Noob pipe smoker questions

[Malik23]

Ok, I wanted to try pipe smoking, so I popped down to my local B&M and picked up a cheap pipe and two small bags of tobacco. The pipe is a cob, cost me $4.

So first question, the pipe had something in the stem, looks like rolled up paper. Smoke with that in or out? I would assume out, but then what is it for?

Second question, I've read in several places that briar pipes need to be broken in, smoked with 1/4 bowl then 1/2 bowl, etc. Is the same true of a cob?

I have loads of other questions as well, but lots seem to be covered in the stickys. Wish I had someone here to show me how to pack the pipe, but no big. Last time I packed a pipe it was not with tobacco, but that was a looong time ago

[burninator]

The "paper" is a filter, and many cob pipes come with them. In most cases, I prefer to smoke without it, but with a cheap cob, it might prevent getting ash and bits of tobacco in your mouth.

Cobs don't really need to be broken in, as far as I know.

Congrats on the purchase and happy smoking!

[Nutiket_32]

The paper looking thing is a filter. You can smoke with it in or out, I have a cob and took the filter out as soon as I got it. Just a matter of personal taste.

Cobs do not need to be broken in like a briar, although the taste will vary the more you smoke it. I will say it is easier to start with half filled bowls the first few times though, I found them easier to keep lit.

[Nutiket_32]

Sorry Burninator, didn't see you had answered.

[Malik23]

Ok, good. I smoked once without it already How long should I wait before smoking it again? It's sitting next to me here and my mouth is watering from the smell...

[Nutiket_32]

I would wait for it to cool down (if it was very recently) so you can wipe out the stem. Other than that anytime you wish should be good. Cobs don't really need to be rested like briar does.

[burninator]

It's not easy to mess up a cob. Those buggers are tough!

[Malik23]

hmm, I neglected to buy pipe cleaners.... Anything else come to mind to use instead?

[Nutiket_32]

If you can pull a thin strip of clothe through, that should work. Mainly just get the moisture out.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Malik23

hmm, I neglected to buy pipe cleaners.... Anything else come to mind to use instead?

A tamper/scaper is nice if your fingertips blister easily. Absent a tamper, a large nail works well enuff. Also a 7-place pipe rack... for later. Bwa ha ha.

[Malik23]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

A tamper/scaper is nice if your fingertips blister easily. Absent a tamper, a large nail works well enuff. Also a 7-place pipe rack... for later. Bwa ha ha.

Hmm, that sounds like you're leading me to the slope and letting me fall And here I expected support and comfort from the gorillas at CS Actually, I have a started kit from one of the links in the sticky bookmarked at work. basic briar pipe, tamper and some misc other things for like $18. I'll be ordering that on monday I think...

[Nutiket_32]

From Frenchys? I've been thinking of ordering that, let us know how it is.

[Bobb]

Originally Posted by Nutiket_32

I would wait for it to cool down (if it was very recently) so you can wipe out the stem. Other than that anytime you wish should be good. Cobs don't really need to be rested like briar does.

I hate to threadjack...but since we are on the subject of noob pipe smoker questions; how long should you wait before re-packing a briar pipe? A day? A few hours? Thanks

[livwire68]

Mister MaDuroo posted a link yesterday and if you search around it shows a method to pack your pipe (w/pics). Its a little different method. Another method is located in the stickies. Here is the link from Mister MsDuroo's post.
http://www.aspipes.org/parts/parts1.html

[Nutiket_32]

Originally Posted by Bobb

I hate to threadjack...but since we are on the subject of noob pipe smoker questions; how long should you wait before re-packing a briar pipe? A day? A few hours? Thanks

I know some pipe smokers wait a week or more before reusing a briar. I believe 3-4 days should be good enough. You might be able to get by with less, but wait for a second opinion. Ive also heard that if you are just finished a bowl you can refill and keep going, but again, wait for a second opinion. My first hand experience is mostly with cobs.