really need to go out and buy expesive items. Im glad my videos are helpful to others and nice to see that in action. Keep at it.

[@Doodlebud]

I have a few more pens to do so will be checking your channel for some how-to vids and see if I can repeat the process. I'd actually love to connect somehow. Don't know the best way to reach you but here's my email if you want to connect [e-mail]. Cheers, DB

[@joaomourato3395]

@@penkino1 Hi Stef, Indeed you are the master. A subscriber from sunny Lisbon.

[@MarcSaegesser]

Wow. That was awesome.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

NiCE!! I always wondered how that snorkel worked! I use Quink for all my vintage pens. Black and Blue-Black are my go to's

[@McAmeron089III]

Great viddy,Doodlebud! Good job! A Sheaffer's PFM III is my holiest of grail pens. I just passed on a nice one for a great price;and been kicking myself since. I won't give up until I have one,I don't care what color or nib size. Even the Legacy models are sky high price wise .

[@Doodlebud]

Due to some of the wear on this pen & the fact it needed some work I scored a good pen for a good price

[@mikaeelf6582]

Well done,great work with the resources that u had 👍👍

[@vincenzocaselli7710]

Excellent video, nice pen!

[@h4r4s4r4]

How cool is that!

[@sajjadhusain4146]

If only I can muster the necessary nerve, patience and skill needed to do this myself in the future. I have three PFM V pens (burgundy, black and green). I bought them all fully restored, in quite excellent condition for $350-$380 each. The PFM V was for long one of my true grail pens. So, the desire has been fulfilled. I just really hope my fully restored trio of these iconic and timeless beauties last me for many years to come. Your detailed demonstration of your restoration job here gives me renewed hope to be able to do so myself whenever the time comes. I just need the courage and confidence (and the tools) to ever attempt such a DIY feat at home. Many thanks, Doodlebud, for this helpful demo. You have my ample admiration for pulling this off successfully.

[@Doodlebud]

I honestly enjoy this type of work. The burgundy ones look gorgeous s well. Hope you're enjoying them, really liking this one!

[@mianmamoongul8773]

Brother from where did you buy these sheaffer pen i need green and blue colour same but i m unable to find these pen

[@earthnormal7024]

Thank you this has given me more confidence to see if I can fix my sheaffer snorkel myself

[@Doodlebud]

Hope it works out for you!

[@todgentille9750]

I’m pretty sure that Stef would say what you have there now is a lovely, lovely pen.

[@Doodlebud]

"Now let's give it a bit of a twirl"

[@JuceePeachz67]

Thank you for sharing your restoration journey with your subscribers and viewers. Very fascinating.

[@Doodlebud]

Wasn't sure if people would be into watching a vid like this or not

[@santauxia]

Wow, that was cool. Patience and talent you have plenty.

[@Doodlebud]

Probably more patience that talent 😅

[@ibpopp]

Well done, Mr D. I am another fan of Grandmia, and have a PFM Mk I ready for attention. Your video is a valuable addition to Stef's, in that you show us the pitfalls waiting for a novice. Thank you very much. Cheers from Oz.

[@Doodlebud]

Hey how ya going! Hope it helps out when you tackle your pen

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Nicely done! You have several years to look forward to with the pen. Enjoy!

[@ilikepens]

Doodlebud…you’re great! Keep it up. 👊🏼😜👍🏼

[@Doodlebud]

Thx buddy 👍

[@jorge23483]

This pen is one of my GOT Grial Pens. And just a couple fo day before you upload your video about this PFM, I finally get one PFM V in burgundy. Enjoy your PFM, the color is amazing 🙌. Thanks for the video.

[@Doodlebud]

Burgundy is really nice two. This is one pen I would buy another to get in the burgundy as well

[@tobymulder196]

Fascinating. Love your willingness to try something new and bring us along with you. Thanks, I really enjoyed this video.

[@Doodlebud]

Definitely took much longer to record but figured someone would want to watch along. Perhaps come in handy one day for someone else

[@swainsongable]

The PFM is my fave (well, top 3) despite being the reissue. Thank you for this tutorial!!

[@johnlopez3996]

You have tons of patience and it paid off for you. I hope that you will enjoy the fountain pen for years.

[@Doodlebud]

A labour of love

[@BenjaminVaterlaus]

Thanks for showing how this works. I've always been intimidated by these types of pens. Your video helped demystify it!

[@Doodlebud]

Glad it helped. Check out Grandmia Pens, such a HUGE resource

[@michaelwach8452]

As an alternative to using a drill bit to clean out the sac protector tube, I used a cotton swab dipped in 91% isopropanol. I could feel bits of the old sac stuck to the inside of the tube, and by rotating the swab, I could remove these bits and push them out the far end of the tube. Once I couldn't feel any roughness with the swab, I rinsed the tube well.

[@gristlevonraben]

Wonderful video!

[@Doodlebud]

Thx! Very happy with the pen now

[@aladdinkayqubad1645]

Labour of love.

[@Doodlebud]

Absolutely. Makes it that much more enjoyable

[@michaelwach8452]

I have a TM Snorkel and matching pencil in aqua. As far as I know, it still has the original sac (I bought the set 15 years ago at a rummage sale), and it still writes beautifully. I know it has a surprisingly large number of little parts inside, and I'll be keeping your video for the someday when the sac breaks. (I asked the Fountain Pen Hospital in NYC, and they told me to keep my fingers crossed.)

[@carloswilson977]

Hey DoodleBud, Got my eye on a couple of Vintage Sheaffers at an antique shop and went back to look at this video again before dropping some cash on these pens. I notice you made a couple of comments on Renaissance Wax and Silicone grease. A couple of suggestions for Canadian viewers; Lee Valley sells a product similar to Renaissance called Conservateurs Wax. It's also made up of refined blend of microcrystalline waxes. Wheather it's exactly the same, I do not know but it works great. As for silicone grease (the gooey thick stuff), you can get a small 1/2oz tub at Canadian Tire in the plumbing section. Both are very economical. Great video! Thanks!

[@Doodlebud]

I got mine from Lee Valley as well, I forgot to post that info. I'll put some links in the description 👍

[@paulfiorino7463]

Thanks Doodlebud. Very timely for me - I bought a PFM on Ebay. It has a needle-like "Accountant's nib." I don't like it so I bought a NOS medium replacement nib and now I'm ready to start replacing the nib unit.

[@Doodlebud]

Good stuff. That's a fairly quick swap

[@syedafahd]

Great video. First the best engineered pen videos, now this. I enjoyed a lot. Superb work. 👍🏻

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks for watching, hopefully comes in handy for someone when they have to service a pen

[@countduckula9977]

Great job on the pen! This idiot wouldn't even try to tackle something like this [I know my limitations]. You got it working and it looks wonderful & writes nicely. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Thanks for sharing your pen restoration with us; best 28 minutes I have spent.

[@Doodlebud]

Thnaks for sticking it out for the whole vid. Tough to make it a reasonable lenght vid & show the details

[@galvandavis]

Awesome. I'm also an amateur at giving service to pens, seems like I would have done the same as you. Also my pfm snorkel tip is not flush with the feeder

[@christinearmington]

Not sure what has happened to my life, but here I am perfectly content to watch you refurbish a vintage snorkel filling pen 🖊️ 🫠

[@Doodlebud]

I'm not sure either but glad to hear my video is enjoyable for you LOL

[@gadgetstop321]

Congratulations, it turned out great!

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks buddy, really fun pen to use

[@slo_carry]

Excellent work. Looks like a very nice pen and I'm sure you must be happy with how the restoration turned out. I love the colors, reminds me of St. Patrick's Day.

[@Doodlebud]

Has a classic style too it that is timeless

[@TheDanielbarboza]

Just commenting to say that was awesome! Thanks for showing it to us! I love servicing my pens, but this one is complex!

[@Doodlebud]

Well worth the time, really fun pen

[@peiithos]

i have alot of pens like this, out of order and in varying conditions, out of the drawers of an antique sewing machine i bought. its nice to know they could be restored if i ever wanted to take that endeavor lol

[@jeffroberts532]

Great, great, great video!!! You say it was not a professional restoration, and I understand what you mean, but I'd bet it's very close to professional grade! Love that pen too. Thank you DoodleBud!

[@Doodlebud]

Need to get the right stuff for getting it to a beautiful luster finish. But will come back to it one day. Very enjoyable pen to use

[@taiko7225]

This was awesome - congrats on a great restoration job and great video!

[@ichirofakename]

Thanks for reminding me why I only buy new pens.

[@Doodlebud]

Old & finicky but they are great writers. For me the process is fun, but definitely not for everyone

[@ichirofakename]

@@Doodlebud Exactly. One man's (Mr. Bud's) fun is another man's (Mr. Fakename's) torture.

[@13noman1]

I have the successor to this (Sheaffer Legacy) which didn't have the snorkel but otherwise similar fill ...that eventually went south. I went for an easier remedy -- removed the "guts" and replaced it with a cartridge -- which works just fine. These are great writers but watching your restoration, it became clear to me why this pen went out of production.

[@Doodlebud]

Yeah, the modern day cartridge/converter or piston fill pens are a very straight forward design, simple to service & even replace components if needed

[@error.418]

Love the tip about the scratch brush (also known as a burnishing brush, here you have a brand, the Lenline 70-450). They make them with fiberglass, brass, steel, and nylon bristles depending on your needs. Good stuff!

[@mrN3w7]

Love these pens - nice work.

[@paulherman5822]

Nice job! I've resacced plenty of the lever fillers, a Touchdown, and have an open nibbed Snorkel coming down the road to get done. Thanks for sharing this, as I wasn't sure what I was going to try to get the aluminium off the sac. The pliers look like a better idea than what I'd seen used. (I'm leery of trying the Sheaffer vacuum filler ones. Too many opportunities to break the pen...)

[@Doodlebud]

Was fairly simple to service this one. Couple things to take notice but nothing too tricky and no special tools/jigs required

[@dashsunil]

You did an excellent job in restoring it. Worth the energy and time that made this beauty work. 😁

[@Doodlebud]

It's a sharp looking pen & I really enjoy using it. Been eyeing one for a while and was wondering if I would like it.

[@Soul_Watcher]

That was a beautiful restoration. Even if it was your first with this kind of pen. I know I know nothing about restoration but it looks like you did everything mostly right,right? Lol. Anyways, another great vod! Always a pleasure, mate. Cheers

[@galvandavis]

Also, i took it to a pensmith for the service. New sack aswell and got charged like 20 bucks in mexico city. The pen belonged to my grandpa so Im pretty glad to have it working. I hate there is no nib size mark. Love the lookings of it

[@wittwittwer1043]

If you don't need a snorkel filling system, you can buy the renamed Pen For Men, now called the Sheaffer Legacy. It has the same shape and size, same style nib, but cartridge/converter fill. For polishing your pens, a product named Simichrome Polish works well. It is a pinkish paste that comes in a tube.

[@Doodlebud]

I've never owned a snorkel filler so was really drawn towards this pen. Yeah I've seen Stef's videos & I should have planned head & ordered more supplies than just the PFM service kit. Next time I have to order some vintage parts, I'll get the simichrome and other stuff as well.

[@darrylmeans725]

You make me want to work on my pens more! This is my “retirement” goal (to repair pens). I’ve been practicing with Esterbrooks but you made the PFM look as simple as the Esterbrook. I’m actually surprised and happy about how simple you made it look. Great job!

[@Doodlebud]

Huge credit goes to Grandmia Pens. If you're wanting to restore pens his channel is a huge resource. I didn't fimd it that hard to do. A few things to be mindful of but nothing too difficult. Hope your projects go well 👍

[@hector4668]

That is also my goal, repair/restore pens, repare/restore turntables and amplifiers, my problem is where to learn/study these crafts, dou you have something already? I am in Mexico, Best Regards

[@ultimatewitcherfan6677]

A snorkel filler?! I haven’t seen one of those in ages! Great job restoring it!

[@Doodlebud]

It's a great pen 😁

[@FlurinKoenz]

Hi, thanks for sharing your efforts with us. Very inspiring! Only the filling operation was a little fast and partially not visible. It would be really nice if you could make a short follow up video explaining how the filling mechanism works. Are lowering the snorkel and sucking ink two consecutive operations or does all happen at once. What is the function of the spring? Thanks a lot!

[@Doodlebud]

I could see about doing a follow up vid to explain it. There are some other vids online that show the snorkel filler system. Here is one on Grandmia doing a Sheaffer PFM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/an-WiISmp8-ij68

[@seanmarshall2559]

Lee Valley sells their version of renaissance wax, rumor has it that it’s the same stuff

[@Doodlebud]

Good to know, I saw the one they had there but was cautious as it didn't mention use on plastics

[@ShadowHawk357]

Fantastic work! This is quite an inspiring video :-) I have several pens that need to be re-sacced but for some reason, it’s quite intimidating. I have the shellac and my sacs are on their way. This gives me confidence that I can do it! Surely I can re-sac a couple lever fillers if you can totally rebuild what might be THE most complicated filling system in vintage fountain pens! Great video, hopefully you’ll do some more pen repair instructional vids! Bravo, sir!!👏🏼👏🏼

[@Doodlebud]

Glad it helped. I have another Sheaffer I picked up that will need some work so will try to shoot that vid as well

[@roderickfemm8799]

Thanks for this video, some really interesting ideas and solutions. I love the idea of using the drill bit to clean out the sac holder -- so transgressive (and effective). I love the inlaid nibs on PFM and Imperial pens. I'm not a fan, though, of Touchdown fillers, they don't seem to hold much ink. Do you have any sense of how much ink yours holds now? A couple of things: Renaissance Wax seems to be in bad odor on Fountain Pen Network, at least for certain pen materials, so I recommend anyone research there before using it, and for suggestions for alternatives. Also, I would be very surprised if your polishing cloth would have had any effect on the tipping material, although I suppose an excess of caution is never amiss. Haven't heard "fiddle fart" since I was a teen, which is a long time ago now. Nostalgia!

[@Doodlebud]

The drill worked extremely well but you have to have the right touch to know if you're removing old ink sac or damaging the metal. Interesting on the wax. Seen Grandmia use it a bunch on many pens. But there's always other methods & materials for achieving similar results

[@sevurueva5138]

That was an interesting disassembly to watch. Does pulling the rear out compress the sac? Cos I couldn't see how that works. The only pen I have used with sac-like mechanism is the Hero 336 with press filler. And how does the ink get to the feed when the sac is sealed to the snorkel and its tip is resting outside, past the feed? And was the purpose of shellac on the section and sac to act as an adhesive? All in all a very nice mechanism to see. Thanks.

[@Doodlebud]

Pulling the tube out then pushing it down causes a vaccum in the sac. The filler tub will then fill the sac with ink. The very end of the filler tube has cut outs to transfer the ink in the sac into the feed. The shellac is used as an adhesive.

[@sevurueva5138]

@@Doodlebud ah thanks for the clarification. I missed out on how the rear tube interacts witk the sac.

[@carlharrison9503]

I have an old Vintage Sheaffer and I believe it was kinda of abused a bit by the seller or people looking at it. It may need a new bladder and a little work on the nib or section. The nib writes smooth tho. That helps... Thanks for the fix-it video.

[@thorstenebers2862]

+1 for the macanudo cigar box.

[@dacksonflux]

I had to go sub to Granmia Pens because I'm really thinking about buying some vintage pens. They're just so beautiful.

[@Doodlebud]

He's the master to follow on the hobby of vintage restoring. He's helped me a bunch at 1am when I'm working on a pen.

[@marctestarossa]

Thanky for you effort, buddy doodle

[@Doodlebud]

Don't have that pen or any with that type of finish to it. If I ever come across one I'll do a vid for sure. Thanks for watching 😁👍

[@beautybug1831]

On the other hand, some of us, "idiots" 🤪 No offense or judging anyone, are sure that you are a R-E-A-L pro 😎✒️🤟🏻 #AlwaysLookOntheBrightSideofLife

[@Doodlebud]

Thanks for the kind words. I just want people to know I'm no expert when it comes to this stuff and don't want their pen to get messed up. Grandmia Pens is the place to go, he's the real expert 😊

[@aquanox4438]

I didn't get a chance to comment when I watched the video. However, this has given a lot of guidance and ease of mind to maybe restoring a vintage fountain pen. I do have a question, and probably others have asked. Why did you use the adhesive you used? What is the purpose in general?

[@Doodlebud]

Used the shellac as that's what I've seen with all other restorations. There could be a modern alternative, but the shellac seems to work well as an adhesive for this application

[@pnwesty7174]

That fiberglass pen is an old time rust remover, IIRC? My Dad had something like that in the 80's. Was this project the impetus for you getting the ultrasonic cleaner? I've used that Novus kit a bunch on hazed headlights a bunch. I wonder if a plastic welder would help with crack like that. Well done!

[@Doodlebud]

I had the ultra sonic cleaner beforehand. Those pens work so well when working on electrical connections that have been exposed to the elements. I've seen repairs on cracks done with super glue. Might get back to it another time to try

[@dbbogo6069]

oh God.. and i thought Lamy 2000 is complicated ..

[@Doodlebud]

L2K is easy peasy lemon squeezy LOL. These older pens just take a bit more TLC to get them up and running. But once they are, super fun to use!

[@aag24]

I’d be happy to send you a spare bottle of renaissance wax. Do you have a PO Box? I’d be happy to help.

[@Doodlebud]

Wow, that's super generous of you! For you to ship it will probably be very pricey as well. You can reach me at [e-mail]

[@aag24]

@@Doodlebud hopefully an email is winging its way to you. 🙏

[@hungryboy424]

Did not see you refit the ink feed to the nib section !

[@Doodlebud]

Goes in the same way it comes out. Just slides in

[@sandeep.ssandeep7123]

As per me it's an Engineering Marvel in fountain pen

[@Doodlebud]

Its a gorgeous pen and tons of fun to use

[@hector4668]

Hello please share with me the link of the store where you got spare parts for this pen, I have this pen and I want to restore it myself, mine has a fugue on the piston mechanism. Another question I have a Caran D Ache (hope its well written) than squeaks when I open it (Barrel) this could be fixed with silicon grease? Best Regards from Mexico!

[@Doodlebud]

Here are a couple places I've used: vintagepensacsandparts.com/en-ca www.vintagepens.com/catill_nibs_parts.shtml

[@hector4668]

Thanks!@@Doodlebud

[@Soul_Watcher]

I’m watching this vod a year late. But better late than never. I was wondering where you buy the parts for this and other vintage pens? I’m not connected so I have no idea. I also see that I will be watching a new channel as well. Saw the cudos in your description. But yeah if you could through me a name or link I would be grateful. I don’t own a vintage pen yet. I really am interested but I know I’ll have to be able to refurbish them. I’ll need the parts and tools for that. I rather know where to go before I ever purchase a vintage pen. @Doodlebud

[@Doodlebud]

There are a number of online stores that sell vintage pen parts/supplies. All depends which ones make sense for you based on your location. Just google vintage fountain pen parts and you'll have a bunch of results

[@strunkpc1969]

doodlebud............use mother's mag & aluminum Polish cleans and polisjes but is also protects the plastic as well and it is a metal polish so it wont damage as well...wait you just covered it.... god i feel stupid.. good job. .

[@Kevinjimtheone]

Wouldn't an ultrasonic clear do the job without having to take everything apart?

[@joemama326]

A doodulbud for how much buy that because looking for a very long time even though I am a nine year kid ho just loves fountain pen

[@Doodlebud]

I can't really remember how much I paid for this pen. But it was fairly expensive. For a 9yr old, I would look into other more affordable pens

[@sathishrao7926]

Wow - A lot of hard work ! After watching this video and Grandmia’s and hearing from a Pen seller/collector that he’s apprehensive about using his PFM regularly with the fear of damaging it, I’m convinced that this isn’t the pen for me !

[@Doodlebud]

Much more involved than in a regular cartridge/converter pen, but a wonderful pen to use when it's fixed up and running

[@nishan72]

Doesnt seem to be an easy task. any wrong step an ruin this priceless pen.