Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

kzm007 · 01-05-2009, 02:04 PM

Got my first pipe today, the Missouri Meerschaum, a sample pouch of Mac Baren 'Symphony' (which Tobacco Reviews gives three stars for neutrality I see) and the Altadis Nightcap. If this turns out like the Altadis Hot Chocolate abomination, I'm going to be very disappointed.

Anyway, just want to make sure I assembled the thing right - I place the filter into the stem and then snap the stem into the shank, correct? I was also advised against these Medico filters, do I really need them?

Just an update as I'm still waiting for my tamper. Slope, here I come

Thanks all.

Emjaysmash · 01-05-2009, 02:10 PM

Yep, the little filter fits inside the small area where the stem meets the bowl.
It isn't necessary to have the filter in, but its really up to you. I hope you have a great time smoking your pipe! Enjoy!!

kzm007 · 01-05-2009, 02:20 PM

Wonderful being a newb, I had it jammed into the stem, had to pry it out with a paperclip, and make a new hole through it

No matter, all fixed. Thanks so much for the reply.

Kegan

andrew · 01-05-2009, 04:00 PM

Try it with and without a filter, whatever you like best. For a temporary tamper get a wooden dowel and cut it down to size, or use the head of a nail. As for me I had to ditch the filter as I found it collects moisture and affects the taste a bit

kzm007 · 01-05-2009, 04:09 PM

I assumed moisture would collect and mess everything up, but I'll try both ways. As for the tamper, it just shipped an hour ago, so I can wait a day or two for it. I'm in college, so finding a dowel or a nail is pointless without leaving campus. I'll be going to Wal Mart tomorrow though, and I'll be sure to pick a couple up for backup.

Thanks.

Emjaysmash · 01-05-2009, 04:44 PM

If not, the back of a pen works fine until your tamper comes.

Gotta love college.

kzm007 · 01-05-2009, 05:37 PM

Sure lol the only trouble is, I *have* to smoke outside, and I didn't think to buy screens, not for a cob at least

oh well, live and learn lol

buzkirk · 01-05-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzm007

I didn't think to buy screenst

Don't waste your money on screens, don't need them anyway !

Tom

kzm007 · 01-05-2009, 08:44 PM

Good to know, thanks. Still, it seems that the tobac would indeed burn hotter if the wind was blowing?

Just curious.

JAX · 01-06-2009, 10:05 AM

Congratulations on your first pipe! I've got a couple of cobs and love 'em.

Regarding a tamper....as others have indicated you can use just about anything until you get one. Worse case you can always go old school and use the tip of your finger.

Emjaysmash · 01-06-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzm007

Good to know, thanks. Still, it seems that the tobac would indeed burn hotter if the wind was blowing?

Just curious.

It really depends. What worry about most with wind is it blowing the ash out of the pipe and up into my face, or blowing the tobacco away all together. It is also very hard to try to light you pipe when it is windy, trust me.

RJpuffs · 01-06-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

It really depends. What worry about most with wind is it blowing the ash out of the pipe and up into my face, or blowing the tobacco away all together. It is also very hard to try to light you pipe when it is windy, trust me.

Wind is the enemy. Breeze, fine - wind, bad. If your hair is flopping around (or, for the follicle challenged, your toupee flies off), its too windy for a pipe.

Smoking a pipe involves combustion, i.e. oxygen being drawn over ignited tobacco. Normally you control the fire, each draw pulls fresh oxy over the burning embers. Thats why a pipe will go out if left unattended. The wind is forced air, like a bellows, that will inflame your carefully manicured fire. Besides blowing the ash and burning baccy around, it also forces more oxygen into the bowl making the smoke absurdly hot.

Wind screens may help, but I think they look cheesy. Personally, when I have to smoke in a howling gale (which is often, thanks wifey!), I hold the bowl in my cupped hand, curling a few fingers over the top of the bowl. This kinda covers the bowl but I can control the space left open, preventing Monsieur Wind from ruining my smoke. Also works in the rain/snow to keep water out of the bowl (thanks again, wifey!).

Now if someone invents a "wife screen" ...