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== Pen choices for AxiDraw ==
 
== Pen choices for AxiDraw ==
  
The pen holder on the AxiDraw fits pens up to ⅝ inch (16 mm) in diameter. The maximum recommended pen weight is 1.6 oz (45 g). The design is such that the pen rests on the surface by its own weight. That allows it to ride over surfaces that are textured or otherwise uneven, however it also means that the pen holder does not apply significant downward pressure. (An [https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/907 XL Pen Clip] is available as well, which fits pens up to 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter.)
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The pen holder on the fits pens up to ⅝ inch (16 mm) in diameter. The maximum recommended pen weight is 1.6 oz (45 g). The design is such that the pen rests on the surface by its own weight. That allows it to ride over surfaces that are textured or otherwise uneven, however it also means that the pen holder does not apply significant downward pressure.  
  
 
Good choices for pens to use include fountain pens, permanent markers, liquid-ink rollerball pens, technical pens, automatic pencils (particularly with soft lead), small-bodied whiteboard markers and other writing and drawing instruments that do not require significant downward pressure. While we will refer to writing and drawing instruments as “pens” to be concise, other instruments such as automatic pencils, chalk, charcoal, and brushes can also work well in many cases.
 
Good choices for pens to use include fountain pens, permanent markers, liquid-ink rollerball pens, technical pens, automatic pencils (particularly with soft lead), small-bodied whiteboard markers and other writing and drawing instruments that do not require significant downward pressure. While we will refer to writing and drawing instruments as “pens” to be concise, other instruments such as automatic pencils, chalk, charcoal, and brushes can also work well in many cases.
  
Ball point pens (and perhaps certain other writing instruments) that require a substantial amount of downward pressure to operate may work inconsistently because of that requirement. If you want to use traditional ball point pens, consider getting  the [[Brushless_Servo|brushless servo upgrade]] ([https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/953 available here])  which comes with a spring kit to provide downward force.
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Ball point pens (and perhaps certain other writing instruments) that require a substantial amount of downward pressure to operate may work inconsistently because of that requirement.
  
  
 
=== Longevity ===
 
=== Longevity ===
  
Felt-tipped permanent markers look good and colorful, but have a disadvantage in that their tip is made of soft fiber, that will wear down. We have found that felt-tip permanent markers have a surprisingly short life when writing on (for example) cardboard boxes, because the tip tends to wear down.  Metal-tipped pens, such as fountain pens, roller balls, and technical pens will have a much longer life. (Not infinite, but lasting a remarkably long time.)  
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Felt-tipped permanent markers look good and colorful, but have a disadvantage in that their tip is not made of soft fiber, that will wear down. We have found that felt-tip permanent markers have a surprisingly short life when writing on (for example) cardboard boxes, because the tip tends to wear down.  Metal-tipped pens, such as fountain pens, roller balls, and technical pens will have a much longer life. (Not infinite, but lasting a remarkably long time.)  
  
 
To increase the longevity of your pens, reduce the amount of pressure, write on smoother surfaces, and write at more gentle speeds.  One way to reduce the amount of pressure applied is to ''leave the cap of your pen off when you are writing''.
 
To increase the longevity of your pens, reduce the amount of pressure, write on smoother surfaces, and write at more gentle speeds.  One way to reduce the amount of pressure applied is to ''leave the cap of your pen off when you are writing''.
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=== Fountain pens that we have enjoyed using with the AxiDraw ===
 
=== Fountain pens that we have enjoyed using with the AxiDraw ===
  
Most fountain pens work very well in the AxiDraw. If you haven't used fountain pens before, you might want to look at [https://www.jetpens.com/blog/total-beginners-guide-to-fountain-pens/pt/927 this guide from JetPens] that talks about their basic usage.
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Most fountain pens work very well in the AxiDraw. If you haven't used fountain pens before, you might want to look at [https://www.jetpens.com/blog/total-beginners-guide-to-fountain-pens/pt/927 this guide from JetPens] that talks amount their basic usage.
  
 
* [http://amzn.com/B000R32CFG Lamy Safari], with medium or fine nib.  We really can't say enough about how good this pen is-- and it works wonderfully in the AxiDraw. Extraordinarily consistent ink flow at a variety of speeds; never seems to jam or clog. With blue ink, really shouts "this was written with a fountain pen."  The Lamy tips are somewhat broader than those from other manufacturers. The extra-fine tip is comparable in width to the Pilot with medium nib.
 
* [http://amzn.com/B000R32CFG Lamy Safari], with medium or fine nib.  We really can't say enough about how good this pen is-- and it works wonderfully in the AxiDraw. Extraordinarily consistent ink flow at a variety of speeds; never seems to jam or clog. With blue ink, really shouts "this was written with a fountain pen."  The Lamy tips are somewhat broader than those from other manufacturers. The extra-fine tip is comparable in width to the Pilot with medium nib.
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* Sharpie Fine Point -- The "regular" conical-tip Sharpie marker. We have used these for marking boxes. One caution is that felt-tip pens like these can wear down over time -- going from conical point to flat point, and gradually ruining the tip and ink flow.
 
* Sharpie Fine Point -- The "regular" conical-tip Sharpie marker. We have used these for marking boxes. One caution is that felt-tip pens like these can wear down over time -- going from conical point to flat point, and gradually ruining the tip and ink flow.
  
* Uni Posca Paint Markers -- vivid, opaque ink that can write on a variety of surfaces. Available in a range of tip sizes and colors. The ink is water-based, non-toxic, lightfast, and waterproof. These require shaking and tip pressure to activate, and write consistently while ink is flowing. They may dry out during long plots and require reactivation.
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=== Technical pens ===
 
=== Technical pens ===
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* Staedtler technical pens are also common.
 
* Staedtler technical pens are also common.
  
=== Gel pens ===
 
 
Many gel pens have an opaque ink that works well for plotting on dark papers. Gel pens may skip on certain paper textures. A trick for gel pens  is to duplicate all paths and reverse them, so that each path is plotted in both directions to make a consistently opaque line.
 
 
* Sakura [https://www.gellyroll.com Gelly Rolls] -- Come in a wide variety of colors include white, UV active fluorescents, and even glitter.
 
 
* Uniball Signo Gel
 
 
* Pilot G2
 
 
* Pentel (various gel styles)
 
  
 
=== Additional pens and resources ===
 
=== Additional pens and resources ===

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