Pipes Magazine » Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions

1. 

   4dotsasieni
   

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   What causes those greenish spots on vulcanite stems? Is it just oxidation? Even the mouthpiece polishes don't seem to help, although the Brebbia product seems to be slightly more effective than the Dunhill.

   Edit: Fixed your title for you, L.

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   redbeard
   

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   Oxidation I believe, soak it in oxy clean for about 10-30 mins depending how bad it is. Will come out almost white, scrub with a magic eraser, oil it up, dry and your good to go

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   rothnh
   

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   4Dot, first of all, welcome to the PM Forums!

   Yes, sounds like it's oxidation.

   I recommend this Stem Cleaning Kit from Dave Wolff @ Walker Briar Works. One kit will totally restore more than 50 vulcanite/rubber stems (check out the photos) and the cost, including shipping, is $20. I use the cleaner myself.

   http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/stem_restore_kit.html

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   Spyder
   

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   I recommend this Stem Cleaning Kit from Dave Wolff @ Walker Briar Works

   
   I have found that for minor oxidation this stuff is what works fast and simple.

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   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   cigrmaster
   

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   Once you have cleaned your stem I recommend you getting a bottle of Obidisian pipe stem oil. In my opinion there is nothing like it on the market for keeping vulcanite stems from oxidizing. I use it exclusively on all of my vulcanite stems and it keeps them perfect without me having to anything else to them.

   Harris

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   rothnh
   

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   I use the Obsidian Pipe Oil as well, but Obsidian Oil works only if you actually are actually and regularly are maintaining your Vulcanite stems. Obsidian oil won't do sh!t for butt ugly stems where oxidation is a problem.

   That's why I recommended the Stem Cleaning Kit from Walker Briar Works. I use the cleaner ($11) -- which *will* eliminate your green spots.

   After that cleaning, you can use Obsidian Oil (like I do), or use Walker's second step, the polish in lieu of the Obsidian Oil.

   Of course, if you're super anal and/or have a stem that is REALLY badly oxidized, there's the Oxlclean/soaking/sanding/buffing/takes forever/OMG technique.

   Walker's is just easier and works quite well on the "average" rubber stem.

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   4dotsasieni
   

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   Thanks, everybody, for your suggestions!

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   cleidophoros
   

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   That's why I recommended the Stem Cleaning Kit from Walker Briar Works.

   
   About the Carnauba Wax/Polish/Sealer in that kit; I have Halycon II Wax at hand, I take it they are the same thing, is that so?
   http://www.finepipes.com/accessories/halcyon-ii-wax

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   rothnh
   

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   About the Carnauba Wax/Polish/Sealer in that kit; I have Halycon II Wax at hand, I take it they are the same thing, is that so?

   No idea. I'd think it's similar. As I stated in my post in this thread, I use the cleaner, but not the polisher of Walker's two-step kit.

   Call Dave Wolff and ask him. He's a great guy and he'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    cleidophoros
    

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    Alright, thanks. I will send him an email instead, fee for that intercontinental call might just exceed the price of the kit.

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    foggymountain
    

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    Leprechauns.

    Posted 3 months ago #

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