Crack in my cob

[brianwalden]

My Diplomat is developing a crack starting on the top of the rim and then running down the side of the cob. I don't think I've smoked it a dozen times. What should I do?

[freemansrus]

when i bought some corn cobs 4 weeks ago to begin pipe smoking i bought a few because i thought they'd be more disposable than i've come to realise.

anyway - two of them have cracked... one (in the hands of a friend) got a puncture through the bottom (i think from his rough handling) and the other has a crack somewhere in the side that i cant really see, but when i cover the bowl and suck - i can tell its not at all air tight so there must be a crack.

due to the cheapness of cobs i haven't fretted but if there is some kind of solution to this i'd love to hear it

[Cypress]

Got any pics of the crack?

[DSturg369]

Cobs aren't too expensive so for myself, I'd (1) not smoke it and keep it if it has sentimental value, or (2) just keep on smoking it until it peters out and then salvage the stem and shank for future repairs if needed.

[brianwalden]

Cypress, I'll see if I can take a pic tonight.

Originally Posted by DSturg369

Cobs aren't too expensive so for myself, I'd (1) not smoke it and keep it if it has sentimental value, or (2) just keep on smoking it until it peters out and then salvage the stem and shank for future repairs if needed.

I've only had the little bugger a month but it's grown on me, so I'd like to keep it in commission as long as possible. Although I can't say that the thought of retiring it and using that as excuse to buy one of those Lepeltiers everyone is talking about hasn't crossed my mind.

Anyone know if I can safely superglue it or something without causing myself to inhale noxious fumes every time I smoke. It's a cob, so I'm not really worried about how it looks. So far I haven't noticed any problems while I smoke, I just don't want it to get any bigger.

[DSturg369]

You might consider some "pipe-mud". No glues because as you stated, the fumes might be harmful.

[DSturg369]

Is this crack on the outside of the bowl?? If so, it might just be the plaster coating that cracked and not the inner bowl itself.

[brianwalden]

Hmm... does cigar ash work better for pipe mud, maybe I'll smoke a cigar tonight?

I can't really tell if the crack is all the way through because the inside of the pipe is all black so it's hard to see. I'll see if a picture will help tonight.

[DSturg369]

Yes, I'd recommend cigar ash as pipe ash seems to collect unburnt bits.

[brianwalden]

I emailed Missouri Meerschaum:

Mr. Walden:

Our customers have told me of a number of substances that they have repaired our pipes with, however, I am cannot recommend any specific substance as safe unless it is a food grade substance. Since our pipes should last longer than this one has, we would be happy to replace that pipe for you. Please send me your address and if you prefer the straight or bent variety and we will get that right off to you.

Please accept our most sincere apologies for the inconvenience this has caused you.

Marilyn
Missouri Meerschaum Co.

I won't be taking them up on their offer for a new pipe, but after that can anyone come up with a reason not to own at least one MM.

[DSturg369]

Great service from a great company for a great product. A win/win/win all around!!

[jfserama]

I must admit, the title of this thread had me wondering... "Crack in my cob"? My first though was, "this is a tobacco forum! We dont use cobs for that!"

[DSturg369]

He said "crack in my cob" not "cob in my crack".








But I guess if you read it quickly, with one eye closed, and after 3 or 4 or 10 beers, it could look like that.

[Reverie Forest]

^^^
Aaaaanyways....

Brian, why wouldn't you take them up on the kind offer?

[brianwalden]

Originally Posted by jfserama

I must admit, the title of this thread had me wondering... "Crack in my cob"? My first though was, "this is a tobacco forum! We dont use cobs for that!"

oooohhhhhh, there's the problem right there. Those cobs were probably never made to stand up to my crack torch. I'm surprised my other two are holding up so well. I guess it's back to drugstore Burleys for my cobs.

I'll have to find something else to smoke my rocks in. (that's the right word, right? crack =~ rocks? I can never keep up with the slang)