|
|
Post by Plainsman on Jan 9, 2021 18:14:55 GMT -5
How pleasant when we achieve it! Just the right tamp, the perfect draw, and all’s right with the world. I get it sometimes, but not always. Yet! I usually start with a “gather” (that collection of tobacco which we get with thumb and three fingers) for the bottom of the bowl, along with a light tamp. Then the second, with perhaps a slightly firmer tamp, but still gentle. Then most of my pipes take a third gather along with a leveling tamp. First light, that, with the “perfect load,” might not require a second. When I get this right it is a delight. I wonder how others do it, and what kind of draw you prefer: very light, a bit firm, or... whatever.
|
|
djo
Junior Member
Posts: 239
Location:
|
Post by djo on Jan 9, 2021 18:34:24 GMT -5
I do it like this: I take a pinch of tobacco and put it in the bowl with very little pressure. I repeat this until the bowl is about 3/4 full. Then I take a big pinch and stick it in the bowl with a significant amount of pressure - I kinda stuff it in there. Using this method I have to light the pipe a bunch of times to get it going - 3 or 4 lights - but once it gets going, it stays going. More than two relights is rare.
|
|
|
|
Post by Darin on Jan 9, 2021 18:48:44 GMT -5
Codger Scoop or Gravity Fill ... don't really have to think about it too much anymore. Fairly light pack with a firm tamping after the charring light. Most importantly, it's WELL dried prior to packing.
|
|
|
|
Post by lizardonarock on Jan 9, 2021 19:16:38 GMT -5
Thumb scoop load using as few brain cells as possible. I do not really pre dry anything because I am going to set it on fire anyway. If it makes you feel better using a 27 step loading process that involves a light bulb and a hygrometer more power to you.
|
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Jan 9, 2021 19:29:36 GMT -5
Well... I feel better already. Many thanks!  |
|
|
|
Post by taiguy66 on Jan 9, 2021 19:31:02 GMT -5
Gravity scoop, thumb scoop, it depends if I’m in a hurry. One thing that’s certain for me is I prefer a slightly tighter draw. Hate it when the tobacco is loose and I’m getting nothing but air.
|
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Jan 9, 2021 19:48:37 GMT -5
Too much air on one side and unsuckable on the other...
|
|
|
|
Post by Goldbrick on Jan 9, 2021 19:50:27 GMT -5
Unlike most, I rub everything out and pour it into the bowl until it looks full, then tap, tap ,tap on the side of the bowl with my index finger till it settles, then a light tamp ,and more tobacco to fill...then hit it with my Zippo and the pipe nail and I'm good to go.
If I'm lucky enough to just sit and smoke, I can take my brain out of the process and enjoy the bowl top to bottom...it's about air-flow and timing...I like to take a big pipe along ,on a long ride ,with the wife behind the wheel; just sit and puff, life is good!
|
|
|
|
Post by Darin on Jan 9, 2021 20:17:42 GMT -5
I do not really pre dry anything because I am going to set it on fire anyway. Just like firewood ... no need to dry. Lol |
|
|
|
Post by lizardonarock on Jan 9, 2021 22:09:12 GMT -5
I have charcoal fluid for that and don't store it in the rain. Could i interest you a 100watt incandescent light bulb for only 50 bucks free shipping.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Jan 9, 2021 22:47:02 GMT -5
I have charcoal fluid for that and don't store it in the rain. Could i interest you a 100watt incandescent light bulb for only 50 bucks free shipping. That's called Scoutwater. |
|
|
|
Post by terrapinflyer on Jan 10, 2021 1:57:12 GMT -5
This is probably obvious to most, but it wasn't to me: check the draw before lighting. Repack if necessary.
I gravity fill, light tamp. Repeat. I Z-fold my flakes before drying. They crumble on me, otherwise. Pretty soon you won't think about it. Muscle memory.
|
|
chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909 
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 Jan 10, 2021 7:52:08 GMT -5
Gravity fill, smack the pipe against my palm, and light.
|
|
|
|
Post by trailboss on Jan 10, 2021 8:55:17 GMT -5
I agree with Darin’s point about properly dried tobacco. Too moist and you have several re-lights, and that moisture turns to steam and can result in tongue bite. I know that a lot of old timers never dried aromatics that would burn the hell out of my tongue, I am guessing they either built a tolerance, or accepted it as an occupational hazard.
|
|
|
|
Post by sperrytops on Jan 10, 2021 14:20:06 GMT -5
I agree with Charlie and Darin. A smooth smoke is as much a function of properly dried tobacco as it is packing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Jan 10, 2021 14:24:46 GMT -5
This is probably obvious to most, but it wasn't to me: check the draw before lighting. Repack if necessary. I gravity fill, light tamp. Repeat. I Z-fold my flakes before drying. They crumble on me, otherwise. Pretty soon you won't think about it. Muscle memory. Automatic. |
|
|
|
Post by terrapinflyer on Jan 10, 2021 15:54:38 GMT -5
This is probably obvious to most, but it wasn't to me: check the draw before lighting. Repack if necessary. I gravity fill, light tamp. Repeat. I Z-fold my flakes before drying. They crumble on me, otherwise. Pretty soon you won't think about it. Muscle memory. Automatic. Ha ha, I had to go pack a bowl to remember how I do it. That, and I've been on a flake kick. |
|
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 Jan 10, 2021 18:25:08 GMT -5
I just drop the pipe into the pouch and start scooping. I do pack in thirds (loose, less loose, medium firm) but I've been doing it for so long I actually had to stop and watch myself do the loading...lol.
|
|
