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Post by That Falls Guy on Nov 21, 2017 18:15:54 GMT -5
Do any of you use, or have you ever used a pipe retort? I'd like to know how well they work.
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Post by simnettpratt on Nov 21, 2017 18:26:29 GMT -5
I have one, they're awesome, and work really well. For those of you who might not know what a retort is, it's a glass tube super pipe cleaner. Use one and you realize how dirty your pipe really was. Here's a picture and a link on to how to use one.
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Post by slowroll on Nov 21, 2017 18:52:59 GMT -5
I have used one I made on beaucoup restorations, and they are terrific. You still need to scrub with a bristle cleaner, but it really softens up the klag in the shank and stem .
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,358
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
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Post by Zach on Nov 21, 2017 18:57:27 GMT -5
They work well, but you're using 99% isopropyl and flame, so you must be careful. For the average pipeman it's quite a bit easier to use alcohol and pipe cleaners. There's also high risk of running that hot alcohol down your stain and finish and so you should also be prepared if necessary to strip down, restain and refinish the whole pipe.
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duffer
Junior Member
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Post by duffer on Nov 21, 2017 19:05:00 GMT -5
I have one and use Everclear in it - works great just be careful
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Post by Nevadablue on Nov 21, 2017 19:07:01 GMT -5
I have one and have yet to use it. Thanks for the reminder. For me, the alcohol on the finish is a non-issue. I have yet to find any finish that alcohol messes up, but I refinish all my restorations anyway.
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Post by slowroll on Nov 21, 2017 19:09:48 GMT -5
I've done about 50 pipes, and as long as you just boil the alcohol until it starts rising in the bowl a bit, the pull the flame there's no problem boiling over. Using a small test tube, there's actually not enough in it to boil over the top of the bowl.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2017 21:31:28 GMT -5
I use Arango Pipe Spray and dirt/crud flows out like water from a tap. Haven't seen it online in awhile, but your local pipe shop may stock it.
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Post by That Falls Guy on Nov 21, 2017 22:14:17 GMT -5
Never heard of it, but it sounds good. If you ever find out where to get it, please post.
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Post by oldcajun123 on Nov 22, 2017 11:06:28 GMT -5
What is not addressed here is Retorts are dangerous, use hand protection, I use an ove glove, eye protection, safety glasses or more, good test tube because if it shatters you have a fire on your hands, bowl protection from hot vapors, cotton ball , I use small round cotton disc that hairdressers take nail polish off, my wife is a hairdresser. All in all it's not a ho Hum procedure, it works, but be very careful.
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Post by peteguy on Nov 22, 2017 19:52:02 GMT -5
Done it before and will again, but only if I get an estate that is really bad. I find it is a pita.
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Post by simnettpratt on Nov 23, 2017 3:22:02 GMT -5
I use mine over the kitchen counter, and have a big tub of water handy, just in case. I also use glasses and an oven mitt. When it first starts to bubble, it will surprise and scare you. You get a lot of black gunk out of a pipe you thought was clean
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 23, 2017 23:47:45 GMT -5
I use mine with Everclear, but no open flame. Small pot of boiling water on an induction range. Works great.
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Post by Ronv69 on Nov 23, 2017 23:50:45 GMT -5
I use Arango Pipe Spray and dirt/crud flows out like water from a tap. Haven't seen it online in awhile, but your local pipe shop may stock it. I think it is sold now as spray brake and carburetor cleaner.
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Post by Nevadablue on Nov 24, 2017 1:03:09 GMT -5
I bet that would work.
Seriously though, ether evaporates. I bet that starting fluid would work. The cheap stuff, just ether, no additives. Hmmm...
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