The Frank Method

[RJpuffs]

OK so now I'm a fully convinced convert. Yesterday I had a bowl of McCl VA Woods packed the normal way. Then later last night a bowl of the same packed the Frank method. The "normal" packing resulted in a hotter pipe, in some layers - with a corresponding variance in flavor through the bowl. The Frank bowl, consistent taste throughout - and cooler. Additionally the ash by Frank is more "woven" and thus more resistant to wind (and motion) - and doesn't need to be tamped much. And the Frank method stays lit for an absurdly long time, you can walk away from it and come back after a wee wee and its burning at just the perfect temp.

Right now trying Frank method with GLP Fillmore - ahhhh. I was worried about the broken flake puffing up and choking, but nope, burns perfectly. Can even put down the pipe to type this, puff after a few minutes, still lit!

Worked well for SG FVF this afternoon as well, unfortunately wife was in nag mode and I didn't enjoy the bowl. Will try it again tomorrow, sans the nagging, and see how it works with a "full flake".

[deckard]

I've a question abt the Frank method...I've tried it twice and the draw is cool and flavourful. However, there seems to be a lot of "air" mixed with the smoke compared to the triple tamp method (i.e. son-mother-father). This means that I get less smoke by breathing in lightly and consequently have to relight the bowl more times (or puff more furiously). I re-lit about 4 times while smoking my medium-sized corncob. In contrast, when I use the triple tamp method, I relight about twice; the bowl burns hotter but I can draw more smoke with less effort. Am I doing something wrong?

[Sovereign]

I can't wait to try this method once I'm done breaking my new pipe in

[RJpuffs]

Originally Posted by deckard

I've a question abt the Frank method...I've tried it twice and the draw is cool and flavourful. However, there seems to be a lot of "air" mixed with the smoke compared to the triple tamp method (i.e. son-mother-father). This means that I get less smoke by breathing in lightly and consequently have to relight the bowl more times (or puff more furiously). I re-lit about 4 times while smoking my medium-sized corncob. In contrast, when I use the triple tamp method, I relight about twice; the bowl burns hotter but I can draw more smoke with less effort. Am I doing something wrong?

You're may be under-loading the bowl. Try a larger pinch when you crown the bowl. And be patient with the thumb massaging to get the stuff in properly. When finished, you should be able to invert the bowl and nothing will fall out. When correctly loaded, that pipe will not go out for a loooong time, even if you walk away from it

[Mister Moo]

Good post. It is the painless pack.

[volum]

I'll have to give this a try with my next bowl. Someone at my B&M recommended this too.

[OldCode]

I've tried the method a couple of times and like it alot. I smoke in fits. That is I'll smoke regular for a week then stop for a week or more. The regular method of packing a 1/3 of a bowl at a time takes practice and I've noticed that you need to adjust it to the type of tobac you packing. I haven't had this problem with the Frank method. I just let gravity work then a pinch on top. But I do make a bigger mess!

Thanks for the links. very helpful.

[volum]

I tried the Frank method for the second time tonight and have noticed it works wonderfully, except when I get down to about the last third of the bowl, at which point I really struggle to keep the thing lit. What could be causing this, assuming that it burns well and fairly evenly for the first two -thirds?

[houseofreggae]

I've been using the Frank method for a week now and I have no intention on going back to the old packing method. For one, it takes less time to pack (though it is messier as stated), and secondly I have to puff and/or re-light less than ever.

One note that's worth mentioning is my burn pattern in the bowl. Not sure if it's because I'm not using a "torch" lighter, but when I dump the ashes after 10min or so, I notice the tobac has burned into a funnel shape from top to bottom. This leaves a thin unburnt layer of tobacco gradually increasing in thickness from the rim to the unsmoked portion.

I may need to tamp more with this method or buy a torch lighter for comparison of the intial light, but overall I'm very satisfied with it.

[RevZeek]

Originally Posted by volum

I tried the Frank method for the second time tonight and have noticed it works wonderfully, except when I get down to about the last third of the bowl, at which point I really struggle to keep the thing lit. What could be causing this, assuming that it burns well and fairly evenly for the first two -thirds?

Sometimes I have the same issue. For me it really depends on the type of tobac I use. This happens a lot with Flake tobacs I find. I still have to light less with this one than with any other packing method.

[Mad Hatter]

Originally Posted by volum

I tried the Frank method for the second time tonight and have noticed it works wonderfully, except when I get down to about the last third of the bowl, at which point I really struggle to keep the thing lit. What could be causing this, assuming that it burns well and fairly evenly for the first two -thirds?

I used to have that problem with any packing method. Never figured out if it was lack of cake down there, hotter temperature as the tobacco is more dry or more damp (depending) or what. These days when it starts to die down I do a series of short draws and blows to fan the tabak to the edges. Works really well for the most part

[dkbmusic]

Hey Justin,

I understand that practice makes perfect with the Frank method, and that supposedly it gets easier to keep it lit all the way to the bottom of the bowl.

Also, if you watch all three vids you see he's using a torch lighter...

[mcdevster]

wow.. coolest and most even smoke i have experienced.. thanks for posting this. Even with slight modifications when not using a torch - still good results.

[joshmickelson]

[SIZE=3]So in that last month, I have been doing the frank method. I really enjoy the way the bowl burns, and how it is rather “maintenance free”. I have encountered one problem, however, and perhaps you guys could offer some advice. I have been getting considerable more particles coming through the mouthpiece and onto my tongue when I draw on my pipe. When I pull them out of my mouth, they look like ash rather than un-burned tobacco. It is rather unpleasant, any suggestions? I was thinking maybe I am either being too aggressive on my draws, or not packing the base layer of my bowl tight enough. [/SIZE]

[GreatBonsai]

Just waned to show my appreciation for reposting these links! I used the Frank method for my second bowl (ever), and while not a perfect pack, once I got it going, it just wouldn't stop! I think I'll use this method as my primary method, especially for times when multiple relights would best be avoided.