Bending and Teeth Mark Removal Of Lucite Stems

photoman13

Lifer

Mar 30, 2012

2,825

2

• Jun 27, 2012

• #1

I just got an estate pipe with a lucite stem. I've restored a few pipes but never actually restored any lucite stems yet. The first problem with the stem is when you look straight down the stem it bends slightly to the left. It's something I could live with but would be nice to fix. The second problem is that there are light teeth marks on it as well. I'm not sure if you can fix this the same way you fix vulcanite with a little flame and rubbing it out. Any suggestions would be very helpful.

 

ejames

Lifer

Oct 6, 2009

3,916

22

• Jun 27, 2012

• #2

I kinda doubt that the tooth marks will lift by heating them,but it won't hurt to try. I work lucite just like I do vulcanite. Wet sand starting with 360-400 grit,work up to 800--1000 and then buff.

 

photoman13

Lifer

Mar 30, 2012

2,825

2

• Jun 27, 2012

• #3

Yeah I was thinking micro mesh but was unsure if it would screw up the swirl colors in the stem.

 

ejames

Lifer

Oct 6, 2009

3,916

22

• Jun 27, 2012

• #4

Won't hurt it. The swirls go all the way through.

 

photoman13

Lifer

Mar 30, 2012

2,825

2

• Jun 28, 2012

• #5

Thanks for the info ejames. That solves one of my problems.

 

photoman13

Lifer

Mar 30, 2012

2,825

2

• Jun 28, 2012

• #6

I got the teeth marks out but still haven't figured out how to fix the slight bend to the left.

 

ejames

Lifer

Oct 6, 2009

3,916

22

• Jun 28, 2012

• #7

You'll have to heat the stem and bend it to where you want it. Heat gun works best but a good hot hair dryer will work also,just takes longer.Once you get it where you want it,dip it in some cold water to set it.

 

photoman13

Lifer

Mar 30, 2012

2,825

2

• Jun 28, 2012

• #8

If lucite gets too hot it will bubble right?

 

ejames

Lifer

Oct 6, 2009

3,916

22

• Jun 28, 2012

• #9

Yes it will. You shouldn't have a problem with that unless you use a flame to heat the stem--some guys use a candle etc. You just need to heat it until it will flex.

 

mp31guitar

Lifer

Jun 28, 2011

1,156

1

• Jun 28, 2012

• #10

Glad I saw this thread. Thanks for the advice ejames. Thank you too for asking photoman13.

 

photoman13

Lifer

Mar 30, 2012

2,825

2

• Jun 29, 2012

• #11

Yeah thanks ejames. When I get back to town and have access to a hair dryer I will post how it goes.

 

shaintiques

Lifer

Jul 13, 2011

3,615

228

Georgia

• Jun 29, 2012

• #12

I just bought a heat gun at home depot for 25 bucks

 

H

herrflick

Lurker

Aug 5, 2011

10

0

• Jun 29, 2012

• #13

Be careful as lucite can go very droopy very quickly if you're gung ho with the heat.