Wing Sung 3013 - A Quick Look at a Fun Vac Filler

The Wing Sung 3013 in Clear, Purple, and Brown.

If you've ever wanted to play around with a vacuum filler without dropping a lot of cash, the Wing Sung 3013 may be just what you're looking for. New this summer, it's gotten mixed reviews, but we found it a fine pen for the money. And by money, we mean less than $10, or even less than $5 if you shop around on eBay a bit.  

Wing Sung 3013 in Brown

The pen has a really nice feel, heavier than any Wing Sung we've seen. We admit we're not a fan of the way the barrel tapers outward abruptly at the section end, and the pen doesn't post at all, but other than those two small quibbles, we're pretty impressed with it for a pen in this price range. There's a blue and green version available, we're told, under the Paili brand on Etsy.

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Wing Sung 3013 in Clear, disassembled.

We recommend a good cleaning before first use, to remove any oils left over from the manufacturing process. It disassembles easily, but be sure you have some silicon grease hand when reassembling after cleaning, as you'll want to put some on all four of those o-rings. 

If you've never worked a vac filler, it's a really simple, really fun thing to see. First, you unscrew the tip of the plunger and extend it full length. Then, place the nib in your ink, being sure to submerge the breathing hole. Slowly depress the plunger, creating a vacuum in the empty barrel above the plunger. As it nears the section, it reaches a slightly wider portion of the barrel, causing the ink to flow up into the low pressure area of the barrel. Watch the video below to see it in action.

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There are some nice stylistic touches as well. Shown here is the engraving on the cap ring, with the Wing Sung name 永生 on one side, and 3013 on the other. 

Close up of Wing Sung cap band logo

Close up of Wing Sung 3013 cap band model number

All in all, a great pen, with a nice heft in the hand and a solid, well made feel to it. Of course, don't expect it to be comparable to a TWSBI Vac-700 or TWSBI Vac Mini, or you'll be disappointed, but at this price point, there's no reason not to give it a try.

Close up of Wing Sung 3013 nib in Fine