Pipes Magazine » Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

1. 

   easterntraveler
   

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   Gentlemen,

   So I sat down to give my pipe another go, this is my 4th go at it and thanks to everyone’s help here I am improving. The session was going decent “as well as a beginner can expect" when I ran into an issue. About half way through I could not relight the bowl.

   The tobacco had been dried for about 40 minutes and was not an issue in the first half.

   I did not have any gargling noises coming from the bowl and when I ended up emptying the bowl the tobacco was not moist.

   And yes I was puffing during my relight attempt. Any thoughts?

   Because straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few be there that find it.

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   sjfine
   

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   I am abjectly unqualified to give advice, but I have come to approach lighting a pipe like I light a fire. The kindling, the build, and patience are all important factors.

   I use a stuff/air pocket method to pack my pipes. My initial draw is very loose. I spend some time charring and tamping the first few lights; sometimes it takes longer than other times to prime the tobacco. Then I light the center of the bowl, trying to avoid lighting the entire surface. I repair the light as I go, as needed, without caring very much about how often I need to relight.

   I consider my screw ups as learning experiences. Since I'm still in pipe-diapers (smoking them for only about a year, now), I don't get too frustrated.

   After my fourth bowl, I burned my tongue so badly that I still have scars. I have learned so much in the past year. I have actually started to develop my own ritual. Pipes are becoming as much a part of me as my Cuban cigars were for the past decade or so.

   Stick with it. Read. Watch videos. Try different methods of packing, lighting, drying, sipping, etc. Try different pipes (as you are able to afford them without taking out a second mortgage - a great deal more difficult to avoid than you might think).

   It has been more than worth it for me.

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   sasquatch
   

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   Did you tamp the ash down? Maybe you just weren't getting flame to the burnable tobacco at some point....

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   numbersix
   

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   Did you tamp the ash down? Maybe you just weren't getting flame to the burnable tobacco at some point....

   +1

   Ash can protect the tobacco from the heat. Otherwise, my only other guess is that there wasn't enough tobacco in the bowl to really catch.

   "Be seeing you" —Number Six, The Prisoner
   
   
   

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   flyguy
   

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   I have this problem once in a while. I solve the problem by pouring out all of the white ash. I also lightly loosen any white ash that won't pour out with the poker on my pipe tool and pour it into the ash tray, then I relight. I think the ash prevents the flame from reaching the burnable tobacco. This technique works for me.

   “Apples for walking, and a pipe for sitting.”
   ― Samwise Gamgee

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   shaintiques
   

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   Yes I'm with flyguy, you have to dump the top layer of ash out.

   I know what I need, smoke, I can't recall the last time I tasted it....Gandalf in the mines of Moria.
   
   "we shall have to share pipes, as good friends must at a pinch'....'I keep a treasure or two near my skin, as precious as rings to me. Here's one: my old wooden pipe. And here's another an unused one...He held up a small pipe with a wide flattened bowl, and handed it to Gimli. 'Does that settle the score between us', said Merry. 'Most noble hobbit, it leaves me deep in your debt."

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   rothnh
   

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   Yep, your problem was likely caused by the ash on top of the tobacco serving as insulation, not allowing enough air to get to the tobacco to light it.

   Too much ash can also cause improper lighting, leading to other problems as well.

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   bobpnm
   

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   +1 on dumping ash.

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   seaninkitale
   

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   Good tips. I had my best smoke with a pipe last week. I was tamping as I smoked, but I never poured out the top ash. Then again, I didn't have any problem with lighting or re-lighting. I will keep it in mind if I have that problem in the future.

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    cigrmaster
    

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    Dumping ash is key to enjoying your tobacco in my experience. I usually dump 2-4 times per bowl, it definitely impedes your ability to relight. Use the pick end of your tamper to loosen it and then carefully tilt your bowl and let it drop.

    Harris

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    easterntraveler
    

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    Thanks, every time I smoke my pipe I learn something new. I did tamp but never dumped any ash. Will do next time

    Posted 4 months ago #
12. 

    redbeard
    

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    Dont pack too tightly, Ash dump, light light tamp, form a small mound in center of bowl if you can and re- light in center, I have had no problems with that.

    All good advice here

    Posted 4 months ago #

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