I was given a foil pen from my friend that introduced me to rod building. I hadn't tried it until recently and realized how nice it is compared to my old method of an inkwell pen and india ink. My only problem is I am having trouble finding the correct heat foil. I have purchased some from multiple locations but none has transferred well. My question is; does anyone have a good source for heat foil paper? Does anyone still use this method? Is there a better option for writing so fine and concise on the blank?

Jon, unhide your e-mail.

Done.

I use speed ball acrylic ink and a quill pen for all of my writing now and it simple continues to work very well.

Be safe

Jon, I hope I have the right stuff. I got it from Dale Clemens in the late 70's, and was to be used with a heat embossing pen similar to a wood burning tool. Lynn

I'm sure it is. The "pen" plugs in and heats like a wood burning tool. Its called "The gold writer 101" by veach. They make a lot of embossing tools. Unfortunately, their newer foil seems to need more heat. Being left handed, I prefer it over the quill pen. Its not often, but I say a few choice words when I drag my hand through my already "sketchy" writing.

Jon,
I had your same problem. i.e. being left handed and having writing issues. I solved the problem by letting my wife do all of the rod writing. She is an artist and does a job many times better than I could ever do.

Also, she enjoys it as well.

Be safe

Jon, package sent. Lynn

I have an inquiring mind and need to know; what are you guys talking about? I would love to have a method of FINELY printing on a blank or rod but the only thing I have seen is Mud Hole’s “Metallic ink pens” which are too big. Most of the wrap epoxies are relatively mild but that is also a concern when considering the ink and bleeding possibilities.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I use Dr. PH Martins iridescent calligraphy ink with a fine nib dip pen. This is the best I have found for writing on a blank. It is waterproof and permanent. I use mostly gold, silver, and black. Can be thinned with a drop of two of isopropyl alcohol to get a good flow.
Norm

This stuff is a 1" wide I'm gonna say mylar ribbon with gold heat transfer medium on the rear side. You had to cut a piece as long as needed and tape it to the blank tightly, and write on the front side with a heat embossing pen. The ribbon was then removed leaving the desired imprint on the blank. People more skilled than myself got good results using this stuff. I generally ended up sanding it off and trying again. However, I did not have the proper pen and resorted to more caveman like methods with little success. The packrat in me kept the stuff. This is the first time I've ever heard it mentioned. I shall no longer have to look at it!

Norman,
Do those pens come with or without attached feathers?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

The feathered one are becoming harder and harder to find!
Norm

Yeah, they seem to fly off the shelf!

Lynn hit the nail on the head with his explanation....Besides "The ribbon was then removed leaving the desired imprint on the blank." Rarely it's what I desire, but it suits a simple name or inscription. Thank you Lynn for your generosity. I should be set for quite some time. I can only hope my pen doesn't bite the dust any time soon.