mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 5, 2020 16:24:04 GMT -5
So, if you have read my intro you know that this is my 2nd time around trying to pick up the pipe.
The first time around i gave up due to tongue bite.
This time around I am going to seek out advice and see if I can figure it out.
Recap - Bowl 1: Sutliff Mark Twain / MM Ozark cob, did what I thought was the 3 layer method to pack the pipe. In the end, it smoked wet, I had to relight it several times, and the bottom of the bowl did not burn at all. Also, it felt like if I had keep going I would have ended up with bite again. Take-away...I may have packed to tight and I am pretty sure, that I was taking to vigorous of a puff. Also, also, the tobacco may have been overly wet.
Today will be bowl 2: Sutliff Mark Twain / MM Legend, Today i packed much lighter, did a gravity fill then lightly tap the bowl to settle the tobacco. after that i used the weight of the tamper, then gravity filled and tamper until the bowl was filled. I left the tobacco in the paper/plastic pouch it came in, but did not close it all the way, also I have packed the pipe a few hours before I will smoke it to see if that helps. All that is left is to alter my pull and cadence to see if this is a better bowl. Outcome to follow later...
McG
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Post by kxg on Aug 5, 2020 18:46:22 GMT -5
Bowl 1 - If you pack too tightly, you will puff to vigorously, no way to avoid it. The pipe will get hot as well as your tongue.
I find it useful to set out a bowlful of tobacco and leave it for 15 - 30 minutes to let it dry out a bit. Some particularly wet tobacco will take longer. Seven or eight seconds in the microwave will do the trick as well. The longer I puff along on this journey, the more I appreciate tobacco on the drier side. Not crisp, mind you, but definitely dry.
Bowl 2 - I've never found the gravity feed method with very light tamping to lead to a satisfying smoke. I pack the pipe lightly in the bottom and increasingly firmer as I fill the bowl. The trick is in calibrating your finger to the proper packing weight for the type of tobacco you are smoking. Experience is the teacher.
Keep at it!
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 5, 2020 20:06:50 GMT -5
Bowl 2 will have to wait until the morning.....rain right now
So,as it is pretty humid, esp for Colorado, and my pipe is n the humid bathroom for some reason, I will just let it sit overnight
McG
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jay
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Post by jay on Aug 5, 2020 21:48:16 GMT -5
I dealt with a lot of customers who complained about tongue bite. Often it turned out to be a "lack of taste" issue. People will often ask for a very light tobacco, ironically because they keep getting burned. A more full bodied tobacco, not too moist, can often fix the problem. With enough taste, a smoker doesn't puff as fast, which keep the temperature down. Use pipe cleaners to remove excess moisture while smoking, this will also keep the heat down.
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 5, 2020 23:01:35 GMT -5
I dealt with a lot of customers who complained about tongue bite. Often it turned out to be a "lack of taste" issue. People will often ask for a very light tobacco, ironically because they keep getting burned. A more full bodied tobacco, not too moist, can often fix the problem. With enough taste, a smoker doesn't puff as fast, which keep the temperature down. Use pipe cleaners to remove excess moisture while smoking, this will also keep the heat down. Thanks for the insight, and the less flavor more smoke I understand. I will have to remind my self that I am not trying for clouds of smoke like I cat with a cigar. My feeling of impending bite the other day was 100% from my lack of ability to properly smoke a bowl. ....and that is what this thread is about. I will learn how I need to pack and light a bowl for how I smoke, I will learn how to better smoke 1. to simply get through a bowl without harming me or the pie and 2. to ease more flavor out of the tobacco. My hope is that as I learn,someone else who may not be as willing to ask or share can learn as well. McG |
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chasingembers
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Post by chasingembers on Aug 6, 2020 1:53:37 GMT -5
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 6, 2020 7:19:00 GMT -5
I use this method for packing and it works well for me. I'd like to think, provided you've not got any air-pockets in Bowl 2, you should have a much better smoke from it. |
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 6, 2020 11:06:30 GMT -5
Ok Bowl 2 recap: Tobacco: Sutliff Mark Twain (150) Pipe: MM Legend Cob (1st smoke) Pack: Modified 3 layer - using a "bounce" to settle the tobaccos, with a light tamp at the end Extra notes: this tobacco sat out for almost a full day in the pipe due to rain the night before Packed much lighter - maybe too light this time, but we are getting there. Still had to relite 3 times I think, but that may have been because I was trying so hard to not "over smoke" the bowl. This time around I got no liquid in my mouth from the stem, and I managed to smoke the entire bowl with with only a bit left at the end. Over all a much better session, but still lots of work to do. Final note - this Mark Twain has very little flavor to me, just a basic tobacco flavor...not sure if it is me or the blend....   The pile of MT on the left is from Bowl #1 on the right Bowl #2 |
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 6, 2020 11:25:39 GMT -5
You're getting there...but even seasoned pros relight. One of the biggest things that helped me ease into the hobby was not to get annoyed about relighing. I just relight and away I go again. Over time, the packing will take care of itself and you'll have fewer relights without realising it. What Duane posted earlier is kinda what I do. I mention it in this thread... thebriarpatchforum.com/thread/8448/new-pack-pipe |
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 6, 2020 11:32:30 GMT -5
YUP! They way he packed at the 3:16 mark was how I did it, but I used my counter top not my knuckle...as soon as my wife finishes her next bottle of wine I an gonna take the cork for the "rap" to settle the tobacco.
Tim
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Post by Ronv69 on Aug 6, 2020 12:49:52 GMT -5
The less you think about how you are loading the pipe, the more pleasure you will have. I don't think about it at all and I don't keep track of the relights. A dependable lighter makes it all easier. I have a Pipemaster, but I used the Thunderbird gas insert for the Zippo for years.
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Post by Huxfords Hiatus on Aug 6, 2020 20:46:45 GMT -5
The less you think about how you are loading the pipe, the more pleasure you will have. I don't think about it at all and I don't keep track of the relights. A dependable lighter makes it all easier. I have a Pipemaster, but I used the Thunderbird gas insert for the Zippo for years. Agreed. Don’t overthink it. Just enjoy it. I understand the frustrations that come about in the beginning, but I’ve noticed over time that it isn’t always me causing issues. Sometimes a certain tobacco is just difficult to smoke. Sometimes it’s the tobacco and pipe combination. Sometimes it is me and I catch myself smoking too fast or too aggressively. Mood can be a factor. Even weather. Bottom line, if you’re smoking a pipe you’re participating in somewhat of a ritual. Or an experience. You’re not puffing on a cigarette looking for the nic hit. It’s more than that. The look and feel of the pipe, as well as a good enjoyable tobacco, are what I personally look for. A good lighter is an awesome thing to have, but I switch to matches sometimes. Again, that ties into the experience. Light tamping throughout and running a pipe cleaner through it when too moist works for me too. Maybe I’ve over romanticized it with the “ritual/experience” talk, but we’re just a bunch of friends jabber jawing anyway. Gonna go smoke another bowl now! |
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Post by Goldbrick on Aug 6, 2020 21:39:02 GMT -5
The less you think about how you are loading the pipe, the more pleasure you will have. I don't think about it at all and I don't keep track of the relights. A dependable lighter makes it all easier. I have a Pipemaster, but I used the Thunderbird gas insert for the Zippo for years. I like what Ron said. I'll just say, if you got to work at,you'll miss some of the joy in it...sometimes I leave tobacco out in my "spill tray",all night, then fire it up in the morning, and even then I'll need to relight some. dry you tobacco, pack lightly ,and relax...soon it'll be like putting on your specks, just a natural thing...blends differ, but you'll learn to prep them as needed. Keep puffin  |
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Post by Ronv69 on Aug 6, 2020 21:54:59 GMT -5
If the tobacco is so dry that you don't have to relight, you will probably lose a lot of the flavor. Cigarettes have a chemical that keeps them burning, (along with a lot of other crap).
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Post by zambini on Aug 7, 2020 10:11:08 GMT -5
I'd consider trying something like Wilke's Bestmake which has plenty of flavour whilst still being real smooth to replace that Mark Twain. You could also try a system pipe like the Magic Inch pipes that'll help offset over drawing the pipe.
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 7, 2020 11:50:20 GMT -5
I am going to try either some Lane BC-A or PS Luxury English next...
I will have to look up the pipe you mentioned
I have another Cob that will be here along with a few more blends on Saturday
MCG
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 7, 2020 13:02:34 GMT -5
I had no idea that Peterson was designed that way....
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Post by Ronv69 on Aug 7, 2020 14:23:09 GMT -5
I had no idea that Peterson was designed that way.... Petersons are specially designed smoking tools. The system pipes require a little extra effort. But they are worth the trouble and money. They take a lot of smoking to break them in, but you can leave them to your great grandchildren. After making pipes for 160 years they must be doing something right. |
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 9, 2020 17:15:55 GMT -5
Ok Bowl 3 recap:
Tobacco: Lane BC-A
Pipe: MM Pride Cob (1st smoke)
Pack: Modified 2 part gravity pack
Extra notes: Tobacco sat out overnight, late afternoon smoke after work (4pm)
Smoke went pretty well, standard relights. the tobacco was all black Cavendish, very little flavor but it was a brand new cob as well.
I am not sure I understand the Char light....after I do it, what do I do next...tamp it down? just light it again. wait and light it again?
Also, think I may have tamped a bit to hard during the smoke.
Still, all in all, any afternoon on the patio with a pipe is a good afternoon...It seems that the hummingbirds like my pipe as well, they showed up in force after I lit up.
The best smoke I got is when I was paying attention to the hummingbirds and not the pipe....i think there may be something to that.....
McG
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 9, 2020 17:45:04 GMT -5
Ok Bowl 3 recap: Tobacco: Lane BC-A Pipe: MM Pride Cob (1st smoke) Pack: Modified 2 part gravity pack Extra notes: Tobacco sat out overnight, late afternoon smoke after work (4pm) Smoke went pretty well, standard relights. the tobacco was all black Cavendish, very little flavor but it was a brand new cob as well. I am not sure I understand the Char light....after I do it, what do I do next...tamp it down? just light it again. wait and light it again? Also, think I may have tamped a bit to hard during the smoke. Still, all in all, any afternoon on the patio with a pipe is a good afternoon...It seems that the hummingbirds like my pipe as well, they showed up in force after I lit up. The best smoke I got is when I was paying attention to the hummingbirds and not the pipe....i think there may be something to that..... McG With the charring light, the way I see it is like this...my aim is to get a nice even layer of ash on top of the tobacco. This is done with the charring light(s). Once I have moved the flame over the top of the bowl and most of it has caught the flame, the tamping process helps to flatten down the ash and uniformly distribute it around the surface of the tobacco in the bowl. Once you have that, then the true light puts the energy into that ash, making it an ember, which, if it has enough energy, will help to continue burning the tobacco below it as you move down the bowl. Tamping is simply to push this ember, ever so gently, onto the tobacco below. Tamping too hard will put the ember out (like stamping out a fire). So it's done gently. But I also found that the true light needs a good bit of energy to get going. I find that about 3-4 sweeps of the flame gets to the point that when I exhale as I light, the flame gets bigger on the top of the bowl (when using a match). That's when I know it's ready. That seems to work for me, anyway. |
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 9, 2020 18:31:23 GMT -5
Great explanation
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Post by trailboss on Aug 9, 2020 18:59:30 GMT -5
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Post by sperrytops on Aug 9, 2020 19:05:16 GMT -5
Ok Bowl 3 recap: Tobacco: Lane BC-A Pipe: MM Pride Cob (1st smoke) Pack: Modified 2 part gravity pack Extra notes: Tobacco sat out overnight, late afternoon smoke after work (4pm) Smoke went pretty well, standard relights. the tobacco was all black Cavendish, very little flavor but it was a brand new cob as well. I am not sure I understand the Char light....after I do it, what do I do next...tamp it down? just light it again. wait and light it again? Also, think I may have tamped a bit to hard during the smoke. Still, all in all, any afternoon on the patio with a pipe is a good afternoon...It seems that the hummingbirds like my pipe as well, they showed up in force after I lit up. The best smoke I got is when I was paying attention to the hummingbirds and not the pipe....i think there may be something to that..... McG With the charring light, the way I see it is like this...my aim is to get a nice even layer of ash on top of the tobacco. This is done with the charring light(s). Once I have moved the flame over the top of the bowl and most of it has caught the flame, the tamping process helps to flatten down the ash and uniformly distribute it around the surface of the tobacco in the bowl. Once you have that, then the true light puts the energy into that ash, making it an ember, which, if it has enough energy, will help to continue burning the tobacco below it as you move down the bowl. Tamping is simply to push this ember, ever so gently, onto the tobacco below. Tamping too hard will put the ember out (like stamping out a fire). So it's done gently. But I also found that the true light needs a good bit of energy to get going. I find that about 3-4 sweeps of the flame gets to the point that when I exhale as I light, the flame gets bigger on the top of the bowl (when using a match). That's when I know it's ready. That seems to work for me, anyway. Well stated. I do just that myself. |
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 10, 2020 3:15:02 GMT -5
Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful. |
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 10, 2020 7:24:43 GMT -5
 Ok Bowl 4 recap: Tobacco: Sutliff "Match" Nightcap Pipe: Boswell Pack: Scoop and stuff Extra notes: Tobacco was fresh out of the bag. This smoke gave me trouble the whole time, trying a different pack method and I think I packed it too tight. Also I did not let this sit out before I smoke it like I have been. The hummingbirds were in full force again, must have been 6-10 fighting over the 4 feeders. I am really surprised that I do not have tongue bite this morning, as I had to really work to keep it lit. I did enjoy the flavor, still very mild, I think after I smoke through all these "light" blends it will be time to move up in flavor strength. I have always smoked bold/strong cigars and I think I can handle a bold/strong pipe.... here is my Boswell, pre light.  |
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Post by peteguy on Aug 10, 2020 14:19:50 GMT -5
In my humble opinion you are putting way to much into this. Sit back and relax. If you relight 20 times then so be it. If you packed a bit light or tight, no biggie. You will get better and better the more you smoke. After a month you will be a a smooth operator. After a few months you will feel like an old codger who can pack and fill without even thinking about it. Stick to a few blends while you work on packing, lighting and cadence. See what works for you and what doesn't. Smoking a pipe is a very personal thing and practice is the only way to get better.
I take a quick light sips about every 5-10 seconds (I have been told too slow down by an old smoker and I told him to pound sand). Some people take long draws every 30 or 60 seconds. Find your rhythm and move to your own beat.
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Post by trailboss on Aug 11, 2020 0:37:41 GMT -5
Good advice, Peteguy!
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mcganksta
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 12, 2020 11:29:12 GMT -5
In my humble opinion you are putting way to much into this. Sit back and relax. If you relight 20 times then so be it. If you packed a bit light or tight, no biggie. You will get better and better the more you smoke. After a month you will be a a smooth operator. After a few months you will feel like an old codger who can pack and fill without even thinking about it. Stick to a few blends while you work on packing, lighting and cadence. See what works for you and what doesn't. Smoking a pipe is a very personal thing and practice is the only way to get better. I take a quick light sips about every 5-10 seconds (I have been told too slow down by an old smoker and I told him to pound sand). Some people take long draws every 30 or 60 seconds. Find your rhythm and move to your own beat. I can see where it seems like I am way over complicating this, and to some degree it is probably true. The main poont of this thread is kinda talk out loud about what I am experiencing so other newbies might get something useful out of it. I cannot express how much I appreciate all the help and feedback. I am not sure when my next bowl will be, currently dealing with a flair up of gout....I am way to young for this CRAP.... I am heading to the woods this weekend so maybe a bowl or 2, and when I get back I am gonna look into a Peterson System Ebony Thx for all the help McG |
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Post by mcganksta on Aug 18, 2020 17:59:46 GMT -5
So I spent the weekend camping, guys only trip, and I gave my buddy a pipe set as a birthday present.
MM Cob pipe, 5 different tobaccos, bag that will hold all the tools, tobacco and 2 pipes
during the weekend not only did my pipe lighter explode, but i had the pleasure of smoking several bowls.
No real thought was given as to how I packed, lit, or smoked, they were all pretty good, and seemed to smoke about as well as I expected.
with that vacation out of the way....back to note taking
McG
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 19, 2020 2:12:58 GMT -5
So I spent the weekend camping, guys only trip, and I gave my buddy a pipe set as a birthday present. MM Cob pipe, 5 different tobaccos, bag that will hold all the tools, tobacco and 2 pipes during the weekend not only did my pipe lighter explode, but i had the pleasure of smoking several bowls. No real thought was given as to how I packed, lit, or smoked, they were all pretty good, and seemed to smoke about as well as I expected. with that vacation out of the way....back to note taking McG For what it's worth, I love your approach, but that's just the scientist in me talking. |
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