Waldron
New Member
Posts: 14
Location:
|
Post by Waldron on Oct 8, 2020 15:24:49 GMT -5
As I've started smoking my first pipe, I've been mindful of letting my briar rest in between smokes. I only have a single pipe right now, but I've liked that letting it rest prevents me from smoking like a chimney. I digress...
One question I've had as I let the pipe rest is whether people let their pipe rest as-is (after cleaning it of course), or if anyone is letting their pipes rest with the stem separated from the shank? I have a Savinelli with Balsa wood, and have wondered if leaving them all on my shelf completely apart improves the resting/drying process.
At the end of the day (or should I say two days that I let my briar rest), I don't think it makes a huge difference either way.. but the thought popped in my head and my inclination was to come ask the Patch!
|
|
calabash
Full Member
Posts: 560
Favorite Pipe: Baki meerschaum, 1972 Dunhill
Favorite Tobacco: C & D Yorktown, Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye Flake, Gawith St James Flake
Location:
|
Post by calabash on Oct 8, 2020 16:19:11 GMT -5
I've been told it isn't a good idea to separate the stem while the pipe is still warm. Otherwise, I doubt it matters.
|
|
jay
Junior Member
Edward's Pipes....only Edward's pipes....and Buccaneer in the bowl
Posts: 442 
First Name: Jay
Favorite Pipe: Edwards handmade
Favorite Tobacco: Buccaneer, Special Balkan, Scottish Moor
Location:
|
Post by jay on Oct 8, 2020 16:33:54 GMT -5
Because the briar and stem material expand and contract at different rates when exposed to the same temperatures, I would never recommend removing the stem unless the pipe was completely cold. Many shanks, especially on thinner pipes, can be very easily cracked when twisting or pulling on the stem when the pipe is warm or still being smoked. Instead, leave the stem in place until the pipe cools, then remove it gently and clean out the well and tenon hole.
Most of the time, I leave the stems alone, swab out the tenon hole and bowl, and let the pipe air dry.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Oct 8, 2020 17:05:56 GMT -5
Never leave the stem separated from the pipe for any longer than needed for cleaning. Never ship one separated. It can be a long time before you can make it fit again. This is from my experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by mrlunting on Oct 8, 2020 17:40:54 GMT -5
I haven't been at this a long time myself(about 5yrs total). But I definitely do agree with everyone so far.
|
|
|
|
Post by lizardonarock on Oct 8, 2020 17:49:11 GMT -5
Leave the stem alone until you need to do a deep clean. If the stem does not want to come out throw the pipe in the freezer and try in a day or two. If the stem falls out use good ol fashioned spit to swell the wood. Let the pipe just be a pipe.
|
|
chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,910
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
|
Post by chasingembers on Oct 8, 2020 19:43:49 GMT -5
Been smoking a pipe for thirty years myself. I smoke the same pipe multiple times per day, for often weeks at a time, and clean it immediately after each smoke. While the pipe is still warm, I slowly remove the stem, run a pipe cleaner through the stem and draft holes, swab out the mortise with a Qtip, reassemble the pipe, and wipe stem and stummel down with a jeweler's cloth.
I've never broken a pipe or had one go sour, and the only pipes I have had to use alcohol on are used estate pieces.
Never leave a pipe's stem off for more than a few minutes. Ambient humidity can change the mortise's shape and the stem may never fit correctly again.
|
|
Waldron
New Member
Posts: 14
Location:
|
Post by Waldron on Oct 8, 2020 22:58:20 GMT -5
Let the pipe just be a pipe. This says it all. Thanks for the good tips all. Stem stays in 👌 |
|
|
|
Post by CrustyCat on Oct 13, 2020 1:30:06 GMT -5
Are the screw in stems any different?
|
|
|
|
Post by Legend Lover on Oct 13, 2020 3:03:26 GMT -5
Been smoking a pipe for thirty years myself. I smoke the same pipe multiple times per day, for often weeks at a time, and clean it immediately after each smoke. While the pipe is still warm, I slowly remove the stem, run a pipe cleaner through the stem and draft holes, swab out the mortise with a Qtip, reassemble the pipe, and wipe stem and stummel down with a jeweler's cloth. I've never broken a pipe or had one go sour, and the only pipes I have had to use alcohol on are used estate pieces. Never leave a pipe's stem off for more than a few minutes. Ambient humidity can change the mortise's shape and the stem may never fit correctly again. this is what I do too. Never had a problem. |
|
|
|
Post by pappyjoe on Oct 13, 2020 7:25:05 GMT -5
Most of the pipes I smoke these days have been drilled so they will pass a pipe cleaner from bit to bowl. I just insert the pipe cleaner after smoking and let it sit for a minute or two before removing the cleaner.
On the other side of that coin, I have a couple of blends (shag cut) that I tend to over pack for some reason. If I'm going to smoke one of them, I insert a pipe cleaner into the bowl so the tobacco doesn't block the draft hole. I do remove the pipe cleaner before smoking.
|
|
