Stem replacement

[uneek]

I gather from shopping for a replacement stem that you have to bend them yourself? That sounds like an exercise beyond my pay grade. Is that something that is easily messed up?
Also, where exactly do I measure to get the diameter I need?
Thanks!

 

[Chasing Embers]

You could always have one made for the pipe. Our own George Dibos "georged", or Walker Briar Repair can help you out.

 

[dottiewarden]

That sounds like an exercise beyond my pay grade.

Same here!

 

[Chasing Embers]

A heat gun and a pipe cleaner make the job easier.

 

[uneek]

It's great to know I can get a custom stem made. I don't have anything invested in this estate pipe but found its shape interesting and it's an "older" pipe which I tend to prefer. The stem is an odd piece of the pipe. It has what looks like an acrylic horseshoe shaped saddle. The problem is, there is a chip missing from the bottom of the button. I really didn't think a stem of this nature could be reproduced. But at what cost I wonder. Here is a pic of what I have before me.

 

[georged]

It's great to know I can get a custom stem made. I don't have anything invested in this estate pipe but found its shape interesting and it's an "older" pipe which I tend to prefer. The stem is an odd piece of the pipe. It has what looks like an acrylic horseshoe shaped saddle. The problem is, there is a chip missing from the bottom of the button. I really didn't think a stem of this nature could be reproduced. But at what cost I wonder.

No problem to make, it would just take a bit longer than average.
Your best bet if you have nothing in the pipe and there's little collector value is a "patch" to the bite zone/button area. A number of restoration guys do such repairs routinely at low cost. (I categorically don't mess with patches because they are a crap shoot reliability-wise.)

 

[uneek]

Thank you for your quick reply. I will certainly have another project more worth saving. Because of the misrepresented chip, the seller refunded my money and told me to keep the pipe. I want to do the right thing by this pipe but on a budget. I have a few options to consider now, thanks to your kind response.
Edit:

If anyone reads this who does stem patching, please PM me. If you know someone I can PM, I would be much obliged.

 

[pagan]

take a look hear

http://www.stemandbriar.com/repairs

 

[mso489]

Learning to do it yourself is a must-do if you may do it from time to time. Otherwise, it's not an expensive job for a pipe repair person. They may take some time to get to the work, but after that's, it's a quick job. Replacement stems seem to result in a big step down in price on estate pipes, but if you're keeping the pipe, I doubt they decrease the smoking at all if done right. If you can tolerate a replacement stem, it can reduce the price of an expensive pipe a lot. (Off the posted subject, but still about replacement stems.)

 

[uneek]

Thanks Pagan and coyote for the link. I had actually emailed him last night to see what he can do and what the next steps are. I'd really prefer a repair to keep the ornateness of the pipe but when it's all said and done, it will still be a smoker. I don't plan on selling it so I will listen to what the repair expert recommends.