Need A Filler

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Status
Not open for further replies.

Burley Guy

Lurker
Oct 18, 2019
34
85
Colorado
I just got a Morgan Bones pipe - my second one - and while I'm sure it will smoke as good as the first one, this one has a HUGE chunk missing on the outside of the stummel. We're not talking about a sand pit, this is a ruddy huge gouge. I would like to try my hand at filling the crater. Not sure what type of putty or filler to use that might stand a snowball's chance of lasting and not just falling out the first time the pipe heats up.
For what it's worth, I'm not whining or knocking the pipe. The Bones are sold for $39 with the clear warning to expect cosmetic flaws. The pipes are guaranteed to perform, and based on the first one - which has some pits that some might find distracting, but which do not bother me in the least - I am a believer. I wanted a rough and ready pipe for the shop, the yard, the truck, etc. and don't care if it has pits or fills. This gouge just annoys me based on where it is and the fact that my hand will always find it regardless of how I grasp the pipe. Not only is it rather ugly, the tactile aspect will remind me it's there every single time I touch the damn thing. Like a missing tooth or something.
It has other sand pits and so forth that I couldn't care less about. Just want to fill this crater and see how the pipe colors with use, knowing full well that the putty fill will always remain the same color. Meh, I'm cool with that.
Anybody have a brand name or suggestions for a type of wood filler that a guy could use? I'm not a pipe maker or even a wood worker, but I should just about be able to dab in some putty and sand it out with fine grade emery cloth or such. I mean hell, the pipe is sandblasted and unfinished with just a bit of carnauba wax to allow coloration. Not like it's a cabinetry project. And again, tool box / workshop / yard / truck pipe. Worth a shot, right?
I'm thinking the key factors are that it needs to work on briar that will be exposed to heat and constant handling. Thoughts?
Ok, well, I’ve got a couple of crappy pipes, which I use on the river while fly fishing, so if I should lose them, no big deal. However, they smoke great, but flaws bug me. OCD I guess. I use an ultra violet liquid to fill in the spots and hit it with a UV light, or just expose it to sun light. Works great.
 

verporchting

Lifer
Dec 30, 2018
2,879
8,933
I originally thought of using something bright and maybe metallic, but ... lazy, LOL. Used some Bondo Spot Filling Compound that was laying around the shop and it has worked just fine. It has held up surprisingly well and the pipe smokes fine. It's darkening up and coloring pretty nicely too. I wouldn't have bought this particular pipe with this flaw had I seen it first, but it was a sight unseen purchase and for the price it's fine.
 

Stickmaker1958

Might Stick Around
Sep 29, 2019
51
41
65
Shasta Lake, Ca.
Pipe mud recipe..
5g plaster of Paris
5 g bentonite clay
2 capsules of activated charcoal
water a few drops at a time. if you need more just use the same ratios.
let sit over night or longer..
good luck
 

Rigidman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Oct 10, 2020
298
227
59
Richmond VA. Vicinity.
Was looking around trying to find out how to make briar dust for fills. Pretty sure I know, but wanted to see if there was different grades, course and fine, for different fills. Looks like you found and interesting solution.

I know what you mean about tactile feel. I have a black Wessex rusticated that is my favorite because of appearance but mostly how it feels in my hand. Its a pleasure to hold.

Went a little crazy and bought several rusticated pipes and bents to boot. Now I'm concentrating on straight pipes like Canadian types. I love looking at the grain in wood.

I have a maple in my front yard with a monster burl. I was actually offered quit a bit of money for it once. If I knew then what I know now, I would've sold it to him. I thought he was a weird tree lover the way he acted running his hands all over the tree. Wished he'd come back to buy it now. I could use the money.

I've gotten several pieces of furniture that I've refinished. Some had craters like your pipe. Just filled it with colored epoxy with a little gold or silver flake. Makes it pop and its not expensive. At least it didn't used to be. Not sure what it is now. Same type flake you use in automotive paints.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.