Cake in the Chamber?

[jpmcwjr]

Rather than use many pipe cleaners, simply flush out the chamber and airway with hot water, and use a wad of paper to dry the chamber and remove bits of tobacco that may be adhering to the wall. Pipe cleaner for the airway, and you're good to go. A freshly washed pipe can be smoked right away. (Moisture isn't absorbed, and after a rinse and dry, the pipe is drier than when you just finished your smoke.)

 

[butsiethesungo]

Great advice.
I used the “pencil and sandpaper” technique and it worked great! I was able to get an even and smooth chamber again so now my pipe tool/tamper fits!
Thanks for all the advice. As always, you guys have a wealth of information for us noobs :worship:

 

[bnichols23]

No prob, bubba, always glad to help you, regardless of *whose* advice you take. Just don't believe that "2-3" = "many" [unless you're talking rattlesnakes or atomic bombs }]. -evyl grin-

 

[madox07]

I would non the less buy a reamer. if you keep up with the hobby, a reamer is a good tool to have.

 

[pappymac]

I'm with the wipe the bowl out with a paper towel and pipe cleaner after smoking crowd.

I also buy "estate" pipes from junktique shops. My tool of choice for cleaning out the old cake is a small pocket knife that I have ground the tip into a rounded shape and the sharp edge flat to where it won't cut paper.

 

[crashthegrey]

Stick to pie. But, I am glad that you got it worked out. You'll want to examine the cause, if you changed your cleaning habits or tobacco. I personally wipe with a folded over pipe cleaner in a U-shape after every bowl. You carbonize but don't get a thick cake, but you'll still need to ream back every few years, potentially, this way. Good luck finding your way continuing the journey.