For the experts out there, what are you using to write on the blanks? I've tried the Pilot Metallic X-Fine pens that Mudhole sells with pretty disappointing results. Put a layer of epoxy, let it dry, scuffed up the area I wanted to write on, and on the several attempts I've made I decided I was better off just wiping it away.

Dr. Ph. Martins iridescent calligraphy ink. The best I’ve ever used, will not bleed or smear once it’s dry. I coat with epoxy or even Permagloss, works great.
Norm

10-4 on Norman's comment.
Dr. Martins ink works well as does speed ball acrylic ink.
I use a pen and nib type pen with a fine nib to do the writing.
Good luck

Im with Roger

[www.dickblick.com]

[www.dickblick.com]

[www.dickblick.com]

Ph Martins.

Norm and Roger, I don't know if I've ever told y'all this, but you're probably the two most helpful people I've ever met. Thank you both!

Roger, which nib do you like?

I also do the same as those 2 i use a leonard 40 england.. Least thats what it says on it lol getting your angle to have a decent flow rate gets some getting used to.. If you have flow problems add a drop of alcohol to the ink.. Thins it a little... Also when you first get your nib make sure you clean the tip very good.. They put protective oils on them for shelf life.. Also take the tip and swirl in on a block of wood when they are brand new.. Takes the verry fine point off so it doesnt catch and scratch the blank

X-2 Seth

Seth,
I use the one that works the best for what I am doing.
The point that I am making is that there is no best nib.
When working on very small blanks like ice fishing blanks, I use the much smaller extra fine tips. But these tips leave a very thin line that works great for a very small blank, but not so much for a standard longer rod.
For those, I use the #5 standard nib.

However, I suggest that you initially purchase a selection and then try them all out on an old blank or a piece of fiberglass driveway marker rod which gives you a similar base to practice the writing.

The suggestions about keeping the nibs clean is very very important. The ink flows down the next to invisible line in the middle of the nib. Any slight blockage in that line and the ink will not flow.
Cleaner for the ink being used can be purchase at the same time as the ink. Use a cleaner that is compatible with the particular ink being used.

For all of the various inks and paint that I use, I have found that the best cleaner is Xylene . But, if you do use Xylene use it from a small container that you keep capped at all times except when being used. Also, use a fan to keep fumes away when using the material.

--------------------------------------------
On a side note:
Some years ago, I was in a surplus store and found a selection of glass bottles. Some of these bottles used a tapered glass stopper. In the past bottles of these types were used in labs to store chemicals. I picked up a few of these and over the years, I use these cup sized bottles to store DNA and Xylene on the bench where I am working. The stopper never stick, but they always maintain a chemical tight seal and are just the right size to keep a small quantity of this type material on hand.
[www.thomassci.com]

--
I have noticed on some videos that often DNA is stored in chemical push to obtain containers on the production line of rod building factories. With this type container, a paper towel is put over the flat top, depressed and the container pumps a small measured quantity of the material up through the top onto the application cloth or paper towel. A great way to store the chemicals in a easy to use container that remains sealed, except when obtaining the product.