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Post by Plainsman on Jun 28, 2021 15:26:04 GMT -5
Sometimes overlooked, I've started doing this routinely. First the careful pack, checking for a light draw as I go. Then a gentle tamp to smooth the top layer. I've found a wooden match does the best light: running it in a quick circular pattern until a good initial char is achieved all over the top of the load. A few puffs and then let it go out, followed by a gentle tamp to level and very lightly "squish" the top of the pipe load, WITHOUT dumping the small amount of loose ash produced. The top of the load should be almost smooth, level, and composed of a small-grained, even ash. I usually wait a bit, perhaps a minute or two, and then use another wooden match to re-light. The re-light usually occurs quickly, with the top of the load "coming on" almost like a fluorescent bulb. This method, particularly with large pipes usually gives a very satisfying, long-lasting initial light.
I'd like to hear of other's methods, especially if they differ. (Perhaps this has been discussed elsewhere, but I didn't find it.)
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 28, 2021 17:15:11 GMT -5
I've started using a "charring light" every time too now. I'll get it going fairly well before I let it go out.
When I tamp it lightly afterwards, I spin/rotate the tamper a little to spread ash to any tobacco on top that didn't get charred.
I'm thinking the ash acts like a catalyst and help ignite any uncharred areas. (Something I remember from a junior high school lab experiment.)
Don't know if it's really making a difference or not.
But I use a butane lighter. I feel like I can direct the flame better, and not damage the pipe.
For this same reason, I don't fill the bowl to the top either. I fill it to the top, press it down, fill again, press it down again. No 3rd filling.
But I'm a relative newbie.
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Post by Ronv69 on Jun 28, 2021 18:01:41 GMT -5
It only takes a second of inattention to mar a pipe with a butane torch lighter. I use them too, but not on good pipes.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 28, 2021 19:12:03 GMT -5
Actually, I just realized as I lit another pipe, I don't let it go out on the charring light.
When I think it's going well enough, I tamp it down while it's burning and relight while it's smoldering.
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flatwatermonte
New Member
Posts: 46
First Name: Trevor
Favorite Pipe: Whichever one is in my mouth
Favorite Tobacco: McC Dark Star
Location:
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Post by flatwatermonte on Jun 29, 2021 7:15:52 GMT -5
I honestly didn't realize that others did not light their pipes this way! I think I learned indirectly that the most efficient way to light a pipe is with a false light followed by a light tamp, then with an actual lighting burn.
In regards to butane, 99.9% of the time I am using a soft flame butane lighter, I agree with Gandalf, it is much easier to direct the flame where it is needed. Torch lighters? Never, that is how one winds up with a pipe shaped charcoal briquette.
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Post by Legend Lover on Jun 30, 2021 5:40:49 GMT -5
I do pretty much the same as Plainsman. I found that, at the beginning, I wasn't taking enough time to get that layer of ash. I would have put flame to the tobacco and puffed for a bit, tamped and relit. Then I realised that it works best (for me) if I spend a good amount of time on that false light, getting the flame all over the top surface of tobacco. Then I smooth the ash around the top of the bowl and make sure there's a nice even layer for the true light. I think that, by doing that, I help to get the ember going better - the ember seems to be made up of the ash from the false light. Taking time over that, the ember burns better and avoids too many relights. I also spend more time on the true light than I did at the start. I get it to the point that when I puff with the match still present, there is an extra big flame coming from the top of the bowl. When I get to two or three of those, I know I'm ready to sit back and enjoy. |
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Post by CrustyCat on Jun 30, 2021 10:21:25 GMT -5
I stuff it a couple times. Give it a test draw. If it feels ok, then I proceed with a false light and proceed as usual like everyone else pretty much.
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