djo
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Post by djo on Aug 25, 2019 23:17:25 GMT -5
What is the consensus on cleaning the outside of a meerschaum pipe? I've read Murphy's Oil Soap with a toothbrush, and I've read a Magic Eraser. Does anyone have any experience doing this?
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Post by trailboss on Aug 25, 2019 23:41:47 GMT -5
For cleaning grime, I would just use a warm washcloth, for waxing.
From badger and blade... instead of filling the chamber with paper towels, I use a wine cork.
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Post by trailboss on Aug 25, 2019 23:46:49 GMT -5
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stone
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Post by stone on Aug 26, 2019 8:50:38 GMT -5
CAO used to sell a meerschaum cleaning fluid that worked pretty well.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Aug 26, 2019 9:41:17 GMT -5
For cleaning grime, I would just use a warm washcloth, for waxing. From badger and blade... instead of filling the chamber with paper towels, I use a wine cork. Be careful that the hot wax vapors don't come in contact with flame as it will ignite the vapors and you will be very unhappy. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Aug 26, 2019 10:29:09 GMT -5
CAO used to sell a meerschaum cleaning fluid that worked pretty well. I have heard that NYC tap water is the best universal solvent. 😉😎🤠 |
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djo
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Post by djo on Aug 26, 2019 12:55:23 GMT -5
Problem solved. I used a Magic Eraser and it worked great. I squeezed all of the water out of it that I could and then gently rubbed away the dirt.
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Mac
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Posts: 834
First Name: John
Favorite Pipe: Ken Barnes Canted Billiard
Favorite Tobacco: Margate, Smyrna, Vintage Syrian
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Post by Mac on Aug 26, 2019 13:10:33 GMT -5
Good stuff! Photos? Please!
I completely avoid wax. Will do so until someone explains why it's at all useful. Yes, it's useful for a new pipe in a shop to keep finger prints at bay....
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Post by trailboss on Aug 26, 2019 16:01:02 GMT -5
Good stuff! Photos? Please! I completely avoid wax. Will do so until someone explains why it's at all useful. Yes, it's useful for a new pipe in a shop to keep finger prints at bay.... You really don’t have to ever wax a briar, or polish a stem either... The guys that make the pipes say why in the article. www.paykocimports.com/blog/our-guide-to-waxing-your-meerschaum-pipe/ |
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Mac
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Posts: 834
First Name: John
Favorite Pipe: Ken Barnes Canted Billiard
Favorite Tobacco: Margate, Smyrna, Vintage Syrian
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Post by Mac on Aug 26, 2019 16:47:54 GMT -5
Sure they say that. But from my own experience and reading those of a number of other meer smokers, it's bull.
Factories do it to protect the surface in transit and pre-sale. Beyond that, it's a myth. The pipe will color just as well without the mess and hassle of re-waxing.
Initially upon a re-application of wax, color will be brought out. Same as when you wet the stummel. But it subsides, and the pipe will color as it will with no help from the wax.
As to protecting the surface, from what?? Some will wear white gloves, others will just smoke away. Clean hands in handling is a good thing, and all that's needed to "protect" the surface.
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Post by monbla256 on Aug 26, 2019 21:02:30 GMT -5
Sure they say that. But from my own experience and reading those of a number of other meer smokers, it's bull. Factories do it to protect the surface in transit and pre-sale. Beyond that, it's a myth. The pipe will color just as well without the mess and hassle of re-waxing. Initially upon a re-application of wax, color will be brought out. Same as when you wet the stummel. But it subsides, and the pipe will color as it will with no help from the wax. As to protecting the surface, from what?? Some will wear white gloves, others will just smoke away. Clean hands in handling is a good thing, and all that's needed to "protect" the surface.  |
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Post by trailboss on Aug 26, 2019 23:52:38 GMT -5
And I disagree... occasionally I treat mine with beeswax carefully using my Makita heatgun followed up by polishing, it makes quite a difference.
This is a find your way hobby, whatever works for you.
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cgvt
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Post by cgvt on Jan 26, 2020 22:28:37 GMT -5
Had to revive this zombie because I got my first Meerschaum for Christmas and have been working diligently to get some color. I have smoked this one almost daily since Christmas. Usually two bowls a day, sometimes more, occasionally less. It is starting to color nicely. I've smoked 7 Seas black almost exclusively with a bowl of VA #1 once in a while. I waxed it once and it really brought out the color. I melted the beeswax in a bowl with a heat gun, heated the pipe, and applied the wax with a Q-tip. I then heated the pipe with the heat gun and let the excess run off, then polished it with a micro fiber cloth. I like where it is headed.   This is an estate pipe I got on e-bay for 9.99. I was dirty with just a little color on the shank, but was mostly white. Judging by the amount of cake in the bowl, it appeared to have been heavily smoked. I removed the cake with a knife, dremel and sand paper and cleaned it with a toothbrush and water and treated it with beeswax as above. It was amazing how the color came out as I did it. It faded some, but not much. I think it is in the running for the best 10 bucks that i have spent.  I wish I had taken before pictures. What do you all think? |
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Post by Legend Lover on Jan 27, 2020 5:01:43 GMT -5
Had to revive this zombie because I got my first Meerschaum for Christmas and have been working diligently to get some color. I have smoked this one almost daily since Christmas. Usually two bowls a day, sometimes more, occasionally less. It is starting to color nicely. I've smoked 7 Seas black almost exclusively with a bowl of VA #1 once in a while. I waxed it once and it really brought out the color. I melted the beeswax in a bowl with a heat gun, heated the pipe, and applied the wax with a Q-tip. I then heated the pipe with the heat gun and let the excess run off, then polished it with a micro fiber cloth. I like where it is headed. This is an estate pipe I got on e-bay for 9.99. I was dirty with just a little color on the shank, but was mostly white. Judging by the amount of cake in the bowl, it appeared to have been heavily smoked. I removed the cake with a knife, dremel and sand paper and cleaned it with a toothbrush and water and treated it with beeswax as above. It was amazing how the color came out as I did it. It faded some, but not much. I think it is in the running for the best 10 bucks that i have spent. I wish I had taken before pictures. What do you all think? For under a tenner, that's a great bargain. Take photos in a month's time and compare the colouration. |
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