Pipe modifications

[oc_in_fw]

Kats, what is that in the stem? A stinger? What kind of pipe? Are you just opening up the hole or making a new one? How does that help the gurgle? I am just full of questions about what you are doing!! Looks like fun!!

IMO, the best thing you can do with stingers is throw them away. It was probably the cause of the gurgling.

 

[oc_in_fw]

I'm pretty sure you meant to say 5/32" not 5/16", right?

I am envisioning him driving his car while smoking the pipe- it would look like a Cheech and Chong outtake

 

[kats]

Pipe is stamped Cowan's Regal Made in USA

oopps Opened up to 5/32".

No stinger. Second drill bit in bit just for the picture.

The drilling on the bit was done by hand, and a pair of plyers and spinning the chuck by hand ~~~not with the drill motor! ~~~

 

[conroygc]

The melting point for carnauba is just above room temp. So if you take a rag and make circles on your block it will start to melt and then you can apply it in a more liquid state. Then with some elbow grease you should be able to polish it up nice. I have used a cloth wrapped really tight (and taped at one end) on a bit attached to my electric drill. It is not as fast as a buffer wheel but makes quick work of the wax.

Thanks you. I have several pipes waiting around to be restored, hoping to find some time to work on them soon.

 

[accunlmtd]

Before you get busy trying to open a pipe, you might enjoy this article I wrote a few years ago on the subject.
http://rebornpipes.wordpress.com/20...pening-a-pipe-for-an-easier-draw-al-shinogle/

 

[Robster]

OK, here we go.

240 grit sandpaper, probably too rough but that's ok.
Note the sequence of photos.

• First as it was, including the buildup that I was too lazy to clean (knew it was all coming off with sandpaper anyway).
• Then some mid sanding to show the burn marks inside the bowl.
• Final sand, still with minor burn mark.
• Oil applied (just a cheap food grade oil for cutting boards etc from Ikea for now)
• Pipe then back in order, stem in, finished for now.

I really like the look of it. I'm keen to get some good dark oil though, as the burn marks will really be amplified with the untreated / exposed wood at the top.
The pipe is a Mr Brog Churchwarden, so it's pear wood.

I'll post updates in the future to show how she fares with flames nearby etc.

So far, I'm very happy, I like the two tone effect of the lighter top, was never happy with varnish there. Felt wrong.

Enjoy the pics

Rob

 

[Robster]

only 5 images allowed per post, here's the rest, so it's a bit out of order sorry...

 

[PozzSka]

I've opened up the draw on a couple to 5/32"

 

[bbauer09]

I have a question for all of you! Where do you buy wax for pipes? I have a few that would benefit greatly from this. just curious.

 

[seanusa]

I found cranuba on walkerbriarworks.com

 

[Hirsute]

I have a question for all of you! Where do you buy wax for pipes? I have a few that would benefit greatly from this. just curious.

Check out the thread a few below this one about alternatives to Halcyon. Most retailers sell some type of briar wax like Halcyon, and the thread I mentioned has a few other ideas in it.