[RJpuffs]

Originally Posted by Sovereign

For the life of me I can't get an even burn going. It always ends with a little bit going straight down the middle or around the edges, and I have to relight constantly. I pack using the Frank method and have tried using the torch, soft flame lighter, and matches. I've searched the forum and tried everything suggested, but the same thing always happens. What am I doing wrong?

The other guys posts cover everything (except the cigar tip!) but one more thing to consider is that you may be puffing too hard. Try sipping. If you draw too hard (especially if your pipe airhole is narrow/whacky) it will pull the burn straight down. You want it to simmer across the whole surface, try sipping small puffs - with a little blow-back, that helps keep the fire smouldering.