[wharfrathoss]

wish i could claim it was my idea/knowledge RJ!-it's all stuff i learned on different forums from guys that know a lot more about pipes than i do-looks like you got some nice results-nail polish or beeswax will work for the tenon, nail polish being a lot more durable, plus you can sand it down if you overapply-it seems like any stem on a sub $100 pipe (like all of mine!) can be improved in looks by the sanding w/high grits, seems like the stems aren't taken past 600 grit till ya drop a little more dough-glad to hear everything worked out, sometimes maintenance/refurbs are 1/2 the fun!