I have a number of project pipes that need new stems. I paid around 5 bucks for most of the ones without bowls. I also have number of replacement vulcanite stems. In most cases I will have to file/sand down the stems to fit the shank. I don't have a tenon turner either, but I have found that with enought patience I have gotten some of them to fit flush while others don't. Is there instructions or advice somewhere that talks about getting stems to fit flush?
For instance is you have a gap on the left side, you may need to file the right side down a bit to get the stem flush or what not, kind of like explaining about putting english on a pool ball, tweaking that does this.
I know I could send the work out to be done professionally , but a 25 dollar stem on a 5 dollar pipe doesn't make sense to me and I also like to work with my hand and don't get a chance to do much of it, this further reason why I would like to do it my self.
For instance is you have a gap on the left side, you may need to file the right side down a bit to get the stem flush or what not, kind of like explaining about putting english on a pool ball, tweaking that does this.
I know I could send the work out to be done professionally , but a 25 dollar stem on a 5 dollar pipe doesn't make sense to me and I also like to work with my hand and don't get a chance to do much of it, this further reason why I would like to do it my self.