Peter child's machine help!!

[samigail]

Sorry to all the pyrographers in advance - silly questions alert!!

My newly acquired peter child machine arrived yesterday, and I admit I only had a chance to have a go for about 10 mins last night as my little boy was poorly so I wanted to sit with him instead :(

Anyway, I like the feel of it, the pen is much easier than my solid point. However, the wire tip felt much scratchier to write/draw with.
I wondered if because i was used to the solid point I was going about it all wrong - maybe pressing too hard, or does having a slightly wider tip help - I used the one that came attached to it which looks like the fine nib?

I suspect it's just down to me getting used to the different machine but would be grateful for any hints/advice!!

Many thanks :)

[woodtattoos]

I've always found that the nibs wear slightly with a little use, just like a fountain pen. They may feel a little scratchy at first but it shouldn't last long. If necessary, you can always soften or shape the edges of wire nibs with a jeweller's file or needle file.

Just give yourself some time to use it and get used to it, try different thicknesses of wire etc. If you don't have one included, invest in a spoon point nib as they are possibly the most versatiles of all wire nibs: great for lines and shading.

Within a few weeks, you will wonder how you ever coped with a solid point machine!

Hope this helps,

Si. :D

[Peter]

So that's my excuse for childishness......................the machine made me do it! :D

[woodtattoos]

So that's my excuse for childishness......................the machine made me do it! :D

Since when have you needed an excuse? ;)

[Scorch]

Hmmm... could be 'cos it's a very fine point you're trying, and it's got a sharp bit & is sticking? I make mine like a pen nib, and that works well for me.

If we can arrange for me to get your postal address, by email or PM, I'll send you one of my home-made ones in the post!

[Scorch]

Keep an eye out for the postman... :)

The bend in the nib is intentional, provided they survive the mail. When you mount the nib in the pen, the bend should make the end of the nib run parallel to the pen shaft, but "dipped" downwards. Hold it so that the end of the tip is below the level of the pen, closer to the wood and parallel to the wood, and it should not dig in...

[samigail]

oh wow, major thanks you's!
that was fast.
couldn't give more reputation yet - seems I must spread it around first!! LOL

[Scorch]

Heheh - no worries, and many thanks to the both of you! :)

Pyro wire is something I have a fair bit of (having fallen for the lure of buying it by the reel), and I don't mind sharing it around...