Embarrassing Tamper Issue

taerin

Lifer

May 22, 2012

1,851

1

• Jun 8, 2012

• #1

I have no idea what is going on here, I have a Czech pipe tamper that I have used for two years, so I really am getting attatched to it, even though it is a cheap $2 tamper; it has always looked quite stunning. Anyway, now it has developed what looks like a white film or discoloration (not sure) near the bottom of the tamper area, I am not sure what this is, nor can spit, water, or even a standard cleaner remove it like soap or a laundry/carpet stain remover. Anyone had this happen to them, know what it is or what to do with it?

 

papipeguy

Lifer

Jul 31, 2010

15,778

35

Bethlehem, Pa.

• Jun 8, 2012

• #2

I'm not a metalurgist but I'd bet the tamper is made from plated stamped white metal. So what you're seeing is the plating wearing off from the heat of the tobacco. Just a guess on my part.

 

spartan

Lifer

Aug 14, 2011

2,963

7

• Jun 8, 2012

• #3

I'm siding with papipeguy,
And I don't think it's worth your time to worry about it. If it has sentimental value then get another one and stop using that one? lol

 

lonestar

Lifer

Mar 22, 2011

2,854

161

Edgewood Texas

• Jun 8, 2012

• #4

know what it is or what to do with it?

Click to expand...

Well, I suppose you could send it out to be restored and replated....

But two more dollars will fix your problem. Buy another one :D

 

cortezattic

Lifer

Nov 19, 2009

15,147

7,638

Chicago, IL

• Jun 8, 2012

• #5

Your tamper has been infected with recalcitrant plebny, usually a result of a chemical reaction between the tamper's plating and aromatic tobaccos. I'm afraid you'll have to give up one or the other. :crying:
If you're the patient type, my R&D department (Shoelady), is developing an Official PipesMagazine.com Tamper Condom, which would prevent the problem. It could take a while because getting a licensing violation past Kevin's attorneys is a bitch. :lol:

 

lordnoble

Lifer

Jul 13, 2010

2,677

14

• Jun 8, 2012

• #6

cortez:
:rofl:
-Jason

 

baronsamedi

Lifer

May 4, 2011

5,688

5

Dallas

• Jun 8, 2012

• #7

:rofl:

 

bigvan

Lifer

Mar 22, 2011

2,192

12

• Jun 8, 2012

• #8

"... it has always looked quite stunning."
Really?! "Stunning"? A Czech tool?
OK.

 

barkar

Lifer

Apr 17, 2012

1,104

1

• Jun 8, 2012

• #9

Cortez ... :rofl:
taerin...I use the same Czech tool, and yes I like them too. They are about 5.00 in Ontario and I buy 3 at a time because for some reason I lose them all the time. So I never have one long enough to wear off the plating. Just buy another and a spare :wink:

 

kennerth

Can't Leave

Jul 30, 2011

358

1

• Jun 8, 2012

• #10

Cortez, makes sense. We do put rubbers on the bits. 8O

 

papipeguy

Lifer

Jul 31, 2010

15,778

35

Bethlehem, Pa.

• Jun 8, 2012

• #11

taerin, aren't you glad you asked? It's because of this type of advice that I hang around here.

 

profpar

Can't Leave

Dec 8, 2011

317

0

Buford, Georgia

• Jun 8, 2012

• #12

Sounds like some sort of oxidation or surface deposition. Try cleaning with some dilute HCl. I would guess about 0.3M HCl

 

jwp159

Can't Leave

Jan 1, 2010

365

2

• Jun 8, 2012

• #13

If it were mine I wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like the plating is wearing of and the base metal is showing. Just keep tamping with it, I am sure it still works fine. Just be glad you can still find it. I lose all mine and end up using the tamper God gave me. :D
Cortez, :rofl:

 

nsfisher

Lifer

Nov 26, 2011

3,566

20

Nova Scotia, Canada

• Jun 9, 2012

• #14

Ya mate, drop the tamper and use the finger. 5 to choose from on each hand and you don't have to worry about losing it or leaving it at home.

 

locopony

Part of the Furniture Now

Jun 7, 2011

710

3

• Jun 9, 2012

• #15

Or get out the tools and get busy making one like this.

 

taerin

Lifer

May 22, 2012

1,851

1

• Jun 9, 2012

• #16

I guess I am just using one that is turning white, and no I am not that attatched to it, I just really prefer to keep something for many years, rather than replacing it all the time :P
@cortezattic Man you crack me up!

@nsfisher Nice one buddy, lol!

 

taerin

Lifer

May 22, 2012

1,851

1

• Jul 14, 2012

• #17

I ended up tossing the Czech tamper and getting one of those alluminum pipe nails instead. I sanded it with 600/1,500/3,000 grit sandpaper to make it really shiny and smooth, now I live them a lot. They come kind of dull and not very smooth.

 

baronsamedi

Lifer

May 4, 2011

5,688

5

Dallas

• Jul 14, 2012

• #18

It's amazing how darn useful that little Czech tool ends up being. They oughta make a stainless or hard-chromed version so we can have a fancy one if we want.
I'm still laughing at "recalcitrant plebny" :rofl:

 

thesmokindragon

Lifer

Jul 12, 2011

4,135

4,214

• Jul 14, 2012

• #19

I have been using this one for awhile...really like it...

http://www.smokingpipes.com/accessories/pipe-tampers/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=60211

 

hobie1dog

Lifer

Jun 5, 2010

6,888

233

67

Cornelius, NC

• Jul 15, 2012

• #20

How about a gold plated Czech tool?