When I started smoking a pipe, I was told to use the three step method. At the time I was smoking mostly ribbon, ready rubbed, or shag cut. The three step method did not work for me. My pipe would gurgle and never seemed to burn right. Then I read an article that showed how to use the airpocket and Frank method. Those work great for ribbon. You take a wad of tobacco and stuff it tightly in the top 3/4 of the pipe: Hence the air pocket. With crumble cut, I use the gravity feed. I am sure you other guys have suggestions.
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Pipes Magazine » General Pipe Smoking Discussion
Best packing methods for beginners.
(28 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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For my Ribbon cut, Shag cut or whatever you want to call it the three step has worked pretty well for me. When I first started smoking I would pack it really big and really tight.
For my Flakes I roll it into a ball and utilize the air pocket technique.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I generally use the three step method but with a slight twist. The first pinch I roll between my fingers and push it into the pipe. The next pinch is done in the same manor and the third is done in the conventional way. It is a variation of the air pocket method.
As I prefer my flakes rubbed out, I do them the same way except i use only two pinches.I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane.Posted 2 years ago # -
Here are some articles that I wrote that cover most all of the methods that I use:
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 1
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 2 (Videos)
Flake Pipe Tobacco Preparation
"When the Government Fears the People, There is Liberty;
When the People Fear the Government, There is Tyranny." - Thomas JeffersonPosted 2 years ago # -
I like the air pocket method for ribbon, and the fold and stuff for flakes.
Posted 2 years ago # -
The 3 layer method (finger of a baby, finger of a lady, finger of a man) was the one that made me realize what pipe smoking had to offer. Before then, I thought pipe smoking was limited to 20 minute smokes, tongue bite, and a lot of lighting.
I still use the 3 layer method most of the time, but not as strictly as I did when I first learned it. Over time, I've developed the sense of feel for it.
Now my bowls average around 45 minutes for a medium sized pipe, I never get tongue bite, and usually only have to light once after the initial charring light.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'm with you Dudleydipstick,
Usually, for me, the 3 layer method, is my choice.Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
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3 Step... or if I'm feeling special, the dip and stuff...
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have learned a trick. I like to pack my pipes tight, because they have small bowls. So, when using the air pocket method I insert a thick pipe cleaner into the bowl, and pack tight. The pipe cleaner seems to insure that there is some space for air in the bottom.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Sounds like a good idea. I may give it a try.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Me too,
Do you ever burn part of the "Peep Cleaner"?"Peep Cleaner" from Murder on the Orient Express, Just a little crossing over from the Movie Quotes string.
Posted 2 years ago # -
3 step seems to work pretty well for me. I do think some of these other methods are going to get a try from me soon though.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I of course, remove the cleaner after loading. : )
Posted 2 years ago # -
Been using the 3 step method for 30 years. Never needed any other way with any type of tobacco.
A tattoo on a beautiful woman is like graffiti on a Ferrari.Posted 2 years ago # -
Dunedain,
All I have to say is DOH!
Blonde moment....Posted 2 years ago # -
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 1
Tobacco Pipe Packing Methods - Part 2 (Videos)
Flake Pipe Tobacco Preparation
Bump for the newbies, these links are in Bob's post above
Marry the right person, this one decision will determine 90% of your happiness.
Does a culture based on seperation and competition, of scientific sophistication and mideval religion, offer happiness even as it ravishes the Earth that sustains it?Posted 1 year ago # -
God Bless Frank
Posted 1 year ago # -
The Frank method seems to work really well for me, except for Irish Flake which (even when rubbed out) has to be packed pretty lightly.
Posted 1 year ago # -
After over 40 years of smoking a pipe I use what I call the geezer grab and stuff method. I grab some tobacco and stuff it in the pipe. Educated fingers know when it's packed right.
If at first you don't succeed you are running about average.Posted 1 year ago # -
There's a method?
Posted 1 year ago # -
i used to use the 3 step pack, but it always came out a bit weird. So i use a two step method instead!! i smoke a smaller pipe usually, as i dont have much free time, so the three step was just too much for a little pipe.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'm with UncleArthur....after long periods of frustration, the "Geezer Grab & Stuff" method is my procedure of choice....
Live Aloha!Posted 1 year ago # -
I also use the "geezer" method. No need to go any other way.
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are small and crunchy and taste good with ketchup.Posted 1 year ago # -
I guess I've been doing whatever I've felt like... Probably why it wont stay lit. haha.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've been experimenting with a method whereby I take enough tobacco to fill the whole bowl, then place in my palm and make a fist (lightly), so 'squeezing it' into a ball/oblong shape and pushing it into the pipe, not too hard, just to below the rim. I suppose its a bit like the stuffing method mentioned above but i happened upon doing it this way myself! The theory in my mind is that because the tobacco is formed/pressed into a clump, all the strands are more 'inter-woven' better, therefore burn more seamlessly. Does that make sence?!
Cheers
Posted 1 year ago # -
I only know one method for a beginner.....practise.
A Dubliner in Amsterdam just doing his thing on Youtube.Posted 1 year ago # -
I just stuff it in there until I like the feel of the tightness (usually rolling a little ball for the top to get a nice cap)-- sometimes I take a few dry puffs if I'm uncertain how I feel about the bowl -- if the airflow is enough to suck my palm down on the bowl when I cover it and draw then I usually say it can't be too bad spare a couple times I decided it was too loose.
Never have to re-light a pipe unless I set it down for more than the time it takes to smoke a fag. But then again my bowls tend to only last about 15 minutes to MAYBE 30 depending on the pipe. And perhaps this is a bit fast -- I dun really know or mind. I tend to get tongue bite in every bowl so I assume it is, but the tongue-bite is a bitter-sweet (masochistic perhaps) enjoyment of mine as well so again I dun mind.
Sincerely,
YoruPosted 1 year ago # -
Well said Dub...Thats my plan being a newb myself
Posted 1 year ago #
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