15 minutes to make you pipe smoke better

[Quick_nick]

For my first 3 years of pipe smoking I would never have dreamed of altering my pipes. I grew tired of moisture, heat, gurgling, and having to fuss excessively about my pipes while smoking.

I have performed surgery on 2 of my pipes lately and had tremendous results. The first was a Comoy that had never been a great smoker. I opened up her air hole entering the bowl with a 5/32 drill bit. I also widened the stem hole to 1/8. Post surgery results were: it is now smoking 100% better.

The next was a rusticated Bjarne dedicated to Virginia's. It was a good smoker but I thought it had more potential. I decided to go into the bowl with a 5/32 bit again. And if I remember correctly I went slightly bigger with a 9/64 bit in the stem. I smoked it that night and the results were night and day.

There is only one thing you can do to get your pipes to smoke cool, dry, and without gurgle; you have to open 'em so they can breathe. I know it can be intimidating to start drilling on your beloved treasures but with a steady hand and some patience you can get those suckers to smoke like dreams. So don't be hesitant just be careful. Some of the more experienced pipe smokers may know these tricks already but the noobies will have a much more pleasant entry into our pastime with these tips.

Happy Puffing!!!!!

[wharfrathoss]

it's amazing the change after a little work w/drill bits & needle files-i should add to turn the bits by hand, moving up a bit size at a time if necessary-also, a lot of the gurgling problem can be eliminated w/just a bit of filing at the bit end, specifically the funnel-i usually widen the funnel left to right, & make it a bit longer into the stem-putting a bevel on the draft hole in the tenon helps too

[Quick_nick]

I forgot to add that unless you are very good with a drill you should turn them by hand. Great other inputs by hoss. If you have a bench vise use it to hold the bit the spin the pipe with you hand. Having the bit stationary and not able to move is very help full. If you don't have one a good pair of pliers or vise grips work.

[Senator]

So, when one "opens" up a pipe...does it involve both stem and shank? If so, how would I open up some bent stems? Is that even possible..or would you only drill until the bend?

Enquiring minds want to know. I've got a few pipes that no matter how "properly" I smoke them, they still get wet.

[Quick_nick]

I do open up the bowl and stem. On curved stems you have to be carefull but your pipes will benefit. Most pipes come with very small and constricitve stem air ways. It would be pointless to open up the bowl but leave the stem the same. On the other hand I have a Sav. that will never need stem work but may need bowl work down the road because when they cake they will restrict the ariways a bit. So to answer your question the stem will also probally need work. Just drill what you think is safe and don't try to drill past the bend.

[rlaliberty]

rather than using vice grips, i find that using a tap holder thing (not sure what else to call it. t handle with adjustable chuck) works quite well.

[Hermit]

Originally Posted by Quick_nick

I decided to go into the bowl with a 5/32 bit again. And if I remember correctly I went slightly bigger with a 9/64 bit in the stem. I smoked it that night and the results were night and day.

[SIZE=3]Actually, 5/32 is bigger than 9/64. [/SIZE]

([SIZE=1]This concludes today's public service announcement from the math police[/SIZE].)

[Quick_nick]

I know 5/32 is bigger than 9/64. Maybe the wording was vague. I used 9/64 on the stem of the Bjarne which is bigger than the 1/8 I used for the stem of the Comoy. If you read the orginal post again you may understand better.

[Hermit]

Originally Posted by Quick_nick

I know 5/32 is bigger than 9/64. Maybe the wording was vague. I used 9/64 on the stem of the Bjarne which is bigger than the 1/8 I used for the stem of the Comoy. If you read the orginal post again you may understand better.

Musta been this part that I didn't get:
"And if I remember correctly I went slightly bigger with a 9/64 bit..."
I missed the 1/8 part.
Ooops.

[Senator]

I'm assuming a 5/32 taper bit would be recommended when drilling the stem? Seems like it would make a smoother transition and also act as a guide with the current hole.

[Quick_nick]

Probally right but I don't have any taper bits.

[Emjaysmash]

Pics anyone? If possible?

[Quick_nick]

My camera is on the fritz maybe someone can take some before and after pics to post em up with the results of the surgery. In the meantime I'll work on my camera because I have another Bjarne that needs it.

[aehub39]

Real good thread.Im one of the old timers.And ive been opening all my draft holes to 5/32 for years.Carefull im not that old.But thats what i always do as soon as i get the pipe,New or Used.I never touch the stems.As for a Bit holder i got mine at a,Wood working hobby shop.Its a small chuck with a soft grip handle.When drilling into the bowl be very carefull not to go to far.


Alan

[Phlegmatic]

I have no idea how u can bother with the imperial system, let alone fractions!!!