Problem with my first Meerschaum

[IrishCamel81]

I just got my first Meerschaum from my local pipe shop (well known). I have been smoking it for about a month now and am now getting irritated with a problem I noticed on day one. I am unable to thread the pipe cleaner through the stem to remove any moisture or to clean after smoking. I read up on Meerschaum pipes and I know that you should not remove the stem while the pipe is still warm/hot, but I do not like the idea of letting any moisture sit in the pipe. I emailed the pipe shop to see if anything can be done and I am awaiting their reply. Does anyone here have any thoughts on the matter? Should I ask for an exchange?

[d_day]

This seems like a fairly common problem with all pipes, not just meers. The hole through the stem is not aligned properly with the hole in the pipe. A trick that works for a lot of folks is to give the end of the cleaner a small bend. Usually this will help guide it to the right spot.

[IrishCamel81]

Originally Posted by d_day

This seems like a fairly common problem with all pipes, not just meers. The hole through the stem is not aligned properly with the hole in the pipe. A trick that works for a lot of folks is to give the end of the cleaner a small bend. Usually this will help guide it to the right spot.

Thanks for the reply, I did try this, but with no luck.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by IrishCamel81

Thanks for the reply, I did try this, but with no luck.

It is possible you have the 1:1000 pipe that won't take a pipe cleaner but most have a combination of slight bend plus a twist as it strikes the obstruction. It's like picking a lock the first time. Once you crack the code it is second nature. In my opinion, if you can play chess then you can figure out how to get a pipe cleaner thru this pipe. Consider it as a challenge.

And remember, people tell you that pipe smoking takes some time and patience. Welcome to obstacle #17.c.1.ii.

This is all free advice here so take it FWIW. Many pipers and pipettes will pass (or attempt to pass) a pipe cleaner thru a pipe before buying it - you know, to see if it runs thru easily or not. As a general rule, more costly pipes are better at passing this test than less costly pipes. Not that you should only buy $1000 pipes because pipe cleaners run thru easily and not that you should pass on a $30 basket pipe because one won't. It's just one of those thingies that bother some people more than others.

Just a slight bend on the end of the cleaner... and a little twist here and there along the way. Zip. It's through.

[piperman]

Why are Meerschaum so special, I don't know much about pipes just learning, I got some tobaccy on the way from Moo, I need a crash course I guess.

[dmkerr]

Originally Posted by IrishCamel81

Thanks for the reply, I did try this, but with no luck.

Is it an Oom Paul shape (very deep bend)? The one pipe I own that I can not get a cleaner through is a meerschaum with this shape. Usually, as Mister Moo says, a cleaner will eventually go through if you play with it long enough. After you've bent the cleaner and you push it as far as it will go, turn the cleaner slowly in your hand. You want the bend to face in all directions... down, right, up, left... and with each slight turn, push the cleaner again. Sometimes you gotta turn it several times.Eventually that stinker will find its way home.

Just my opinion, but any pipe that won't take a cleaner all the way into the draft hole in the pipe bowl has a defect... my Oom Paul meer notwithstanding.

[IrishCamel81]

Originally Posted by piperman

Why are Meerschaum so special, I don't know much about pipes just learning, I got some tobaccy on the way from Moo, I need a crash course I guess.

I like the idea a coloring the Meerschaum over time. The fact that I dont need to worry about getting the bowl too hot as I am learning, and I can try out many types of tobacco without worrying about residual flavors.

[IrishCamel81]

Originally Posted by dmkerr

Is it an Oom Paul shape (very deep bend)? The one pipe I own that I can not get a cleaner through is a meerschaum with this shape. Usually, as Mister Moo says, a cleaner will eventually go through if you play with it long enough. After you've bent the cleaner and you push it as far as it will go, turn the cleaner slowly in your hand. You want the bend to face in all directions... down, right, up, left... and with each slight turn, push the cleaner again. Sometimes you gotta turn it several times.Eventually that stinker will find its way home.

Just my opinion, but any pipe that won't take a cleaner all the way into the draft hole in the pipe bowl has a defect... my Oom Paul meer notwithstanding.

Yes it is a very deep bend. And I could only twist so much while hearing the pipe cleaner scrape along the inside of the stem or shank. It was like I was hurting my child!

[uncballzer]

All three Meer's I've had, I've not been able to pass cleaners through them, unless their small/thin cleaners to be able to go through the plastic bit. Personally, I don't think there'll be much damage if you do take off the stem with a meer, as the plastic piece I don't believe will expand/contract as much as a briar, but your mileage may vary (YMMV).

Originally Posted by piperman

Why are Meerschaum so special, I don't know much about pipes just learning, I got some tobaccy on the way from Moo, I need a crash course I guess.

Crash Course.

[IrishCamel81]

So I just heard back from Tom at the Tobacco Barn. He said that what I was experiencing was common with the deep bend and that there would not be a problem with removing the stem after smoking. He seems to be very knowledegable about pipes so I will go with what he says.

[Mad Hatter]

Originally Posted by uncballzer

All three Meer's I've had, I've not been able to pass cleaners through them, unless their small/thin cleaners to be able to go through the plastic bit. Personally, I don't think there'll be much damage if you do take off the stem with a meer, as the plastic piece I don't believe will expand/contract as much as a briar, but your mileage may vary (YMMV).




Crash Course.

Meers have notoriously small airways. If I ever buy one other than an estate it will be an F Baki for sure.

[letsgomountaineers]

my sms smokes wonderfully and is easy to clean. maybe i got lucky. either way, for your problem, id say not to worry too much about it. meerschaum shouldnt be damaged by moisture like wood. also, some pipe cleaners, like long's are a little thinner. make sure you only use soft pipe cleaner and little muscle if for harder cleanings. meerschaum is only a two on the mohs scale and will scratch with a bristle cleaner.

[pro2625]

Originally Posted by IrishCamel81

So I just heard back from Tom at the Tobacco Barn. He said that what I was experiencing was common with the deep bend and that there would not be a problem with removing the stem after smoking. He seems to be very knowledegable about pipes so I will go with what he says.

Tom is a very good guy and knows his stuff....He has cleared up a bunch of the pipe myths that float around the internet

[DubintheDam]

The more bent it is the more condensation that build up, I find in general....I find the worst flaw in a pipe is a narrowly drilled stem....it is a very common problem and it can be found in pipes of all price range....see my "me and paolo" post. Bent pipes don't suck...they just gurgle a lot...dub

[Thillium]

I as well have the same problem with my Servi meer I'm just to afraid to bend the pipe cleaner because I already accidentally scrapped the inside of my meer while it was still hot I learned my lesson

The only way I figured out how to solve this is by blowing gently "out" a few times through the pipe and it clears up the problem.