Tobacco Only Burning Down in the Center, Not Around!

[thefishguy]

 

[shanez]

Re-lights are often talked about but I find I often need (as with cigars) a touch up light.

Experiment with your tamper and initial light. Some blends seem turn burn different than others too.

 

[adui]

I'm still new to this game, but I too have noticed the center burn you describe. I get the even burn I want by tamping gently and often, but with the pipe nail angled such that the bit that is closest to the edge of the bowl is lowest, thereby forcing the tobacco to cone inward. This seems to keep it pressed into the ember whilst still allowing me a good cool smoke. I've gotten where I mostly only need to relight if I don't pay attention.

 

[newdave61]

I'll second the "venturi" method: Tamp, light, then hold you tamper just above the center of the ash as you draw. Promotes combustion 'round the edge. This only works if you haven't burnt the center down too far.

 

[Johnny_Pipecleaner]

Does this issue have anything to do with (interior) chamber width?

Seems like it could happen more easily the larger the width of the bowl