Packing Method

[woopigsooie]

I was wondering how you decide to pack your pipe, is it the same every time or do you just play it by ear?
I use the three phase tamping method for a full bowl and two phases for a little shorter smoke. I tried a flake and with that I just balled it up and stuffed it in there.
What do y'all do?

 

[cortezattic]

For ribbon and square cut tobacco I pack it in about 3 stages -- each stage getting pushed down a little more firmly.

With a flake, I'll fold it and roll it a bit to scuff it up, and then stick it in the bowl. But lately I've been taking Harris's

advice and cube cutting it (across the grain) in 1/8" chunks, and dumping it in the bowl. That works really well.

Believe it or not, I've tried the below method several times and it has never failed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XHYPso7TXs

 

[woopigsooie]

I'm going to her a little more about the chopping...

 

[woopigsooie]

That's the video that got me thinking!