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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 11:34:28 GMT -5
I'm in need of a couple of Forever Stems for my cobs. However, Forever Stems have not been available for a while. A message at the Old Log Cabin Pipe Works site reads: "We are in the process of improving our website to allow more variety and products. Therefore, we will not be taking any new orders until the improvements have been completed." Does anyone know when Forever Stems will be available again? Is there a comparable alternative?  Image: Old Log Cabin Pipe Works |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 13:36:12 GMT -5
Similar acrylic stems can be found at Vermont Freehand. Tenons will require some sanding.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 14:11:34 GMT -5
Similar acrylic stems can be found at Vermont Freehand. Tenons will require some sanding. Thanks. Would a hand finisher sandpaper grit, like a 220, be enough for the job? |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 14:24:04 GMT -5
Similar acrylic stems can be found at Vermont Freehand. Tenons will require some sanding. Thanks. Would a hand finisher sandpaper grit, like a 220, be enough for the job? Yes. From posts I have read, the acrylic stems require far less work and are a closer fit for cobs than the black vulcanite stems (which require considerable prepping). |
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Post by GRUMPY on Feb 21, 2018 14:28:34 GMT -5
 If your not satisfied with the results from 220 grit sandpaper, you may want to go to the automotive supply near you and get some of the emery cloth which get insanely fine,like down to 4000 grit. I don't suggest grit that fine, but you'd have more options to choose from. Have Fun!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 14:46:52 GMT -5
also at VF, the semi-churchwarden stem will also fit cobs. It is vulcanite but needed far less work than the other vulcanite stems I got for briar pipes.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 14:47:14 GMT -5
Thanks @truculentfrogs and GRUMPY - I'll give it a go and report back. |
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Post by johnlawitzke on Feb 28, 2018 22:54:53 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 0:56:33 GMT -5
I used Vermont Freehand pre-molded stems. However, I did not try to hand sand them. It’s extremely hard to turn a smooth cylinder that way. Luckily, I have a tenon turning tool. I turned the tenon, countersunk the face of the tenon, properly funneled the slot, and reduced the button size to personal taste. The biggest thing to watch on the pre-molded stems from VF is that they are meant to be a starting point. The slot funnel is not really a funnel. It’s really just a starting point. The airway in stems is drilled with a tapering bit. With that bare little notch of a starter funnel, the airflow is negatively impacted by the tapering airway. Thanks for the information on the Vermont Freehand pre-molded stems. Sounds like a bit of work, but would be well worth it. Your cobs look great. I had to venture over to tobaccopipes.com for a refresher on parts of the stem.  Slot image |
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Post by johnlawitzke on Mar 1, 2018 11:50:33 GMT -5
If anyone tries to make their own cob replacement stem from a pre-molded stem from Vermont Freehand, my biggest piece of advice is to buy extra stems when you order them. You're going to ruin and scrap some as you learn. For funneling the slot, I use this tool from Vermont Freehand: vermontfreehand.com/product/slot-funneling-tools/You insert it and it cuts when pulled towards you. For turning the tenon, I use the tenon turning tool from Vermont Freehand attached to a clamped down electric drill: vermontfreehand.com/product/adjustable-tenon-turning-tool/This is not a cheap tool that you're going to buy if you're just doing one or two stems. For polishing up my work, I use MicroMesh pads because I don't have a buffer. Here's a picture of the counter sunk tenon face: (I need to figure out a way to polish it better)  Here is a stem without slot or button work on the left and after on the right:  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 14:22:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the follow up and additional pictures, johnlawitzke ! |
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Post by Dramatwist on Mar 1, 2018 14:24:10 GMT -5
...I need to give these a try...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2018 23:31:47 GMT -5
According to Walker Briar Works:
'Forever' Stems are now back to their roots, Walker Briar Works. The same people, craftsmanship, quality and care. Please take a look and make your MM Corn Cob Pipe a little classier and, believe it or not, an even better smoke.
Time to pick up some new stems! |
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If your not satisfied with the results from 220 grit sandpaper, you may want to go to the automotive supply near you and get some of the emery cloth which get insanely fine,like down to 4000 grit. I don't suggest grit that fine, but you'd have more options to choose from. Have Fun!
