Oxidation Removal on Stems

[scottso]

Never thought to try the Magic Erasure - thanks for the tip!

 

[nbpiper]

Just tried this method (well minus the micro mesh) and it came out really good. I have another stem that I need to do that I might put off until I can pick up some of the micro mesh.

 

[matchstickman]

The micro mesh will help to strip off the rest of that oxidation that is really hard to get out, and the higher grades give it that nice luster and mirror shine. Just takes a little elbow grease is all. Investing in micro mesh was $16 of the best dollars I ever spent.

 

[crk69]

Thanks for the article Novelist, just used it to clean up three estates and the stems look basically brand new... :worship:

 

[damnyak]

I just did a bunch of stems. 25 to be exact, and I scraped with a exacto knife, then 400 grit wet/dry, 600 gritwet/dry, then buff with tripoli and carnuba, Turned out amazing! Check craigslist for a bench grinder, got mine for $10, and old black and decker. works fine!

 

[thatbeetleguy]

I have tried this method and so far it works like a charm.

I am curious though, would this method work for the yellow meerschaum pipe stems as well? I have a stem that could use some TLC at this point.

 

[galeon]

I should be getting some Micro Mesh in the mail in the next week. I have 5 or 6 stems with some 20-something year old oxidation on them. I'll let you know how goes the restoration.

 

[crk69]

One of the stems I restored had been oxidized since the early 80's, It turned out looking brand new. Should have good luck with yours galeon....

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

I am about to do a stem de-oxidation, and I have a question: Should I use the micromesh on the tenon of the stem, or will this change the diameter enough to produce a loose fit? Also, if the stem has a button of harder material (metal), will it no longer be flush?

 

[sablebrush52]

Do not touch the tenon! You will lose your fit. Besides, the tenon shouldn't be oxidized as it hasn't been exposed to air like the rest of the stem. As for the stem logo, it's possible that you may lose a bit of flush. Depends on how much oxidation you need to remove.

 

[ssjones]

Sables advice is sound. The stem junction clean up is a compromise of sorts. I'd rather had a touch of oxidation around the edge, versus rounding off the stem. I make these little collars out of old plastic boxes which helps and keeps the water used from lightening the briar stain.

 

[tobyducote]

Nice addition Al

 

[craiginthecorn]

The link to Pipe Novelist's method is no longer valid. Can someone share the details of the method, please?

 

[pipesmokingtom]

The link to Pipe Novelist's method is no longer valid. Can someone share the details of the method, please?

Nutshell version: Soak in OxiClean for 15 minutes or so then clean off oxidation thoroughly with magic eraser. Buff with increasingly fine grades of micromesh. Finish with oil.

 

[craiginthecorn]

Thanks Tom. The magic eraser was the part I would've missed.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

The magic eraser was the part I would've missed.

They work very well pre-sanding/micromesh.
In my (very limited) experience, I've found that I can skip the OxiClean altogether. I'm not convinced it does anything really , and I think it may actually do more harm than good.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Same process here. Magic Eraser to Sandpaper can turn a green stem into a black mirror.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

thanks I shall keep this in my mind , so far I have had pretty satisfactory results using only earsers*pads and mineral oil to finish

 

[stanwebber]

i always worry about removing too much material and losing stampings. i get the most control by using barkeeper's friend powder on a non-scratch scotch-brite pad. it's a little more labor intensive than other methods, but not too bad. a lot of times i'll leave the slightest haze of oxidation on the stem before polishing which usually removes the rest. even if some oxidation is left, i can't see it and, what's more important, i can't taste it.

 

[weezell]

What grades of micro mesh please, and order of using???...